The southern hemisphere’s hip and largest boat show at upmarket Sanctuary Cove resort on Australia’s Gold Coast gets under way May 23-26 with a line-up that puts other Australian, New Zealand and South African events in the shade.In Asia-Pacific waters, Sanctuary Cove also heads the North-South boat show network, as recent hub Singapore struggles post-COVID, and China and Japan suffer deflation and other issues.
Germany’s Lürssen and Dutch yard Feadship are leading builders with assorted Asia-Pacific contracts, while the two Dutch super sailboat yards Royal Huisman and Vitters have both built superb yachts for media magnate Lachlan Murdoch recently. Likewise, Taiwan yards Horizon and Ocean Alexander, and Chinese OEMs that produce high-quality Alaskas, Hamptons and many others are filling the niche ranges for serious boaters in smaller superyacht LOAs.
Altogether, says Mulpha Events General Manager Johan Hasser, the event has circa 330 exhibitors, 750 boats and 2,500 marine accessories on offer in a complex that spans the waterways, Marine Village roads and specially-erected Pavilions. Attendance is about 50,000, more than Monaco, less than Cannes.
Fountaine Pajot’s Astrea 42 and the also-acclaimed Dufour 41 are among the sailing models to be shown, and their power vessels will include the recently debutedThe Yacht Sales Co has specialist knowledge of multihull construction, sales ranges and brand options, including resales, and has a lot of hands-on experience. They have offices in Southeast Asia and across the Pacific.Also being shown is the Absolute Navetta 48, which has four cabins all offering ample windows with panoramic views.