Action packed Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show opens today

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show © Darren Gill

It is finally here, the day the marine world has been waiting for: Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2023 (SCIBS) officially opens today and it promises to be bigger and better than ever.

With over 300 exhibitors, 100-plus new product launches, over 700 boats and 1000 marine products, the 34th edition of SCIBS opens its gates today to an anticipated crowd of over 50'000 visitors across four spectacular days.

The sold out exhibitor spaces at Australia's largest boating and marine event, have been set up and decked out, raring and ready to go, with every corner of the stunning Sanctuary Cove precinct covered in the very best the marine world has to offer.

Loaded with motor yachts, sailboats, pleasure craft, gear and gadgets, this year's Show promises something for everyone, with a host of national, Asia-Pacific and global product launches, and exciting displays with everything from superyachts to fishing tinnies, SUPs to eFoils, boat accessories to water toys.

Long considered the most successful and respected event of its kind in the Southern hemisphere, SCIBS has once again attracted the who's who of the marine industry. Big name brands such as Riviera, Maritimo, Princess, Sunseeker, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, Horizon, Iliad, Ferretti, Beneteau, Boston Whaler, Ocean Alexander, Leopard and a host of marine businesses, have all chosen SCIBS to launch their latest and greatest products - from luxury yachts to GPS fish finders, and everything in between.

In addition, some of the world's most prestigious luxury car brands including Bentley, Maserati, Lamborghini, BMW, Lotus, and Tesla plus aviation companies including Bell Helicopters choose to align themselves with SCIBS, knowing the event attracts an affluent domestic audience and significant international visitation.

Heralding what is set to be the strongest year yet for the Show, SCIBS 2023 will showcase over 100 new product launches from superyachts and luxury motor yachts, to trailer boats and personal watercrafts (PWC), to marine gear and gadgets.

New product launches aren't the only area in which the Show is breaking records. SCIBS 2023 sees an expanded footprint to meet the increased demand for exhibitor space with an additional arm on the marina offering a further 28 berths. There is also an expansion of the Pavilion precinct offering an additional 400sqm of indoor space.

The Sanctuary Cove Marina, home of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is also leading the way in the industry, recently being awarded two prestigious accolades - Marina of the Year and Industry Innovation Award by the Marina Industries Association (MIA).

While the Show is undoubtedly a fun family and social occasion, it is also recognised as one of the industry's most significant business generators, yielding millions of dollars in sales each year.

Research conducted by Griffith Business School at Griffith University supports this, finding the estimated direct economic impact of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) 2021 to the Gold Coast was almost half a billion dollars. The report found the total sum - from commercial and tourism - that came into the Gold Coast as a direct result of SCIBS 2021 was $471.46 million, up from $336.27 million in 2019.

Where the marine business does business

Mr Hasser said SCIBS 2023 has seen an increased focus on business networking opportunities.

"As the show 'where the marine business does business' SCIBS 2023 will see heightened industry networking opportunities, including the enhancement of The Lagoon Lounge VIP and corporate hospitality suite. Each year millions of dollars in sales are transacted not only on the exhibition stands, but also in our hospitality venues," Mr Hasser said.

The Lagoon Lounge, with its luxurious surrounds and five star drinks and dining, attracts over 1,200 guests over the four-days of the Show including HNWI, jetsetters and marine industry heavyweights.

Official ambassador Paul Burt to host entertainment and interactive experiences

7News weather, boating and fishing expert Paul Burt has again been named official SCIBS Ambassador for 2023. Paul will host an action-packed line up of events, including his much loved cooking shows on the main stage, and the 2023 Live Bream Shoot Out - the deep-water fishing competition where amateur anglers compete for sensational prizes.

2023 set to be the best Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show ever

Mulpha Events, General Manager Johan Hasser said SCIBS 2023 would continue to delight and entertain event goers with show stopping moments, luxury experiences, and exhilarating displays.

"We are thrilled to be welcoming guests and exhibitors back to the iconic location of Sanctuary Cove for our 34th annual event," Mr Hasser said.

"This year's program of events promises something for everyone. As well as the incredible marine displays, there will be food, bars, street entertainment and a family friendly kids 'zone on the weekend.

This year, tickets are available online only - there will not be a box office at the Show.

A FREE Park 'n' Ride service will be operating from Warner Bros. Movie World, using a fleet of air-conditioned coaches. Shuttles run at regular intervals from 7:30am daily.

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is owned and operated by Mulpha Events and is proudly supported by the Queensland Government, Tourism & Events Queensland, City of Gold Coast, Major Events Gold Coast and Major Sponsor Bentley Brisbane & Gold Coast.

The 34th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) is on from May 25-28, 2023. For more visit sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au