Innovation, Technology, and Boats

(lots of boats actually)

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, affectionately referred to as SCIBS by those in the know, was yet again held on the Gold Coast. An event I had the pleasure of attending previously a few years ago, yet made a point of visiting again, and am glad I did.

If you have ever been to the golf and boating lifestyle hub that is Sanctuary Cove then you know how quaint the little harbourside village is. Now, imagine it overrun with displays of boats and jet skis of all sizes on trailers, plus tenders, inflatables, and motors – not just outboards, but massive big diesel engines large enough to power luxury yachts and commercial vessels, plus endless colourful stands of everything maritime – from life vests to floating tankless scuba set-ups, from powered surfboards to anchors, and everything in between, so much so you almost couldn’t find you way around the not so quaint village anymore.

Then, once you step inside the massive big pavilions you are greeted with a plethora of gadgets, technology, propellers, accessories, inflatable pontoons, power solutions, insurance, brokering, charter, and yacht-timeshare solutions, and a wide range of decking oils, sealants, antifouling, safety equipment, literally anything you could possibly imagine or couldn’t do without – all under one roof.

Now, If I had a week and three pages to talk about SCIBS I would have spent a whole day just checking out the latest multi-million dollar motor yachts and admiring their luxury finishes and powerful engines, sipping champagne in the VIP lounge (the ticket for which dangled all day from my lanyard), but I didn’t. I spoke to exhibitors ranging from a local innovator and his new Bloomer anchor design that has already hit exports in the short 8 months it’s been on the market. To the Pain Pod health gadget that actually feels great (Not just saying that I tried it). To manufacturers of battery power solutions for boats and RV’s, designers of  floating devices and heavy duty canvas fuel bladders. To proud producers of decking oils and antifouling solutions, and even underwater drones with video, dive-proof smartphone cases and beyond.

I also didn’t test drive any of the Bentleys, Teslas, or other luxury vehicles, nor did I sign up for the next golf course property development or luxury apartments, but I did stop and inquire about the membership at the newly launched Freedom Boat Club – because, boating is a costly hobby both, money and time wise, making this actually, an affordable short-cut. 

I grew up sailing all throughout my childhood and youth, I mean I was literally born with a jib line in my hand. Captain Dad, was always a pro-sailing kinda man. So, motor yachts just didn’t make sense to him. I guess, you are either a PC or Mac, Ford or Holden, sailing or motor yacht kind of person. And, it was all sailing in my family.

But one fact that is equal to both camps of boating is – they require maintenance, care, repairs, and bring not just the fun side of heading out on sunny days enjoying the open water…

So, if you can join and have access to not one, but three different vessels at a whim, simply book online, and literally just step aboard, go out with family and friends for all the fun and not be concerned about cleaning-up after. That is a good thing for time-poor fun-loving people. That is me, so I took a good look at it.

Then I met Chad, a South African now from Byron Bay who blew my mind with the underwater gadgets he had on his Underwater Robotics stand. Where I was inspired by underwater drones and jet skis James Bond-style; tankless scuba flotation devices, battery-powered jets, waterproof dive cases for smartphones, and simply too many other cool gadgets to mention. 

Next, I ran into young electrical engineering student Sebastian Boliops who currently interns at Flite Board (also based in Byron Bay). You know those remote-controlled powered surfboards that you would have seen zooming along our shores at crazy speeds which simply look like crazy-good fun?

Well, he is stoked to have scored the coolest job, before heading on an exchange program to Germany in September. Since late last year he has been entrenched in the technology, lithium battery research and development, and helping on all levels (including on their massive stand at the SCIBS) and testing them out on the bay – “the ultimate dream job” as he said.

Its crazy how technology has advanced! Power storage has opened a wide scope of opportunities in maritime applications, and the kind of gear you can get these days all around boating is simply awe-inspiring. I can barely recall attending Boat Shows with my dad in the early 80s in Germany and really, the stuff then didn’t look half as sexy nor did it do anything half as amazing as it does today. No wonder Dad just took note of things, then used his electrical engineering mind to build an improved version himself. Thankfully, these days with todays advances, technology and innovations, we don’t have to resort to that.

The first two days of the boat show were rather busy with true seafarers, boaties, and the kind of folks who actually came looking for the latest in navigation, safety, accessories, or a new ride. I deep-dived into the thick of it on Sunday, which was more of a family day. I bumped into a Jack Sparrow look-alike character and am still not sure whether he was impersonating well or was actually drunk.

Then, I met young Sabine Johansen, who at 5 years old was mesmerised by the almost real Pineapple outfit which delighted the streetscape. Apart from her, it was mostly the skippers who after a couple of afternoon bevies wanted to take selfies with Miss Pina Colada! Such is the harbourside scene…

As I come to reflect on the diversity of products, services, innovations, and latest vessel designs, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show has really stepped it up, attracting exhibitors from far and wide and punters from across all seas. Accents and foreign languages were heard amidst the crowds, professionals, boaties, and families mixed with casual day visitors and those just coming for their food and entertainment fix rather than the backdrop of boats, boats, and yet more boats.

Overall, a great boat show filled with happy visitors, content exhibitors, and surely a pleased organising crew. Having been an coordinator for some pretty diverse and major events over the years, I can appreciate what it takes to bring this calibre of maritime celebration together.

So, good on you team SCIBS, and well done! Ahoy skippers, sailers, exhibitors, traders, boaties, punters, and wanna-be Captain Sparrow and all – until next year! And, always keep at least one hand-width of water under your hull, as my dad used to say. I am off, into quieter waters now…