MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Use

22 March 2018

MAJOR MARQUES on display IN MASSES TO CELEBRATE

30^th sanctuary cove international boat show

From superyachts to day boats, an impressive fleet of high-calibre Australian and international brands will converge on the Gold Coast for the milestone 30^th annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) from May 24 to 27, guaranteed to cater to every interest, budget and boating style.

Amongst the major marques confirmed are Maritimo, Riviera, Princess, Horizon Motor Yachts, Sunseeker, Monte Carlo, Whitehaven, Palm Beach, Grand Banks, Gulf Craft, Fairline and Longreef.

In 2018, the SCIBS marina will feature more than 150 boats, as well as hundreds of vessels, plus the latest gear and gadgets throughout The Marine Village.

SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said the team is thrilled with the strong support shown by the industry’s biggest brands and dealers.

“Visitors will be amazed by the quality and diversity of boats on display at the 30^th anniversary of the southern hemisphere’s premier boating festival,” Mr Hasser said.

“To have a significant congregation of the world’s leading brands in one place at SCIBS is a great vote of confidence and we know visitors will be keen to see these incredible boats up close.

“This year’s Show, which is now just two months away, has attracted a broad selection of brands in every category, which shows the industry’s determination to come out in force for our anniversary showcase.”

Sanctuary Cove-based Maritimo promises another spectacular display, with the highly-anticipated world launch of the X60 taking place, along with eight additional boats on-water including the S51, M51, M59, S70 and M54.

The X60 luxury sports yacht boasts features more familiar to the superyacht segment than a 60-footer. With its innovative aft cabin, the X60 is a world first in its class, allowing owners the choice of three distinct configurations: a beach club cabana, a large tender garage or an additional queen stateroom.

Tom Barry-Cotter, son of the company’s founder Bill Barry-Cotter, said the ‘X-Series’ stems from the largest design and development project ever undertaken in the company’s history, further solidifying the brand’s long-term plans.

“The shaft driven Maritimo X60 will be the most technologically advanced vessel the company has ever manufactured, with performance and systems developed in collaboration with the world champion Maritimo racing team, using race-proven components and the latest 3D modelling and fluid dynamics software,” Mr Barry-Cotter said.

“The X60 will inherit and evolve on the attributes of sea-going performance, durability and fuel economy synonymous with the Maritimo brand.”

Among the impressive flotilla of motor yachts, Gold Coast based manufacturer Riviera Yachts will return with full force, bringing with it an inspiring multi-million-dollar showcase including one world premiere model.

Having launched more than 5,200 motor yachts over its reputable 37-year history, Riviera’s display will represent the brand’s five distinctive and highly-awarded model collections – the SUV, Flybridge, Sports Motor Yacht, Sports Yacht and the Belize motor yacht range.

Riviera Yachts owner and chairman Rodney Longhurst said the company was excited to be returning in 2018 to celebrate the Show’s 30th anniversary alongside the rest of the marine community.

“We listened to the feedback, and both our customers and dealers said they want us at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, so we are thrilled to be returning,” Mr Longhurst said.

“The economy is in the best shape since emerging from the GFC and SCIBS’ 30th anniversary edition is shaping up to be bigger than ever. We are looking forward to revealing some exceptional new models, including a world launch.”

Horizon Motor Yachts Australia, based at Sanctuary Cove, will host the global launch of the long-range cruising model and new release V81.

Horizon will also have a new E75 on show, a model which proved popular after it sold on day one of the 2017 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

Horizon marketing manager Erica Rae said visitors can also expect to see the E88, which is 94ft overall when you consider the oversize swim platform, along with the E56XO, which has been specifically designed for Australian boating.

“It’s our home show, so we always go all out. We find that people come from New Zealand and Perth, including our owners,” Ms Rae said.

“It’s a great time of year with a fantastic atmosphere, free entertainment and a host of restaurants in The Marine Village, so it all adds up to a great four-day holiday for them.”

Horizon Group CEO John Lu is likely to join the team from the company’s Taiwan HQ, celebrating SCIBS’ 30th anniversary with special events for VIPS and an unveiling of the V81.

A major British brand en route to SCIBS is Princess, planning to showcase the Princess V48 0pen, the new F65 and a third boat, yet to be confirmed, ranging in price from $1.6m to $4.8m.

Princess principal dealer Alan Paterson said SCIBS’ 30-year anniversary is a good reason to return to the southern hemisphere’s premier boating festival.

“There will be a representative from Princess’ UK management and we are very excited to introduce the new F65,” Mr Peterson said.

“People will love this exceptional flybridge model, which boasts a hydraulic swim platform, plus tender garage, galley up and aft format, plus a walkthrough foredeck with sun pads and seating.

“There are four cabins and a full beam master. It’s truly a beautiful piece of Princess artwork.”

Whitehaven Motor Yachts general manager Peter Pembroke said the company is thrilled to return to SCIBS for the 30^th anniversary.

“We have built our entire DNA on providing a truly customised experience from start to finish, and it’s this journey which we cannot wait to share again with everyone in May,” Mr Pembroke said.

