Gold Coast Marine Expo coming up

The second annual Gold Coast International Marine Expo on November 2, 3 and 4 will mark a number of ‘firsts’ for exhibitors, feature a raft of new attractions and interactive displays, and cement its position as one of the most innovative boating lifestyle expositions in Australia.

The not-for-profit event will showcase the latest products and services from Australia’s leading marine manufacturers -- from kayaks to superyachts and everything in between.

There will be a significant number of ‘firsts’ at this year’s event including the new BRIG Eagle 650 from Sirocco Marine. 

Havana Houseboats will showcase its latest live-aboard houseboat, the glamorous new G52 with 90 per cent of the exterior wall being glass windows.

At the other end of the spectrum, the new V72 from Princess is pure high-performance boating luxury from the UK.

Local marque Savage has new half-cabin models in their fibreglass range, while Get Wet Boating will have a 585C Cabin model on display at the Expo.

Leigh-Smith Cruiser Sales will be launching a new version of the Alaska 46 Flybridge, Jetski World will be unveiling the new Kawasaki 2013 ultra 300x PWC, while Tailored Marine will release their new TMA27 Recreational Centre Console trailerboat.

Silentwind will debut the new-generation of wind generators, while the Australian Marine Centre will launch the new 1600 Allrounder from Tournament Pleasure Boats.

The new Sanya 57 from Multihull Solutions and the 445 SUV from Riviera will have Queensland debuts. Both of these boats have been tested by our crew hereabouts.

With more than 30 new exhibitors, the Gold Coast International Marine Expo is tipped to be bigger, better and even more entertaining than last year.

Gold Coast International Marine Expo spokesman Stephen Milne said more than 20,000 people were expected through the gates over the three-day-and-free-admission event.

"We have more than 200 leading marine brands on display and this is continuing to grow daily in the lead up to the Expo," Milne said.

"These brands will be displayed over a 2.5 kilometre circuit and the Expo will once again support our valued community groups, the Rotary Club of Coomera River, Sailability, Wasp Creek Rural Fire Service, Paradise Kids and the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter Rescue Service.

"We have an exciting line-up of entertainment this year, with the RAAF Roulettes performing an aerial acrobatics display at 12 noon each day above the Coomera River.

"There is also the Yamaha Supertank Travelling Fishing Show, the Jetlev Jetpack Flyer Australia, a Class 2 Offshore race boat display and the opportunity to meet the drivers from the Queensland division of the Australian Power Boat Association.

"The Artists’ Quarter and the Little Pirates Kids’ Club will once again entertain the children, with a jumping castle and face painting, plus a host of international food stalls and live entertainment," Milne said.

The on-water display will showcase an impressive 120 boats ranging in size from four feet to more than 100 feet. At the time of writing, 60 individual exhibitors have been confirmed and the daily events plan is considerably greater than last year.

The Saturday night Shipyard party that is open to the public with free admission is expected to be one of the many highlights of the Expo, which culminates with a spectacular fireworks display at 7pm. 

The second annual Gold Coast International Marine Expo has also announced the Nine Network as official television media partner who will launch an exciting national viewer competition on the Today Show in the lead up to the Expo. The show will be open from 9am to 5pm over three action-packed days. 

To find out more visit www.gcmarineexpo.com.au.