Influx of international exhibitors choosing SCIBS as their launchpad in Australia

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show © Darren Gill

The 2023 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is thrilled to be welcoming a host of international exhibitors and visitors when it returns from May 25 to 28.

From returning big name brand exhibitors, to new players participating at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) for the first time, this year's Show will see the return of the internationals.

Kept away for the past three years by travel restrictions and supply issues, SCIBS 2023 will welcome exhibitors from around the world.

Exhibitors from US, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Holland and Turkey will bring an exciting array of the best the marine industry has to offer to SCIBS - the show renowned around the globe as one of the world's best.

International exhibitors already confirmed to appear at SCIBS 2023 include European exploration motor yacht builders Bering Yachts, Italian FTP engine makers Bepower, Italian RIB makers Lomac, Japanese engine manufacturers Yanmar, Dutch boat coating specialists AkzoNobel, Chinese LED lighting manufacturers Yuyao HOJA, Chinese portable power manufacturers Ecoflow, American outdoor fabric specialist Sunbrella, Swedish RIB manufacturers Iron Boats and New Zealand's foul release coating specialists Propspeed.

During the travel restrictions of 2020, 2021 and 2022, SCIBS defied the odds and bucked industry trends by hosting two incredibly successful events. However, despite the Show's overall success, international exhibitors and visitors declined substantially over this period.

In 2019, of the 47,866 visitors attending the Show, 4% were overseas visitors.

In 2021, the show saw record crowds of 51,832, however less than 1% were international visitors.

Even in 2022, as restrictions started to lift, just 1% of visitors came from overseas.

SCIBS's international exhibitor numbers from the same period tell a similar story, with many international exhibitors unable to attend due to restrictions and stock limitations.

However, 2023 looks set to be the year the world returns to Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in full force. There has already been a huge influx of international exhibitors choosing SCIBS to launch new products, and a wave of inquiry from international visitors and delegations, with New Zealand leading the charge of international visitors eager to get back to SCIBS.

"We are thrilled to be welcoming so many international friends to SCIBS in 2023," said Johan Hasser, Mulpha Events General Manager. "From exhibitors we haven't seen in a few years, to new exhibitors we are hosting for the first time, and of course our visitors from all over the world who have been dreaming about returning to SCIBS for the past three years.

"While we have of course been very happy to host such successful shows over recent years, when many event businesses struggled to even survive, we have certainly missed our international exhibitors and guests.

"All indications are that 2023 will see us return to a very high representation of international guests and exhibitors," Mr Hasser said.

Sidney Adhika Halim from Yanmar Marine International's Asia Sales Management Division in Japan says the company has chosen SCIBS 2023 for the Australian debut of the company's first foray into boat design and build.

"After 2 half years struggling to continue production, we finally launched our postponed project, and we now have the chance to show our boat at SCIBS 2023," Adhika Halim said.

"We will introduce our special fishing cruiser, with a sail that is the norm in the Japanese Sea, and introduce a Japanese fishing style that up until now, has been endemic to the local market of the land of the rising-sun.

"Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is not only known for its luxurious boat line up, but also the complete range from small, tender boats up to superyachts. SCIBS is located in the heart of the boating industry in Australia, attracting boat lovers from all over the world. We are really eager to be able to participate in one of the biggest boat events in Australia!"

An international brand with a strong Australian presence, 2023 will mark Lomac's third successive year at SCIBS.

"Lomac has been manufacturing high performance Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBS) in Italy for over 60 years, and we landed in Australia just prior to 2020," says Alessandro Vicinanza, state manager of Flagstaff Marine Queensland, representing Lomac in Australia. "Known for our market-leading performance and handling at sea, Lomac is highly regarded globally and is quickly gaining momentum in the Australian market.

"SCIBS is a world class boat show that attracts boat enthusiasts from not only Queensland but all over Australia. Situated at the stunning Sanctuary Cove precinct on the Gold Coast, it is the perfect location and event to showcase the very best in RIBS. It is one of the highlights on our event calendar.

This year Lomac will be showcasing their new LOMAC Turismo 7.0.

"We have redefined one of our best-selling RIBS to achieve unimaginable capabilities for a seven-metre in performance, seaworthiness, comfort and safety. Along with a new sleek design that multiplies the space onboard."

Propspeed has been exhibiting at SCIBS since 2014.

"Australia is one of our key beachheads, especially the Queensland area," says Propspeed's Lina Leks. "We pride ourselves on offering industry-leading support and products to our distributor, business partners, and customers."

At this year's show Propspeed will debut a new product - Stripspeed, an easy and efficient solvent-based paint stripper developed to remove foul-release coatings like Propspeed without grinding or dust. The product has been developed specifically for Propspeed applicators to prepare metal surfaces for reapplication in just 30-min or less.

Whether from overseas, interstate, intrastate or local, visitors to SCIBS 2023 can look forward to an unparalleled display of everything boating and marine. From superyachts to electric surfboards, fishing gear to motorboats, jet skis and the very latest in marine technology, SCIBS has something for everyone.

As well as the place to find the latest and greatest the marine world has to offer, SCIBS also offers the Gold Coast's hottest VIP and Corporate Hospitality experience at The Lagoon Lounge. A ticket to The Lagoon Lounge offers guests a luxury social haven and the perfect vantage point to enjoy the show.

An all-inclusive VIP Pass includes: Exclusive all-day access to The Lagoon Lounge, Premium beverages including beer, wine and bubbles, all-day grazing menu, bespoke tasting experiences from our beverage partners, access all areas of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, live music & entertainment.

And of course, there is a host of family fun and entertainment, as well as exciting live fishing and cooking demonstrations, great food, and an atmosphere you just can't beat.

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