Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is set to dazzle with both marine and entertainment stars as part of the May program.
One of Australasia’s leading marine events, the four-day Show is staged Thursday, May 19 to Sunday, May 22 from 9am to 5pm daily.
This is the 23rd annual event organized by Sanctuary Cove on Queensland’s Gold Coast. This year’s Show features more than 360 exhibitors from around Australia, the United States, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, China and Taiwan.
The display worth many millions of dollars features more than 130 boats on water at the marina, plus hundreds of additional boat and marine accessories in two large pavilions and in open-air displays through the waterfront Marine Village. Exhibits range from super yachts to offshore cruisers, sail boats, trailerable craft, kayaks, engines, electronics and charter companies.
Sanctuary Cove General Manager Events and Marketing Sue Thomson said this year’s boosted entertainment program should keep crowds further entertained.
“This year we have introduced boating and fishing seminars through Marine Queensland which are included within the Boat Show entry price,” said Ms Thomson.
The increasing role of women in the marine industry is acknowledged by the Show with the new series of activities – Women On Water (WOW).
This includes seminars, fashion parades, skipper training aimed at women with a female skipper and female-focused lunches High Tea on the High Seas.
As well, Channel Seven personalities and My Kitchen Rules contestants will make appearances at the Show
There are live radio broadcasts, cooking demonstrations by Club Marine magazine chef Bart Beek and a daily musical and entertainment program.
“Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show offers some outstanding elements as a marine event,” said Ms Thomson.
“The Marine Village provides a pleasant environment with restaurants, cafes, shops and waterfront views overlooking the displays.
“The Show is also known worldwide for its very wide selection of marine vessels, products and services. We know there are at least 70 world and national releases confirmed thus far.”
Some of the crowd-pleasers include the 31.5m long-range super yacht Black Pearl from New Zealand; a display of multi-million dollar Horizon boats including the world launch of the Horizon Q70 Elegance and the Australian release of sail boats including the Catalina 445 and 355, the Hunter e36, the Beneteau First 30 and the Corsair C37 trimaran.
As in past years, an International Business Lounge will operate to assist international buyers and businesses to network and make valuable contacts with Australian companies. This facility is provided through a partnership between the Queensland Government’s Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI), Austrade, the Gold Coast City Council (Business GC), the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX), Superyacht Australia, Superior Jetties and Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
And on Friday, visitors can book to attend the Australian Marine Industry Breakfast featuring President Monte Carlo Yachts S.p.A Carla Demaria as guest speaker.
Online ticket prices are $A22 one day adult; $A19 one day concession; $A40 two-day adult and $A75 four-day adult. Children 14 years and under have free entry.
VIP packages have been introduced this year including luxury accommodation and helicopter transfers.
For full details on the Women On Water program; boat show activities; Friday breakfast or new products at the Show, view the website on www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au Some elements of the program require booking and/or additional payments beyond the Boat Entry ticket price .
Club Marine is a sponsor. Media partners include BoatPoint.com.au, Channel Seven, 4KQ, Trade a Boat and 92.5 Gold FM. Maritime Safety Queensland is a government supporter. Barz Optics is a supporter.
The $A2 billion Sanctuary Cove, located on the northern Gold Coast, is Australia’s leading and most successful master-planned community. Sanctuary Cove was acquired by current owners Mulpha Sanctuary Cove (Developments) Pty Limited in 2002. MSCD, an arm of Mulpha Australia Limited, which is a subsidiary of Malaysian listed Mulpha International BHD, has invested significantly in Sanctuary Cove over recent years, resulting in a major transformation designed to ensure the pre-eminent community remains at the forefront of master-planned living in Australia.