on 1 Jun 2023
The show boasted an impressive lineup of 740 vessels, including a record-breaking 315 boats on the water
According to Mulpha Events, the organiser of Australia’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), this year’s event (May 25-28) attracted 47,345 visitors, further establishing the event’s position as the leading boating and marine exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere.
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2023 boasted an impressive lineup of 740 vessels, including a record-breaking 315 boats on the water, with over 100 premieres from Australia, the Asia-Pacific region, and around the world.
“The feedback we’ve been receiving from exhibitors and visitors has been extraordinary, and the remarkable growth of the event reinforces that sentiment,” says Johan Hasser, SCIBS’ general manager.
In a statement, Greg Haines from Princess Yachts expressed his team’s belief that SCIBS 2023 has generated some of the most promising leads they have ever experienced at a boat show.
“Thursday was possibly the busiest day I’ve witnessed in my 34 years of attending SCIBS,” he remarks. “And the calibre of the visitors is exceptional. According to my team, this year has presented us with the highest quality leads we have ever encountered at the show. In fact, some members of the team have gone as far as saying that these are the best quality leads we’ve had at any boat show we’ve participated in.”
“We’ve noticed significant interest in larger boats—those above 65 feet. We unveiled the Y72 in the Southern Hemisphere at this year’s show, and it has been incredibly well-received. We have five or six potential buyers interested in purchasing the Y72.”
The exhibitors’ enthusiasm has been instrumental in driving the ongoing investment in Sanctuary Cove by its parent company, Mulpha Australia. This includes the recent expansion of the marina to accommodate an additional 28 berths and the upcoming development of a new superyacht arm by the new year.
Stephen Milne from local motoryacht builder Riviera Australia describes the show as a tremendous success for the renowned brand.
“The weather has been incredible, the attendance has been strong, and the feedback and interest in our Riviera motoryachts have never been greater,” he says.
“Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2023 has provided a wonderful platform to showcase the finest fleet of Rivieras we have ever exhibited at a boat show. We had 11 yachts on display, ranging from 39 to 78 feet. The response to the fleet, particularly our world premiere, the 585 SUV, has been exceptional.”
Maritimo, a local boating brand, reported that they saw a higher number of visitors at their display than ever before. Tom Barry-Cotter, the managing director, expresses his delight, stating, “The leads have been incredibly strong, and while we are still tallying, it could be a record-breaking year for sales resulting from this SCIBS, which is just fantastic. The sales generated from this show will keep us busy for the next few years.”
Erica Rae from Horizon Yachts reveals that SCIBS generated over $40 million in sales within the first three days alone. “This has been the busiest show we’ve had in the past five or six years,” she exclaims. “The level of inquiries we’ve received has been phenomenal, and the crowds have been extraordinary. It has been consistently bustling.”
“The quality of leads has also been impressive. Typically, we don’t make many sales at the show since we specialize in custom-built yachts, which involve a two-to-three-month process. However, within the first three days, we have already sold three boats—an E88 Sports Yacht, an FD80, and an FD90—and we anticipate more sales to come from SCIBS in the coming months.
“Even our biggest boat, we have three very solid leads on that boat. It has a purchase price in the tens of millions of dollars, so there are a very limited number of people in a position to make that purchase. The fact we have three very strong leads on that is a testament to the quality of the show and the kind of audience it attracts.”
Mulpha Events invites guests to mark their calendars for the 35th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, which is scheduled to take place from May 23-May 26, 2024.
For more Yachting news click here.