Yacht brokers' showcase

A short drive down the road at Sovereign Island, the southern hemisphere’s largest motor yacht broker is throwing a showcase of its own.

The Grant Torrens International Boat Show has been running concurrently with the SCIBS for eight years, though according to company founder Grant Torrens the two are not competing.

Torrens says the two events ‘complement’ one another in promoting the local marine industry.

Last year, the Grant Torrens Show sold more than $12 million of motor yachts in direct sales, with many more sales ‘trickling’ in over the following four months.

“We actually start our show one week before the Sanctuary Cove show and keep it running one week after. Due to the amount of marine focus on the coast it just makes sense to have our show at the same time,” says Torrens.

“We encourage people to take one of the four days off the Sanctuary Cove show to visit us. It’s a very laid-back atmosphere and more focused on the lifestyle. You can get away from the crowds and take your time, enjoy the barbeque and inspect the highest quality in motor yachts.”

Grant Torrens International Marine Brokerage Pty Ltd has been operating from the Sovereign Island site for more than 11 years. With seven full-time brokers creating around $80 million in revenue per year, the company is the largest single marine broker this side of the equator.

The company purchases and sells used and new motor yachts and is also affiliated with several other international marine brokers across the globe including Hong Kong, London, Monaco and San Diego.

“We display a wide range of boats from game sports fishers, sports yachts, luxury yachts and we’re even in the process of importing a couple of 120 footer super yachts later in the year – one locally from WA and two from the United States,” he says.

It was set up when the SCIBS stopped exhibiting brokers’ boats and Torrens says the event is growing each year.

“It’s certainly gathering momentum. People like to come down and view the upmarket vessels in a relaxing environment,” he says.

“I think we’re getting over the global issues with finance, cash-flow and consumer confidence in general.

“I feel that on the ground level because of the increased enquiry we’re receiving. It’s not just corporate either but private family enquiry that’s increasing.”