Coast luxury enclave aims for boat show crown

SOVEREIGN Islands is set to be crowned winner of the boat show stakes when it hosts its own $50 million marine event two months before Sanctuary Cove.

The new challenge comes close to three years after the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show saw off a challenge from the Gold Coast International Boat Show and Marine Expo in the Coomera marine precinct.

SCIBS will not be going ahead this year but organisers recently announced a new scaled-down show, the Sanctuary Cove Boating Festival.

It will take place between November 13 and 15 as a free event.

However, Sanctuary Cove has been usurped by Sovereign Islands with plans announced by AMT Marine Luxury Boat Brokerage to host the first Sovereign Island Marina Boat Show from September 11 to 13.

The three-day event will feature up to 50 luxury motor yachts up to 120ft and worth a combined $50 million.

The show is designed to be a return to the glory days of the Grant Torrens International Boat Show, which ended in 2013.

The 2011 Grant Torrens show contained luxury cars, boats and even helicopters with a combined value of more than $70 million.

AMT Marine is based at Sovereign Islands marina.

Managing director Andy Taylor said 20 exhibitors, including The Boat Works and GC Marine, had already signed on for the show.

“With no boat shows so far this year, retailers and distributors are thrilled to be able to show their latest and greatest products,” Mr Taylor said.

Sirocco Marine North/ BRIG Queensland managing director Dylan Lopez said he jumped at the chance to exhibit at the show.

All events over the three days are free apart from the VIP event.