The 20th Sanctuary Cove Boat Show has been widely claimed a success despite earlier speculation that boat sales would suffer in the current economic climate. Visitor numbers to the show were the second highest on record at 50,600.
Boatweb sponsors and importers of Fountaine Pajot Catamarans EC Marine Pty report that they achieved record sales at the show, selling seven sail and power catamarans during the show with a total value of $5,580,000. Sales included the new Salina 48, Orana 44 and Highland 35 Pilot, as well as Lavezzi 40 and Mahe 36’s. Queries and orders immediately following the Show have also been very strong with an additional two catamarans sold, at a value of $1,090,000.
Other exhibitors reported strong sales in the over 40 foot category with many companies also claiming record sales. Walking around the show my own impression was that business on the marina in particular seemed very brisk.
Despite there being many large and impressive boats on display the one that really caught my eye was the Ranger Tug which looks like a proper little ship. Very charming and economically equipped with a 30 hp diesel for those of us who aren’t in too much of a hurry.
Around the Pavilions I discovered the Mobilarm VPIRB which I had not come across before. The VPIRB is a locating beacon that transmits your GPS position via DSC VHF or voice VHF to all vessels in range when automatically activated. This would useful for double handed sailors with a DSC VHF. If one crew member was below and the other went overboard the DSC VHF would be activated and give the position of the MOB directly to the vessel rather than to a rescue co-ordinating centre like a personal EPIRB.
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