2:44 AM Wed 13 May 2009 GMT
SCIBS, for those unaware of the term, is the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, and this year, when the show opens next week it will celebrate 21-years.
Personally, I find that hard to believe, me being just a young fellow and all that.
See, I've been to all 20 previously staged and, needless to say, I shall be there at the 21st.
Memories?
I have plenty, some, but very few, serious and many bordering between humorous and hilarious.
Despite 21-years, some things never change, and one of them is Harry Davis, who has held various titles ranging from boat show manager, boat show organiser, move-in, move- out specialist etc etc.
Harry, of course, can barely remember his own 21st, primarily due to it being lost in the mist of time.
Way back in 1989, Harry, together with his wife Marilyn (also known as The Child Bride due to Harry's advanced age) were the faces of the Sanctuary Cove show, known at the time as the Queensland International Boat Show held at Sanctuary Cove.
It seems almost ridiculous now to state that exhibitors in 1989 were delighted with the show's results in turning over an estimated $10 million.
That $10 million has since become hundreds of millions, although Harry rates the 2007 show as being the truly 'Big One' in terms of sales and visitor attendance.
Those were days of the late Mike Gore and the famous (infamous?) 'White Shoe Brigade', when the complex was owned by Discovery Bay Developments.
There has been much water beneath the bridge since then - it may surprise some to know that the popular resort was in the hands of receivers for eight years before being acquired by 'Malaysian money' in the form of Current owners Mulpha.
Geoff Grady, current CEO, if my memory is correct, actually worked for the receivers and was eventually asked to stay on by the new owners.
It was apparently a very good choice, as Grady has overseen expansion and profitability all round for the company.
In those early days, Barry Jenkins, who is now a leading figure in the Australian boating industry, was employed by Sanctuary Cove as a 'village event manager', responsible for on-going promotions aimed at drawing people to the complex.
Eventually, he assumed control as Boat Show Manager and assumed a close working relationship, which continues today, with Davis.
 | Barry Jenkins (left) and successor Mark Jensen during their nine-month handover of Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show responsibilities. - Click Here to view large photo |
Jenkins, now president of the major industry bodies, has stepped back from his former role to fill the shoes of a boat show ambassador, travelling the world to attract exhibitors and visitors to Sanctuary Cove.
Mark Jensen, a man with all the right attributes, is now the 'front man' taking over Jenkins' former role and handling day to day matters with Davis.
When I was Sydney-based, show organisers provided me with accommodation at the plush Hyatt Regency, something I now miss out on due to being 'a local'.
For those unfamiliar with the Hyatt Regency, it comprises several wings, two and three levels, various entrances and superb gardens and pathways that, believe me, all look identical late at night.
I am forced to confess wasting much needed sleep when strolling (staggering?) back to my room and not being able to find my room.
In those early days, the annual Boat of the Year awards were staged at the Hyatt Regency and they were terrific functions.
Somehow, the awards night lost its aura when it outgrew the Hyatt Regency facility.
There were many memorable evenings spent celebrating and commiserating with various awards winners and losers in the Hyatt Regency's cocktail bar.
One evening I recall (how would I forget?) was the time my partner for the evening was one of the better-known Gold Coast Meter Maids.
An extremely well-built young women she was, too.
Seated at my table, I was wondering why so many industry identities took the trouble to stop by and say hello - gee, I thought, I am popular.
Yeah, right, then it dawned on me, the attraction was seated alongside me in a daringly low cut ensemble.
Two other memories stand out and they were both wet.
Two shows at Sanctuary have been deluged under heavy rain, the rain normally seen only in the tropics.
It became something of a joke, a very bad joke, I might add, that Harry Davis was christened 'the Rain Man'.
Something that became as regular sight at Sanctuary Cove came courtesy of Riviera Marine.
Then owned by Bill Barry-Cotter, Riviera always made a solid effort to stage an impressive display at the show in its 'own backyard'.
Barry-Cotter always made it a point to unveil one or more new models, but his production staff were rarely on time - it became a common sight to see Riviera cruisers being driven into the marina with workers hanging off the boats striving to add the finishing touches.
There was a popular 'addition' to the show in those early days.
Sydney at that time did not have a casino (not a legal one, anyway) and a star Gold Coast attraction was Jupiters Casino at Broadbeach.
I walked in there one evening during a Sanctuary Cove show and, fair dinkum, I thought a general meeting of the Boating Industry Association of NSW had been scheduled!
Attracting interstate exhibitors and visitors has always been one of Sanctuary Cove's strong points.
It may strike some as hard to believe, but there have been shows where I have bumped into more Sydney colleagues, friends, mates, and assorted ne're do wells than I would encounter at Darling Harbour during the Sydney International Boat Show.
There's no reason to think next week will be any different.
We may well be suffering from the global financial crisis the and Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will certainly feel some effect.
Exhibitor numbers are slightly down, but there is confidence in the air and I would be prepared to bet on the show's eventual success.
What more can one say, except 'Many Happy Returns, SCIBS, I shall raise a glass to the next 21 (though sadly I might not be around to see them all).
by Bob Wonders
Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:
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Sellicks Hill, SA
