Boats boss slams Sydney
GOLD Coast marine industry luminary Bill Barry-Cotter still remembers life before Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) – and it wasn’t too swell.
The founder of Coast boat building giant Maritimo, speaking ahead of today’s official launch building up to next year’s milestone 30th SCIBS, said the first one was a gamechanger for sales.
“Before it there was a boating industry show run out of the Sundale shopping centre – and it was never much good,” Mr Barry-Cotter said.
“The Sanctuary Cove show of 1989, from the instant they put it on, we sold boats. It was superb.”
Mr Barry-Cotter said the combination of luxury boats on display and the world-class resort destination with on-site hotel was key and attracted international visitors
The best show was in 2008 before the Global Financial Crisis and Maritimo sold a record 15 models worth $2m a pop, with inquiries leading to that many sales again soon after, he said.
The outspoken Mr BarryCotter also fired a torpedo at August’s Sydney International Boat Show – considered the country’s other main marine event – for being too expensive.
“We are seriously looking at not going to Sydney or just doing something very low-key or going every second year,” he said, adding he felt the exhibition fees were too expensive.
But Maritimo’s love affair with SCIBS would continue, with Mr Barry-Cotter revealing he would make a major splash at the 30th in May, 2018, with a world debut of the firm’s new luxury X-series.
The X-series – designed by his son Tom Barry-Cotter – was Maritimo’s most technologically advanced in its 40year history and aimed to set a new benchmark in luxury cruisers, he said.
The $2.2 million X60 would feature an innovative “beach club” aft cabin which, at the push of a button, opens into a twin-level space with mini-galley and bar overlooking a swim platform deck area.
“It’s basically exactly how you would do a super yacht,” Mr Barry-Cotter said of the configuration of the 60 footer.
From today SCIBS officially invites exhibitors to sign up for the 30th.
The event has grown from 100 exhibitors to more than 300-plus spanning Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
Along with Maritimo, Coast foundation exhibitors for SCIBS include Superior Jetties and its innovative floating furniture, pontoons, jet ski docks and boat lifts and Leigh-Smith Yachts.
SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said he wanted to thank a loyal band of exhibitors who “took a punt” 30 years ago on the show, which now drew 40,000 visitors through in four days.