Marine industry veterans have declared that the 2019 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) the best in the event’s 31-year history. Huge crowds, glorious weather and multi-million sales proved to be a winning combination which generated huge success.
The crowd of 47,243 people was a three per cent increase on attendance from last year. Exhibitors were united in their assessment that well informed boaties had come out to play and pay, after significant positive consumer sentiment. SCIBS organisers said 2019 was one of the biggest shows yet, with 182 boats on the water and 423 boats on land across The Marine Village precincts, along with 334 individual exhibitors on display.
Princess Yachts Dealer Principal Greg Haines, who has attended every SCIBS since the inaugural edition in 1988, said this year’s event topped all those which came before it. “It’s the best boat show I can remember,” said Haines. “We have plenty of sea trials lined up for next week and things are looking very positive.”
Palm Beach Motor Yachts CEO Mark Richards said the show produced a significantly positive outcome for the company. “It has been very positive for us, with a few sales and a lot of leads to follow up,” said Richards.
Leading luxury cruiser manufacturer Maritimo also announced SCIBS 2019 a major success, with multiple sales across its product line, including a couple of X50s and a few flybridge models. Maritimo CEO Garth Corbitt said the total number of sales would not be known for several weeks as current deals are being negotiated and finalised, and buyers conduct sea trials. “With many millions of dollars of deals finalised and more pending, our forward order pipeline is extremely healthy,” said Corbitt.
At its purpose-built Riviera Yacht Club, luxury motor yacht builder Riviera hosted owners and guests for its annual Riviera Festival of Boating, which attracted about 700 attendees from across the world for three days of education and socialising. Rivera’s Stephen Milne said that there were many premiere boats and boaties in attendance. “We are extremely happy to welcome lots of new owners into the Riv family,” said Milne. “There was a great response to our new product and a positive sentiment among visitors.”
All who showcased were ecstatic with the attendance and the sale outcomes of the event.
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