Sail-World.com : Sanctuary Cove Boat numbers down, but quality good
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Sanctuary Cove Boat numbers down, but quality good |
The 21st Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show boosted confidence to the recreational marine industry with positive sales and strong sales leads from around the world.
The Show, which ended today, had close to 600 boats and watercraft with 224 boats on water and a further 365 boats and water craft on hardstand and pavilion displays.
Of the 406 exhibitors, there were 107 on water, a further 186 in pavilions and 113 with hardstand displays through the waterfront Marine Village. On-water displays stretch 2.838km if placed stem to stern.
A wide range of internationals at the Show include visitors, exhibitors, buyers and delegations from India, Taiwan, China, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, Spain, the US and the Philippines.
Around the marina and in the huge pavilions the mood was positive. While the general show numbers were down on last year because of the adverse weather, exhibitors reported quality enquiries.
'Total numbers for the three days were 36,479 which were excellent results given the extraordinary weather conditions,' said Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show general manager Mark Jensen.
'Thanks to the dedicated boat show team, our contractors and the emergency services including the police and ambulance, we were able to ensure the safe delivery of the 2009 event during these unseasonal conditions,' he said.
Jet Ski dealers Jet Ski World and SeaDoo Gold Coast took a number of deposits and reported follow up prospects. Denver Fresser of Jet Ski World said he would be disappointed if he didn’t sell 20 skis following the Show. Gold Coast Sea Doo’s Simon Birch said there was a lot of interest in the new GTX Limited iS 255, which was unveiled for the first time at the Show. He took deposits for seven with further positive prospects that he expects will revert to sales.
Thermal Cookware were at the Show for the first time. Originally the company concentrated on caravan and camping shows but after the interest shown by the boating community in their products they plan to return next year.
It was full house at the Seawind Catamarans sailing seminars. Five were held each day and attended by some 30 people at each session. Seawind also reported good sales of their sailing catamarans.
Navico, which distributes electronics, said that there was much interest in the new Broadband radar introduced at the Show and there was genuine interest in the full range of sounders and plotters the company distributes. ICOM also reported genuine interest in their radios,
On the marina there was also quality enquiries. Horizon – Boats International got away a 97-footer, two 65s, a 68 to a local owner, and have an offer on a 78 footer.
Sunseeker took deposits on a 52 Predator and a Manhattan 70 and, according to Sunseeker’s Alf Barbagallo, the sale of the first 30m Mega yacht in Australia is expected to be finalised next week.
Riviera’s brand new 5800 Sports yacht was a hit. Deposits for seven were taken at the show with another four Rivieras also sold.
Outer Reef exhibited at the Show last year without a boat and were so impressed they brought a 63 footer this year and were delighted with the response. At least six solid prospects have come from the Show.
The Haines Group introduced a limited 25 Anniversary version of the popular 580. Only five were manufactured, three were sold at the Show.
Inflatable boat dealer G-Force took deposits and has a number of follow-ups and said they didn’t expect the Show to be as good as it was.
While Marine Safety Queensland reported a steady flow of boating enthusiasts at their stand, many seeking advice on safety regulations.
by Kate Duryea
8:36 PM Sun 24 May 2009 GMT
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