SCIBS 2021 reports record sales in visitor surge

Australia’s marine industry has declared the 2021 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) the best in the event’s 32-year history. Organisers say the expanded footprint, record crowds, spectacular weather and astronomical sales proved a successful formula.

Visitors totalling 51,832 passed through the gates, up 10 per cent on 2019.

“We’ve never seen anything like it in terms of commercial success for exhibitors,” says SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser, “with more than (AUS)$250m 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 $336m 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.”

“We’re thrilled to have welcomed more than 25 new owners into the Riviera family. We also announced the new-era design Riviera 78 MY for 2022 and educated over 600 owners at 40 boating workshops,” says Stephen Milne from luxury motor yacht Riviera.

Horizon Yacht Australia recorded the first sale of the show, selling its Horizon RP100 for $12.9m to a local Gold Coast buyer.

“Friday in particular was unbelievable. It’s been a really good show and there are lots of buyers around. We anticipate that we’ll sell another three or four boats off the back of the show, including the FD87, which unfortunately didn’t make it in time for its global launch,” says Horizon’s Mark Western.