Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show opening day ‘best in a decade’

Exhibitors at of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show have been ‘singing the show's praises’, following reports of a high number of visitors and sales during the show’s opening day yesterday.

Taking place at The Marine Village, Sanctuary Cove from 25^th – 28^th of May, the show holds 300 exhibitors and £200m worth of merchandise, showcasing the different aspects of on-water lifestyle.

According to Johan Hasser, general manager of SCIBS, “industry sentiment remains strong”, with positive reports across all segments.

Exhibitors such as Garmin, Ultra Marine, Palm Beach Motor Yachts and Grand Banks, Whitehaven Motor Yachts, Stefan Boating World, JSW Powersports and Maritimo, have reported great successes according to SCIBS, with accounts of record sales and leads from many.

Brett Flanagan, owner of Integrity Motor Yachts said that he had seen “a really high volume of people through today, traditionally a trade day. It’s even better than previous years. Everybody’s happy, the weather is cracking! It’s as good as it can be!”

This year SCIBS is exhibiting a diverse fleet for visitors, from stand up paddle boards and jet skis to sports boats and motor yachts. The show also boasts a large array of gadgets, lifestyle products and equipment, as well as presentations and shows on different areas of travel.

Dan Leigh-Smith, dealer principle of Leigh-Smith Yachts said that the show had gotten off to a great start - following the sale of their £1.1m AUD Alaska 47 Sedan he commented, “The crowds have been steady and of great quality.”

The quality of visitors to the show has been a recurring comment from exhibitors; John Cowpe, representative of Lagoon catamarans, reported his team were “flat out with well-qualified visitors”, while Brad Roberts of QMC noted, “We have had a lot of good quality enquiries. People have been flying up here to see, touch and feel the boats for themselves, which is what it’s all about.”

New this year is the International Business Lounge and a Top Deck VIP Lounge for relaxation, networking, privacy and high-quality catering.

Tickets are still available for the show, which concludes this coming Sunday.

For more information visit Sanctuary Cove.