2013 Gold Coast International Marine Expo

Exciting new attractions create the ultimate family-boating fest

The 2013 Gold Coast International Marine Expo is brimming with new attractions including the Expo High Divers presented by JSW Powersports and the Club Marine cooking show with Bart Beek to name but a few.

For the first time in Expo’s three-year meteoric history there will be a range of boat-manufacturing demonstrations from wooden-boat building through to fiberglass-boat construction of a new Riviera to Quintrex factory tours showing how the latest aluminium boats are made.

Gold Coast International Marine Expo spokeswoman Emma Milne said the event was so much more than a boat show.

“It is a not-for-profit, action-packed, gold-coin-charitable donation for entry and a family friendly event that offers a unique behind-the-scenes view of the diverse marine industry,” Ms Milne said.

“The Expo also encourages boating enthusiasts and exhibitors to come together in an interactive and memorable manner. This year we look forward to welcoming a host of fascinating new exhibitors and attractions.”

Everything from kayaks to superyachts, fishing equipment to jet skis and everything else in between will be on show over a three-kilometre display circuit. Live attractions and demonstrations will take place every 15 minutes. The Expo will definitely be an interactive and memorable event for everyone.

Twice world high-diving champion Steve Black leads the Expo High Divers and, with 27 years in show experience, he looks forward to wowing his home crowd.

“It is the first time the high divers have performed at the Expo and I am very excited to be part of this event. My home town is the Gold Coast and after travelling the world performing, it is great to be home,” he said.

The high divers will perform three shows daily with acts including a mix of Olympic diving, comedy diving, a 25m high dive and a daring fire dive to finish off the day.

Club Marine’s resident chef Bart Beek is an accomplished author, restaurateur and highly sought-after performer who hewill be sharing his wealth of culinary knowledge in humorous and entertaining live-cooking demonstrations on the hour every hour between 10am and 4pm on Club Marine’s stand.

The Coomera Cup is another new Expo attraction for 2013. In its third year, the Coomera Cup will be held for the first time at the Expo on Saturday, November 2. It encompasses a 12km kayaking course and three four kilometres laps around Foxwell Island. The Cup is open to a wide range of categories, ages and skill levels for kayakers. See the start of this exciting race at 9am and the finish at approximately 11am from the Main Stage.

Another new attraction this year is the Family Zone which replaces the Kids Club from previous years. The Family Zone is a massive 2000 square metre site dedicated to family fun for children of all ages. There will be a café offering healthy snacks and lunches, gourmet coffee with comfortable seating in a park-like setting to allow mums, dads and caregivers the chance to relax and unwind while the children are entertained with a kaleidoscope of activities. The Family Zone is open daily between 10am and 4pm.

Ms Milne said another interesting new attraction this year was the Sea World Research and Rescue Boat tour.

“For the first time at the Expo you have the chance to come down to the marina and tour the Sea World’s primary research and rescue vessel, Sea World 1. This boat has been involved in hundreds of whale, shark and turtle rescues around Australia. You can learn about the Sea World Research and Rescue team, what happens during a rescue and even see the specialised rescue equipment they use,” she said.

Ms Milne said Expo organisers were pleased to have a comprehensive list of new, live seminars and live demonstrations this year.

“As Australia’s only ‘working boat show’ we are pleased to host fishing talks by Doug Burt and the new Riviera seminars, which will give people an insight into how a Riviera boat is designed in 3D computer aided design systems. People will also have the opportunity to see the varying stages of construction and hear from Riviera’s passionate craftsmen as they explain the latest in marine design and technology,” Ms Milne said.

“We have an exciting line-up of popular entertainment this year with the Yamaha Supertank Fishing Show, the Jetpack Adventures Demonstration, a mock rescue demonstration from the Westpac Surf Life Saving Helicopter Rescue Service, the Flyboard X, and a Sealift Demonstration.”

In 2013, organisers expect to have more than 500 boats on display including over 100 boats on the water.

The Expo is a partnership between Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard, Riviera, Quintrex, International Paints, and Clipper Motor Yachts who founded and helped stage this annual not-for-profit community and family focused event. boatsales is the primary media supporter and we'll have some truly special giveaways this year.

The third annual Gold Coast International Marine Expo is set to break all its previous records, which attracts around 300 individual marine brands each year. Attendance at last year’s Expo defied industry trends with a 24 per cent increase on the previous inaugural Expo.

“The three-day Expo attracted a total of 20,752 people in 2012 from around Australia, New Zealand and internationally as counted independently by the Rotary Club of Coomera River, which is a tremendous achievement for such a vibrant and new event,” Ms Milne said.

Easy access including free on site parking is another major drawcard for boating enthusiasts from across the nation.

The Gold Coast International Marine Expo will be held on November 1-3 from 9am to 5pm with free entry and free parking. To find out more visit http://www.gcmarineexpo.com.au/.

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2013 Gold Coast International Marine Expo

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