The world launch of the Australian Customs Services’ 38.2m patrol vessel and the largest display of Bayliners in Australia are just some of the highlights of the 12th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show this May.

The four-day show, from May 25 to 28, is likely to have around 280 exhibitors by next month with hundreds of new boats and boating products on water and land. The show is staged at the marina and through the Marine Village at Sanctuary Cove Resort in south-east Queensland, around one hour south of Brisbane.

In exciting new releases:

Sea Ray Mirage has one of the largest displays of these American power boats outside the US with $A7 million worth of boats on display and up to 20 models including the new 510 and 38 Sunseeker. Prestige Marine-Bayliner presents the largest display of Bayliners at an Australian show with launches of the 2150 Capri Bowrider, the new Ciera Sunbridge (2455, 2655, 2855 and 3055 models).

The Yachting World Sailng basin features a great line-up of vessels such as Bavaria, Seawind, Scimitar, the new Catalina C470 and popular 320 models, Scanyacht from Sweden, Dufour and Jeanneau.

Sanctuary Cove Boat Show committee member Kate Duryea said visitors could expect to see some impressive launches. “There’s a strong representation from Australian manufacturers with major exporters such as Riviera and Mustang planning world releases. “The pavilion and open-air displays have been booked out for some months and we’ve had steady inquiries from the Asia-Pacific region.” New imports on show include the Cranchie Atlantique 48, the Gobbi 315SC, the Offshore 48 Pilothouse Motor Yacht and the 127ft Solway Lass.

Australian ingenuity is prominent with Sorrento Custom Boats, Collins Marine’s Arvor 20 Sports Fish, the Aussie Whaler 650 Offshore and the PowerSnorkel which allows two people to dive at seven metres for more than an hour.

Solo around-the-world yachtsman Don McIntyre is sure to grab interest – he’s seeking applications to take part in a race of McIntyre 55 yachts around the world. The project includes single-handed one-design and two-handed division. McIntyre and his wife Margie won the 10th annual Australian Geographic Society gold medal for excellence in 1996 for their year of isolation at Cape Denison in Antarctica, one of the windiest spots on earth.

For families, there are fishing and seafood preparation displays daily between 10am and 4pm by the Creek to Coast crew; marine safety demonstrations at the marina by Queensland Transport; and roving entertainment throughout the Marine Village streets daily.

The 12th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is staged at Sanctuary Cove from 9am to 5pm daily from Thursday, May 25 to Sunday, May 28.

Features of the show include the Yachting World sailing basin, the Bluewater gamefishing expo and a Super Yacht pavilion.

The show has grown hugely in recent years and this year, there is no boat show visitor parking on site. Instead visitors can either purchase a ticket from May 1 through any CityTrain station then be shuttled to the show from Helensvale station; or visitors can drive to Parklands at Southport and be shuttled to the resort. All inclusive tickets are Adults $A17, Concession $A12, Children $A5 for train transport/shuttle/entry or Adults $A14, Concession $A11 and Children $A2 for the Parklands/shuttle/entry option.