Sanctuary Cove will welcome an age old tradition, largely recognised by the marine industry around the world, to The Marine Village this weekend with the Opening of the Summer Boating Season.

The event will be held from midday on Saturday, November 29 and will see 30 vessels congregate at the Sanctuary Cove Marina for the annual Blessing of the Fleet bestowed by Father John Khoai from the Holy Family Catholic Parish Runaway Bay and a firework salute by Gold Coast Waterways Authority Chairman Gary Baildon.

The Opening of the Summer Boating season encourages boating enthusiasts, local residents and visitors to the Sanctuary Cove Marine Village on the day to celebrate the boating lifestyle and pay homage to the powers-that-be for a season of safe and bountiful boating. 

 Former Gold Coast Mayor and Gold Coast Waterways Authority Chairman Gary Baildon said he was looking forward to officially declaring the summer boating season open with the signalling of a firework aerial salute.

“I am very pleased to officially open the Summer Boating Season at Sanctuary Cove,” Mr Baildon said, noting the significance of Sanctuary Cove’s annual contribution to the Australian marine industry.

“The Gold Coast has the largest concentration of recreational boating in Queensland, and probably in Australia, after Sydney.”

Father John Khoai will conduct the formal Blessing of the Fleet on the day, a centuries-old tradition carried out around the world said to ensure a safe season for the boats.

Additionally, participating boaties are invited to deck out their vessels with colour and decorations, with the chance to win an award for the ‘best dressed vessel’, with an overnight stay and breakfast for two at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort up for grabs. 

Dean Leigh-Smith of Leigh-Smith Cruiser Sales at Sanctuary Cove believes events such as the Opening of the Summer Boating Season are the perfect way for visitors to experience the marine lifestyle in a relaxed, social environment.

“It’s all about having fun and enjoying everything The Marine Village has to offer,” Mr Leigh-Smith said.

“These types of boutique events that Sanctuary Cove does so well are a wonderful opportunity for the marine industry to invite people to get involved in the summer boating season.

“It’s also a fantastic opportunity to showcase the latest offerings from the boating businesses here at Sanctuary Cove. It’s a very consumer-friendly environment where visitors can relax and get a taste of the boating lifestyle.” 
 

Mulpha Sanctuary Cove Head of Events Johan Hasser said the event was an opportunity for visitors to engage with the boating community of Sanctuary Cove and for the marine community to come together to celebrate yet another year of boating.  

“It will be a great start to the summer season,” Mr Hasser said.

“Sanctuary Cove is one of Australia’s most important marine destinations; unique in that it seamlessly combines the boating business and lifestyle with an exciting social atmosphere and we look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy it at the end of the month.

“The Opening of the Summer Boating Season is an honoured tradition and we are glad to be able to share this with everyone including families, seasoned boaties, first-timers and marine enthusiasts. It will be a day of celebrations, with live music, great food and a chance to view some of the spectacular boats that call Sanctuary Cove home.”

Sanctuary Cove’s Opening of the Summer Boating Season event originated many years ago under the capable guidance of respected boating identity Commodore Neville Fallon, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Mr Hasser said it was an honour for event organisers to have Commodore Fallon’s daughter, Amanda, attend the event in her late father’s honour.

The event is yet another highlight on the Sanctuary Cove marine industry calendar, which also includes the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, one of the largest boat and marine lifestyle events in the Asia Pacific region.

Now in its 27^th year, the Show will take place from 21-24 May, attracting more than 40,000 visitors and offering an exciting program of live entertainment, a fun kids zone, celebrity cooking shows, the popular Women on Water events and more.

The $A2 billion Sanctuary Cove Resort, located on the northern Gold Coast, is Australia’s leading and most successful master-planned community.

Featuring two 18 hole championship golf courses, a 330 berth marina, five-star InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Country Club including full fitness centre, tennis courts and 25m swimming pool, Sanctuary Cove is also home to some of the most diverse waterfront, golf course fronting or hilltop residential house and land options on the Gold Coast.

At the heart of the community is The Marine Village – Sanctuary Cove’s vibrant precinct featuring more than 80 tenancies, including a selection of shopping, cafes, business services, restaurants and bars.