MAKING WAVES
Industry stalwarts will tell you this weekend's Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) was the best platform for selling boats. But with boat-show marketing budgets slashed and more off-site marine events, speculation has been rife that Sanctuary's days are numbered. Winson Chow, chief operating officer of organiser Mulpha Australia, is adamant "the boat show epitomises everything about Sanctuary Cove that is unique... whether for business or pleasure, visitors immediately absorb the atmosphere and the genuine appeal of living by the water". Yet the marina floor plan for the 25th silver anniversary show is a shadow of its former glory. Perhaps a broader upmarket show for all kinds of luxury conveyances and kit is the future? Either that, or the growing Gold Coast Marine Expo in November. We'll know soon enough.
Maritimo's 10th
Double celebrations: Australian luxury cruiser manufacturer Maritimo will celebrate its 10th anniversary at the May 25-26 25th SCIBS. Founded by boat-building doyen Bill Barry-Cotter after selling Riviera for a motser, Maritimo has sold some 500 boats, won the world offshore power boat championship in the US last year, and re-emerged from post-GFC navel-gazing with clever new cruisers. The M58 and M50/C50 make their debuts at Sanctuary Cove.
Lifejacket lore
If you need reminding of the importance of wearing a lifejacket, consider warehouse assistant Fhelipe Davoodifar, 26, from Kogarah Bay. A keen kayaker, he survived more than six hours in the ocean off Port Stephens at night because he hired a lifejacket just before setting out. "I always wear a lifejacket but I forgot to bring it. I almost went out without one but there's a little hire kiosk on the beach and I picked one up — $15 for three hours — it was the best $15 I've ever spent," he said. Mr Davoodifar was offshore from Nelson Bay when he capsized. A kayaking companion raised the alarm. Roads and Maritime Services and a NSW police officer plucked Mr Davoodifar from the water.
South coast rescue
Boating safety services have been bolstered on the NSW south coast with a new offshore rescue vessel at the Marine Rescue base in Ulladulla Harbour. The new fast-response Steber 38 is suitable for deployment up to 30 nautical miles offshore. A new training centre was also opened in Ulladulla, a growing boating hub.
David.lockwood@bigpond.com
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) is a major marine and luxury boating event on the Gold Coast. The article says the 25th (silver) anniversary of SCIBS is scheduled for May 25–26.
The show is organised by Mulpha Australia. Mulpha’s chief operating officer, Winson Chow, says the boat show epitomises Sanctuary Cove’s unique appeal and that visitors immediately absorb the atmosphere of living by the water.
Yes. The article notes marketing budgets for boat shows have been slashed, the marina floor plan for the 25th show is much smaller than in the past, and there’s growing competition from off‑site marine events, prompting speculation about the show’s future format.
Possibly. The article mentions the growing Gold Coast Marine Expo in November and suggests the future might include a broader upmarket show for a range of luxury conveyances and kit, or increased competition from other events.
Maritimo is marking its 10th anniversary at SCIBS. Founded by Bill Barry‑Cotter after selling Riviera, Maritimo has sold about 500 boats, won the world offshore power boat championship in the US last year, and is debuting new cruiser models at the show.
The article states that Maritimo’s M58 and M50/C50 models make their debuts at Sanctuary Cove.
The article tells the story of Fhelipe Davoodifar, a kayaker who survived more than six hours in the ocean after capsizing because he hired and wore a lifejacket just before setting out. He says the $15 hire for three hours likely saved his life, and he was rescued by Roads and Maritime Services and a NSW police officer.
Boating safety services on the NSW south coast were bolstered with a new fast‑response Steber 38 offshore rescue vessel based at the Marine Rescue base in Ulladulla Harbour, suitable for deployment up to 30 nautical miles offshore, and a new training centre was opened in Ulladulla.
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