“On display will be a magnificent 7500 sports yacht, and later this year we will welcome the sleek and sophisticated Harbour Classic 40 and the Euro Edition 6100.

“Guests will enjoy an interactive, immersive experience within our exhibition area, which for the first time will be based at our new Sanctuary Cove HQ which we share with our sister brand, Integrity.

“Joining forces with that brand in 2017 has opened up myriad opportunities for increased resources around R&D, engineering, supply chain and overall a better customer outcome.”

Great Southern Marine will be representing Palm Beach Motor Yachts and Grand Banks Yachts, showcasing the superlative Palm Beach 65 with a bowrider jacuzzi and the new Grand Banks Eastbay 44.

Palm Beach’s flagship yacht, the PB65, features high-quality finishes and timeless teak styling. A vast, light-filled interior features a saloon, staterooms and rear cockpit that comfortably hosts up to eight people.

There’s a tender garage, laundry and all the extras plus incredible performance rarely seen in a yacht of this size.

Grand Banks marketing manager Joel Butler said the Grand Banks EB44 will be on show for the first time in Australia at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

“The new EB44 combines an eye-pleasing blend of contemporary finishes and Downeast lines with an advanced hull design that is capable of safe and comfortable passages in open water,” Mr Butler said.

 Its modified deep-V hull features a sharp entry for parting the waters ahead, an advanced planning surface aft, and wide reversed chines for added comfort and stability when manoeuvring.”

Sundance Marine will present the Monte Carlo MCY76, as well as a range of Invictus luxury day boats from Italy and the French-built Prestige 460 motor yacht.

Sundance Marine director David Beck said they anticipate plenty of buzz about the MCY76 with the distinctive maroon hull on show, conveying the full custom-made experience of the impeccable Italian brand.

“There is nothing like the Monte Carlo Yachts brand for its level of craftsmanship and customisation,” Mr Beck said.

Part of the Beneteau Group, Prestige is the number two brand in the world and number one in its segment up to 70ft.

Sundance Marine was appointed dealer in February at Boot Dusseldorf and is looking forward to exhibiting the brand for the first time at SCIBS.

“The Prestige 460 will have broad appeal as a family coastal cruiser, suiting people looking for quality and performance at an accessible price,” he said.

“It offers timeless styling, some scope for customization and many features as standard. You get a lot of boat for the price.”

Premier UAE brand Gulf Craft, represented by Australian Superyachts, will again attend SCIBS with a sample of their prestige superyachts.

Australian Superyachts director Richard Morris said he is eager to introduce the custom builder’s latest vessels to SCIBS visitors.

“Gulf Craft is the only foreign yacht builder that can and does build to Australian commercial yacht standards,” Mr Morris said.

“They make for popular charter vessels and we anticipate more coming to Australia join the fleet.

“SCIBS is a great Show for us and we’re looking forward to the 2018 edition. It’s a beautiful time of year and we wouldn’t miss it for quids!”

Longreef, a new brand to the market, will make its debut at SCIBS with the company’s first model, the Longreef 60 flybridge.

The brainchild of Andy Young, founder of Boating Syndication Australia (BSA), and Mark Johnston, founder of leading international market research firm Investment Trends, the Longreef range is the product of thousands of hours of boating experience and owner feedback.

“The Longreef 60 embraces our core design philosophy of effortless luxury,” Mr Young said.

“We believe that the best boat is one where everything you need is included and is engineered back to a clean, beautiful form that works every time; where all the details have been thought through so thoroughly that they disappear into the background, because everything is as it should be.”

From iconic British brand Sunseeker comes the 65 Manhattan, sure to demand the spotlight on the marina.

A four-cabin flybridge model with spacious aft deck and saloon, stabilisers and excellent amenities, dealer Brad Rodgers said the 65 Manhattan is the ideal motor yacht for entertaining and long-range cruising.

“SCIBS is going to be huge this year. We will be flying the flag, catching up with clients and promoting new models coming out of the UK this year,” Mr Rodgers said.

Another UK brand, Fairline, is making a much-anticipated return to the Australian market with the new 2018 Fairline Targa 48 GT.

Alongside the line-up of Alaska and Hampton Yachts, Leigh-Smith Yachts will host the Australian release of this stunning new model designed by Alberto Mancini, featuring three spacious cabins, large saloon and galley up design to suit the Australian boating lifestyle.

The Targa’s electric hard top roof when opened lets light flood into the spacious, sociable upper deck that offers plentiful seating, a fold-out teak table and large sunbed.

A garage in the back deck a can accommodate a sizeable RIB and along with the submersible swim platform makes this boat a versatile and exceptional design from Fairline. 

Twin Volvo Penta 600 IPS engines power this 48GT giving her exhilarating performance, handling and impeccable sea keeping.

Limited exhibitor spaces remain. To register, contact the Boat Show office on +617 5577 6011.

Tickets are now on sale for the 30^th anniversary edition of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show from www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au.

Running May 24 to 27, 2018 the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show attracts more than 40,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors to a spectacular showcase featuring hundreds of boats and thousands of marine products across four days.

SCIBS offers FREE park ‘n’ ride services from Warner Bros. Movie World, along with limited on-site parking, available pre-paid.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 22 March 2018 )