GOLD COAST MARINE EXPO: Event growing with new launches

Exhibitor interest builds with new launches for all boating bents and budgets

Exhibitors says a huge range of exciting new products has been confirmed for release at the 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo from October 17-19, spanning everything from superyachts to fishing equipment to jet ski accessories, with everything in between.

Among the products to make their world debut will be the first luxury powerboat built under the glamorous Gold Coast-owned Whitehaven marque – the 6000 Flybridge.

Designed on the Gold Coast and built by New Ocean Yachts, the Whitehaven range is built to handle the testing Australian conditions and deliver an opulent level of luxury.

"Luxury vessels in the million-dollar-plus price range make up only a small segment of the boating industry’s turnover at Expo but they will certainly be a highlight," said Event and Marketing Manager Emma Milne.

"The Whitehaven range has been developed by well-known Gold Coaster Keith Hanson, so the arrival of boat No.1 and its debut at the Expo will draw quite a bit of interest."

WHITEHAVEN 6000

Keith Hanson is a long-time identity in the world of luxury powerboats, having worked in the industry for over 40 years. Construction of the Whitehaven 6000 Flybridge and the soon-to-be released Whitehaven 6000 Coupe has been overseen by his son, Ryan – also a respected expert boat-builder.

"It’s exciting to be getting close to our official world release," Hanson said. "We were three years in the concept and design stage … and now we have a beautiful, master-crafted and meticulously built bluewater flybridge boat which we believe will make quite an impact on the industry."

"The Whitehaven 6000 Flybridge features the unique European-styled mezzanine cockpit, leading up from a hydraulic swim platform, spacious engine room and conveniently located tender garage," he said. "World-class workmanship is matched with the finest fittings and finishes throughout, ensuring this market-leading long-range cruising boat will define the flybridge category.

"I’ve built and sold flybridge boats for over 40 years and have yet to see a boat match the incredible detail and supreme finish of this boat."

The Whitehaven 6000 Flybridge was a key drawcard among a long list of products already confirmed to be shown to the world for the very first time at the 2014 Expo, with more to be confirmed in the next few weeks.

NAUTIQUE WAKEBOAT

Among these is the release of a new Super Air Nautique G21 wakeboat. Sam Greenland from Southport-based Nautique Central Gold Coast said the G-Series is the pinnacle of wake-sports vessels.

"Bringing a new meaning to versatility, the G21 gives wake-boarders, wake-surfers, and wake-skaters the ability to tune their experience from a mellow ride to the unreal possibilities the G-Series has brought to the sport," Greenland said. "It amplifies versatility with each wake and wave setting, perfecting transitions for riders at every level while maintaining a clean defined lip at any riding speed.

"Adding to the sport-specific performance of the G-Series, the Nautique Surf System can be equipped to create a fully customisable world-class surf wave, allowing surfers the ability to keep the boat evenly weighted and switch the wave from each side in seconds without the need to offload ballast and people."

"The inside offers more comfort than ever before, along with fresh textures that allow for endless combinations. The G21 also has a huge freeboard that keeps spray out and gives passengers a safer feeling in rough water. This depth makes the boat feel bigger as well, and both the bow and lounge have more square footage than in years past."

Greenland said the G21’s running surface was tweaked to make it work perfectly with the Nautique Surf System, and the changes have resulted in a huge surf wave, which is easy to operate and ride.

"The technology and design features of the G-Series have also been rolled into the Super Air Nautique 210 and 230 models, featuring the same state of the art engineering and styling."

NEW BRAND OF SUP

Another new release at the 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo will be the new stand-up inflatable paddleboard from Noble Boats International, complementing its range of aluminium boats sold through GT Marine at Burleigh Heads.

"The Noble Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board (iSUP) is made of very high quality drop-stitch fabric and our range has been thoroughly tested and proven to have no pinhole leaks, no cracking, and no air bubbles on the surface,” said Noble Boats International General Manager, Jason Lee.

"It is also highly durable, easily manoeuvrable, UV resistant and unaffected by intense weather (excessive heat, cold or humidity), fuel, oil, sunlight, or abrasion.

"The Noble iSUP is rigid and stable in the water and can be folded up for easy travelling, deflated, folded into a backpack, and is small and light enough to carry as a backpack – once you arrive at your destination, you can quickly inflate with a hand pump and allow you to go from backpack to beach in the shortest time possible.

EXPO DETAILS

Details of more new releases would be announced closer to the 2014 Expo date, October 17-19. For the first time, tickets are now available online for the Gold Coast International Marine Expo so savvy patrons can avoid lining up at the gate. Simply visit www.gcmarineexpo.com.au to pre-purchase tickets for any of the three days.

There is free on-site parking with a nominal entry fee introduced this year to help secure the future of the event and raise much-needed funds for charity. Entry cost $8 per adult, $5 for seniors with children under the age of 15 years admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Now in its fourth year, the Gold Coast International Marine Expo has to date provided over $50,000 to beneficiary charities the Rotary Club of Coomera River, Paradise Kids, Sailability Gold Coast and the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service.

For more information, and to book an Expo ticket online, visit the event website www.gcmarineexpo.com.au.

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GOLD COAST MARINE EXPO: Event growing with new launches

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