The Australian marine industry has declared the 2021 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show the best in the event's 32-year history
The highly-anticipated 2021 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show was held from 20 to 23 May at the vibrant Marine Village on the Gold Cost, and it shaped up to the best in the event’s 32-year history, with an expanded footprint and record crowds.
An incredibly 51,832 visitors passed through the gates to check out hundreds of boats, both on water and throughout The Marine Village.
Among the prominent brands on the water were Maritimo, Horizon, Princess Yachts, Whitehaven, Azimut, Beneteau, Lagoon, and more.
Trailerable boats, water sports, and inflatable craft also had a strong presence throughout The Marine Village, with the likes of Quintrex, Yamaha, Jeanneau, JSW Powersports, Sea-Doo, Mercury, and Honda on display.
Brands such as Garmin, Fusion, Navionics, Raymarine, Dometic, Lowrance, and Simrad also put on a great show by displaying the latest gear and gadgets in the Pavilions.
SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said the quality and stature of this year’s event was exceptional and will be etched in the record books.
“Without a doubt, the 2021 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is the best show we’ve ever had. The southern hemisphere’s premier marine event has returned in full force,” he said.
“We’ve never seen anything like it in terms of commercial success for exhibitors, with more than $250 million in sales across four days. As the show where the marine business does business, it’s fantastic to see our exhibitors converting quality leads during what can only be described as a unique time for the industry.
“We increased the size of our marina displays this year, which enabled us to facilitate more premium recreational vessels and superyachts on water than in previous years.
“It is also expected that the economic impact of this year’s event will far exceed the $336 million that was injected into the local economy in 2019. Today marks a special moment in the SCIBS story and for the marine industry as a whole.”
SCIBS will return to Sanctuary Cove in 2022, with the event set to be held from 19 to 22 May.
Photography: Evarn Covich and supplied