73 Ready to Set Sail

READY TO SET SAIL

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show returns with exciting new innovations, exhibitors and visitor experiences.

THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE’S premier showcase of boating and marine innovation returns to the Gold Coast this May, in an event which promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show’s (SCIBS) 32nd edition will again transform Sanctuary Cove’s pristine marina and Marine Village into a bustling industry showcase, welcoming the world’s biggest names in boating.

Attracting more than 45,000 visitors each year, with over 300 exhibitors and 600 watercraft on display, SCIBS 2021 is on track to be a spectacular event, showcasing the finest the industry has to offer, from best-inclass prestigious superyachts, power boats, catamarans and sailing boats, as well as RIBs, day boats, fishing boats, sports, ski and tow boats.

Additional space will be allocated to premium on-water displays, coupled with significant space for the growing trailer boat segment, expanding both ends of the marine market.

This year will also see the unveiling of a new VIP experience, with exclusive venue access, sumptuous catering and a first-class vantage point.

An exciting addition for 2021, The Lagoon Lounge focuses on everything the luxurious lifestyle has to offer.

Overlooking the newly completed Superyacht Marina arm and iconic Lagoon Pool at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, The Lagoon Lounge is an exclusive and elegant space boasting premium food and beverage offerings, ideal for those looking to soak up everything SCIBS has to offer in serious style.

The Lagoon Lounge also features private custom-designed corporate cabanas for up to 10 guests, along with a tailored menu celebrating fresh local cuisine, premium beverage packages and a personal food and beverage waiter, making it the place to be for high-end corporate entertainment.

SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said while The Lagoon Lounge is the perfect addition to what is shaping up to be a high-end and luxurious exhibition in 2021, SCIBS continues to cater to a wide range of marine enthusiasts with diverse interests.

“SCIBS has proven to be the foremost event on the southern hemisphere’s boating and lifestyle calendar, so it is only fitting that we continue to ramp up our VIP offerings that cater to those looking for an exclusive and luxurious experience,” Johan said.

“We gather the best in marine innovation, but we are so much more than a boat show.

“Each year our team strives to create a memorable four days of live entertainment, gourmet food and drink offerings, and enticing activations the entire family can partake in, all of which play a part in the quintessential marine lifestyle.”

This year’s Show will give visitors the first look at the magnificent $10 million expansion of the Sanctuary Cove Marina, with state-ofthe-art undercover berths, enabling Sanctuary Cove to accommodate premium recreational vessels from 50 feet to superyachts up to 165 feet.

After Covid-19 saw the cancellation of last year’s Show, SCIBS bounced back in truly spectacular style, hosting the hugely successful Sanctuary Cove Boating Festival in November 2020 – one of only three boat shows to be held anywhere in the world last year.

“The marine industry on the whole has successfully navigated the past 12 months,” says Johan.

“Many in the industry are pleased with sales in recent months as Australians invest in the boating lifestyle, which is safe, fun and can be enjoyed locally as international travel continues to be restricted.

“The Sanctuary Cove Boating Festival proved that people want to get out and explore boating

in a safe and family friendly environment, which is what Sanctuary Cove events offer.

“We are excited to welcome exhibitors and visitors back to our stunning home.”

Many of SCIBS’ key exhibitors such as Riviera, Maritimo, Horizon, Princess, Northside Marine, QMC and Nitro Marine were among the first to secure exhibitor space, backing SCIBS as the must-attend boat show on the Australian calendar.

Leigh-Smith Yachts, specialists in luxury motor yachts, were one of the first large exhibitors to sign on for this year’s Show.

Ryan Leigh-Smith says SCIBS has always been one of the premier events on the worldwide marine calendar, and he believes the 2021 Show will be another bumper year.

“The Sanctuary Cove Boating Festival in November last year proved that people have a huge appetite to get back to family friendly boating events,” Ryan says.

“2020 was a big year for us, with a particular upswing in high-end brokerage.

“We are really looking forward to the Show and expecting it to be very, very successful.”

Mark Western, Director of Horizon Yacht Australia agrees.

“Enquiry for the luxury yacht market remains strong and as such, we believe that big things will come from SCIBS 2021,” Mark says.

“We’re excited to be a part of this event and the opportunities it will present.”

Greg Haines, Dealer Principal at Princess Yachts Australia, says the importance of SCIBS to the marine industry cannot be underestimated.

“SCIBS is the premier boat show in the Southern Hemisphere,” Greg says.

“It is a spectacular destination, with the Marine Village, the Marina and the 5-star InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort.

“We are looking forward to people coming to see Princess Yachts and we believe it is going to be a great Show.”

Injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy each year, SCIBS has long been regarded as the place “where the marine business does business” with high-end brands exhibiting their latest and greatest vessels and marine products.

Beyond its obvious appeal for marine industry movers, shakers, and dreamers alike, SCIBS plays host to a variety of guests who mingle in the bustling Marine Village enjoying non-stop entertainment in a warm, family-friendly ambience, buzzing with roving street entertainment, delicious food and live music. TICKETING INFORMATION

SCIBS 2021 runs from 20 to 23 May.

Purchase any ticket to SCIBS online for a chance to win a trip to the magnificent InterContinental Hayman Island Resort for you and a guest.

Tickets are on sale now at with free entry for children under the age of 16.

A limited number of VIP Passes, which provide exclusive access to The Lagoon Lounge are also available to purchase online, starting from $199.

RACQ members looking for an affordable family day out can take advantage of the automotive club’s exclusive 50% off sale, which is available until midnight on Wednesday 31 March.

Access is easy with the free Park ‘n’ Ride services from Warner Bros. Movie World and limited on-site parking.

Organisers continue to work with Queensland Health to ensure SCIBS 2021 is a COVID-safe event. sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au