Geoff Folliott of Brisbane, a Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show regular, professional skipper and avid boatie, has won the $14,000 prize package for finishing 2011 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show Survey – the first of its kind in Australia.

2011 Sanctuary Cove Boat Show Survey Winner Geoffrey Folliott

Geoffrey has attended the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show “almost every year” since its early days, both as a visitor, an exhibitor and “helping a mate bump in a few boats one year”.

He says he was motivated to take the time to complete the survey online since “boat shows are vital for keeping the boating dream alive”.
“Boat Shows are the life blood of the industry and really inspire boaties, whether they’re planning or dreaming.”

But showcasing the yachting lifestyle is not all about massive yachts and exotic locations.
“Boat Shows are there to get people excited at every level of boating, from savouring the views over a glass of wine, to buying a small dinghy for your kids, or taking a charter, or eventually buying a cruising yacht to explore the world. Events need to inspire people to get up from the computer, get out of the house and enjoy the water.”

Geoff speaks from experience. He spent five seasons working as a superyacht Captain in Europe, as well as instructing and training hundreds of others over the years.
Now a father of two – Harrison aged four and a half and Amelia, two – he and his wife, Michelle, are very much involved in the yachting lifestyle.

“I am a Captain by profession, I teach yachting, sail training and I am an RYA Yacht Master Examiner. I also do some private skippering now and then. I am very busy!’

Not too busy to get out on the water, enjoying many family days on board a small sailing dinghy and lately, other people’s yachts. “We have spent many weekends out on the Broadwater on a RIB. It will be great to have our own!”

He is referring to the compact, sturdy and stylish Zodiac Cadet RIB – the 7.3’ yacht tender that comes complete with Honda 5hp engine. The other prizes include 6 x RFD Cyclone 150N jackets and 1 Kannad 406 EPIRB, a $500 voucher from Australian made nautical leisure wear Shock & Oar, 6 x Liquid Image Goggles, the world’s only swim mask with an integrated waterproof digital camera from Active Out There, 6 pairs of polarised sunglasses from BarzOptics and 4 pairs of Sperry yacht shoes.

The major prize, one which will thrill the young parents, is a trip for two to Hayman Great Barrier Reef, along with Airfares and transfers to Hayman Island. The package includes 3 nights accommodation for 2 people in a fabulous Pool Deluxe Room overlooking the sublime Hayman Pool and tropical gardens, daily buffet breakfast in Azure fronting the Hayman Beach and access to plenty of activities and experiences on this superlative island resort.

“We are very excited,” says Geoffrey, expressing his thanks to all sponsors involved, TetraMedia who composed and conducted the survey, and the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show team.
“I answered the survey online after going to Sanctuary Cove this year, because as both a visitor and an exhibitor, I know these are the two markets that boat show organisers need to juggle in their planning. It’s a great show, we never miss it. It has an impressive reputation to live up to year after year.

“As one of the country’s major events, coming up to 24th anniversary, there’s a lot of pressure on organisers to deliver. I hope my feedback assists them and exhibitors to build on it for a bigger and better event.”
Geoffrey’s comments about boat shows, Sanctuary Cove and others around the country and around the world that he has attended, were insightful and echoed the feedback of many show-goers.

“There is a price point on people’s relaxation time,” he observes. “Even though it must get more costly every year to put on a show, potential visitors and exhibitors will only pay so much to attend. Boat Shows need to appeal to the broader community and inspire people to grab their families and pop down to Sanctuary Cove for the afternoon. That’s how spontaneous people are these days, with so many commitments and distractions to soak up their time.”
The prize package presentation to Geoffrey, Michelle and family, will be held at Sanctuary Cove during early November.