8:23 PM Tue 19 May 2009 GMT
The 21st Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is on schedule to open with a blaze of hopeful anticipation for strong sales come Thursday (May 21), with more than 400 exhibitors set to display their goods and services.
Weather-wise, show visitors are not going to see much sunshine according to the Weather Bureau.
In fact, the forecast could not be more dismal; eight consecutive days of rain with expected heavy falls followed by an afternoon thunderstorm for the opening day.
Show manager Harry Davis, who has been involved with every show staged, is no stranger to rainfall.
'It has happened before and no doubt will happen again, but while it may have some small affect on visitor numbers our exhibitors will press on as usual,' he said.
For visitors, the show will again present a range of entertainment options, with musicians roving the streets of the Marine Village, cooking demonstrations and visual comedy performers to keep things moving along.
Intending visitors should note there is no public parking within the show's confines.
Limousine and taxi drop offs are arranged and water transport, either by way of water taxi or ferry proved popular modes for visitors.
The majority, however, are expected to make use of the 'park 'n ride' facility.
Barry Jenkins, now Sanctuary Cove's Events and International Relations manager, is, needless to say, delighted with the response from exhibitors.
'At 409 confirmed it rates as the fourth highest exhibitor tally on record, an astounding effort in view of the uncertain financial climate we are facing,' he said.
'I'm confident that all those who turn out to visit the 2009 exhibition will be impressed with the entire scene, from the luxury craft on the marina to the extensive display of product throughout the marquees near the main entrance.
'Rain may well be forecast, but we'll overcome that as we have in previous years and present an extravaganza of entertainment for all,' he added.
 | Wed morning - SE Queensland Radar - Bureau of Meteorology |
According to the latest forecast, the Gold Coast as of Tuesday is facing eight consecutive days of rain, with Thursday, opening day of the show, tipped to be the worst.
The forecast for Thursday reads, 'rain, heavy at times, with an afternoon thunderstorm and strong winds from the south-east.'
Boat show exhibitors, of course, have experienced this before and I have no doubt they will proceed as per usual.
Those displaying their goods and services within the giant marquees erected for the show will be the least affected.
For the marina displays, well, it will simply be a case of do your best.
There are more than 400 exhibitors committed for the show, only slightly down on previous years and an excellent turnout in view of the economic downturn.
As I write, move-in, a daunting task at the best of times, is taking place, with Harry Davis and Phil Shaw making every effort to ensure an efficient and good-looking boating exhibition.
Despite being rivals the Sydney International Boat Show is happy to assist the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and this year Belinda Close, who guides the move-in, move-out at the SIBS is on hand helping at the SCIBS!
 | Sanctuary Cove Boat Show from the air. Weather like this might appear on the weekend - .. . |
Weather-wise, intending show visitors need not be too concerned.
Having attended all 20 previous shows I have experienced those which 'copped' a Gold Coast wet.
I recall one show, about 1999, I think, when I was sheltering outside the cove's newsagency as the rain belted down.
One could barely see the shop windows across the road as the rain came down in torrents.
As I've said, exhibitors will simply 'cop it sweet' and do what they have to do.
I would urge intending show visitors not to be too put off.
Sanctuary Cove's Marine Village offers ample shelter and I'm sure the many restaurants and bars will be well geared up to handle those taking shelter from any downpour than may occur.
Visitors can wander with ease through the big marquees, absorb the hundreds of display and take in the glamour on the marina in between showers.
Easy.
It's very much the norm for boating writers such as myself to write about the new releases planned for a major boat show.
Informing Powerboat-World readers of new releases at Sanctuary Cove is no easy task; the show's 400-plus exhibitors will be showcasing more than 100 Australian or world releases!
There'll be boats, big ones, small ones, there's marine electronics, engines, outboards, stern drives, inboards, diesels and gasoline; need a new propeller, a pair of binoculars, maybe a pair of the latest deck shoes?
Whatever your nautical needs, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show next week is where you will find all your requirements.
With 100 brand new releases planned, detailing everyone is simply not possible, but here's a selection of unveilings that rate as world firsts and will attract the attention of all who love the sea.
Tasmania's Allan Barnett Motor Yachts will display the superb High Seas 63', a magnificent motor yachts built to USL 2B survey and with a cruising range in excess of 2000 nautical miles.
What to get away from it all? Here's the way to do it.
Industry legend Bill Barry-Cotter, CEO of Maritimo, regards the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show as being in how own backyard.
He always strives to release a new model at the Cove and this year has outdone himself with the launch of five new models never before seen in public.
Vessels making their debut include the stylish Aegean 60 and Aegean 55, two vessels based on the highly successful Cabriolet range introduced last year, but with a sleek flying bridge added to the superstructure.
Other Maritimo vessels on the company's impressive stand will include two smaller versions of the Cabriolet C60 I the form of the C55 and C50, together with the all-new cruising motor yacht the Maritimo 56.
For those who would like to see how that fabled 'other half' lives, don't miss the chance to visit the imposing motor vessel 'Fantasea Ammari, a stunning four-decker which recently cruised the Mediterranean.
The sad news related to Riviera has become well documented lately, but fortunately for all involved the receivers of the company, Deloitte, have signalled 'all ahead full' for the boat show circuit.
Riviera will unveil its sensational 5800 Sport Yacht at the show, an innovative craft with a triple-engined Volvo Penta IPS delivering a new level of efficiency.
Other models sure to please include the Riviera 43 and 48, available in both open and enclosed flying bridge designs.
Another world debut hails from Montebello Yachts, showing off for the first time anywhere the 12.5-metre power catamaran Kai Lana, sold off the plan, in real estate talk, to a client who knew a good thing straight away.
The legendary Brisbane yard of Norman Wright and Sons needs little introduction.
This year the company will debut its Navigator 42, able to do duty as a dayboat and a costal cruiser.
Dual Yanmar 380hp diesels, 1200-litres of fuel a fabulous fit out available in either teak or cherrywood.
Why don't you grab one, a snip at about $800,000?
Ranger Tugs will be releasing for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere the R25, a fabulous 'mini tugboat' that has generated plenty of interest worldwide.
With a Cummins 150hpo diesel, this tugboat can lope along at an easy pace with a 200-300 nautical mile range.
Most of the leading marine electronics companies are releasing a number of products brand new to the local scene.
One of the must see's is the Navico Broad Band Radar (BR24), presented by Lowrance, Simrad and Northstar
JN Taylor will unveil the latest Furuno fishfinders, while Fusion Electronics will release an entertainment system that won awards at the Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) in Amsterdam earlier this year.
Looking to update your inboard communications?
Garmin is launching its VHF 100i and 200i models at Sanctuary Cove, both of which feature easy-to-read displays and eye-catching designs.
GME will release its all-new GPS navigation system, the Australian-designed GP450X.
This superb unit offers a cost effective solution for a compact, full-featured plotter suitable for any coastal, fishing or recreational craft.
Hella Marine is focusing on LED applications at the show, with highly advanced technologies applied to navigation lamps, deck floodlights, search lights and for interior and other exterior lighting requirements.
Really, we could go on and on and on...but then you would not need to visit Sanctuary Cove, 2009.
And that would never do.
Take my word for it, it's going to be a 'bobby dazzler and if boats are your go, well, as those fast talking young men selling steak knives on television would say, 'Be there'.
by Bob Wonders
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Sellicks Hill, SA
