SCIBS launches 25th anniversary show
Organisers of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) have laid plans for a spectacular event this year to celebrate a quarter of a century since the show’s inception.The 25th annual SCIBS, running May 23-26, will showcase a raft of international boating brands and marine products, as well as an exciting entertainment line-up.SCIBS government, industry and international relations manager Barry Jenkins, who has worked on the Boat Show for each of its 25 years, said the upcoming show would be a celebration of its evolution into an internationally-renowned event for the marine industry.“This is a great achievement for SCIBS and it’s shaping up to be a fantastic show for visitors and those in the boating industry to enjoy,” he said.“Many of the exhibitors who came to the boat show in its inaugural year will return in 2013 to celebrate this milestone.“There will also be a strong turnout of first time exhibitors which will make for a great mix of stalwarts and fresh faces.”Mr Jenkins said this year promised an exciting line-up of boating brands, with tinnies to superyachts and everything in between on show.In its first Queensland appearance, Horizon Motor Yachts will showcase its 110 foot P110 Tri Deck superyacht, while local manufacturer and long-time SCIBS supporter Maritimo will bring a fleet of its finest superyachts for a spectacular on-water display.This year’s entertainment offering will add to the excitement, with the Channel 7 stage returning with a host of daily live music acts including various local and national artists as well as roving musicians entertaining visitors throughout the Marine Village.Daily cooking demonstrations, stand-up paddle boarding displays and crowd favourite JetLev’s water-powered jetpack performances are also among the festivities planned.Marine industry icon and Maritimo founder Bill Barry-Cotter said reaching 25 years spoke volumes for the popularity and success of the Boat Show.“I have personally been involved in the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show since its inception and it has a reputation nationally and internationally as one of the best on-water boat shows in existence,” he said.Mr Barry-Cotter said Maritimo was celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and would mark the occasion by hosting one of the largest displays at SCIBS.“We look forward to displaying a number of exciting new and recently released models to the boating public,” he said.“Our recently released M58 cruising motor yacht and the new M50 will be displayed at SCIBS for the first time and will showcase perfectly the level of quality, style, design and luxury that we as a leading Australian manufacturer are able to achieve.”Mulpha Sanctuary Cove executive general manager Keith Allardice said the Boat Show’s success reflected the tireless efforts of its team and the ongoing support of exhibitors and visitors.He said more than 260 exhibitors had already signed up to participate in this year’s SCIBS and the team was expecting strong visitor numbers over the four day event.“Exhibitor bookings are still coming through so there will be a great variety of boating and lifestyle displays on offer for the whole family,” he said.Mr Allardice said he was confident that SCIBS would continue to flourish well into the future and shine the spotlight on Sanctuary Cove and its unique attributes and lifestyle benefits.