2 weeks til Expo, rock fishing fatalities, million dollar Maritimo
by Jeni Bone, editor on 16 Oct 2013
Excitement on the Gold Coast and among exhibitors from far and wide, as organisers of the third annual Gold Coast International Marine Expo gear up for the 1-3 November event - this year even bigger and better.
There will be a massive array of exhibitors from every segment of the boating industry, as well as several significant world premieres of new models and product launches. Best of all, from a visitor's point of view, as well as a the full program of entertainment, displays and behind the scenes access to a working boat yard, entry is by gold coin donation and there is free parking on-site.
There's something for everyone, we're promised, so see you there for the fun of the Expo!
On a sombre note, a new study from Surf Life Saving Australia is with the NSW government, indicating that rock fishing is the country's most dangerous pastime.
The risks are horrendous, and a survey showed, more than half of rock fishers are opposed to wearing PFDs. And, many of them can't swim. It's a terrible reality, and something Surf Life Saving is urging the government to legislate on. Read the submission. The facts and fatality numbers are chilling.
Back to happy - turns out, boaties are a friendly lot. A BoatUS survey shows that 99.4% of American boat owners are inclined to wave to others on the water. Logically, that means they are much more content than shore-dwellers! Sounds about right to me.
As well as surveys and studies, we have some great news about new models from Integrity and Riviera, Maritimo's new million-dollar powerboat, innovations in electronics and some new additions to boat shows both here and abroad.
Whatever you're doing for the rest of the week, please visit regularly for the latest news.
Happy boating!
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