GC Marine Expo - Winner Mark is Rib-Ready thanks to Sirocco score

by Emma Milne on 17 Nov 2014 Mark Hoult admits that winning a Sirocco tender at this year’s Gold Coast International Marine Expo could not have come at a better time.

'I’m just about to put my 22-foot Steber cruiser on the water for this summer after a year of getting it ready … and I was definitely in the market for a tender,' he said.

'I actually went to the Expo this year specifically to look at tenders so I’m absolutely rapt at winning the Sirocco RIB.'

Mark, who has attended the Expo for the past three years, was automatically entered into the draw for the Sirocco 240 RIB – generously donated by Sirocco Marine North – after purchasing his Expo tickets online through the new portal provided by event partner, Gold Coast Tickets.

Mark admits, with a grin, that his grandkids have already tried out the RIB floating around his pool but he resisted their pleas to attach the Honda 2.3-horsepower motor.

'Not sure how that would have worked with the Creepy Crawley,' he laughed. 'But it will sure come in handy this summer as we punt around the Gold Coast Broadwater, and maybe even head up to Peel Island.'

Dylan Lopez from Sirocco Marine North said the fully accessorised Sirocco 240 RIB was ‘a great little tender package’ and was perfectly paired with the Honda 2.3hp with hand-throttle – the lightest 4-stroke on the market.

'Mark was super excited to win and this boat was on his short list to buy … so I’m happy to give him one and hope he’s back next year to try to win another one,' said Dylan.

'I’ve supported the Expo since its inception because I believe it has endless growth potential and it has such a positive impact on the marine economy,' he said.

'In fact I believe it has the potential to be the biggest boat show in Australia. Other marine events take decades to establish the credibility and exhibitor recognition that this Expo has achieved in just four years.

'The location – at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct – is perfect for a boating and lifestyle show of a really big scale.'

The Gold Coast International Marine Expo – held this year from October 17-19 – was established by the marine industry for the marine industry and provides visitors with a timely opportunity to get everything they need to get on the water making memories each summer.

This year there were more than 60 new product releases of everything from super yachts to kayaks, jet skis and fishing equipment … and everything else in between.

Carly Snodgrass from Gold Coast Tickets said online ticketing for community events saved long queues at the gates and freed up charity partners to focus on helping events, particularly non-profit events, to be an even greater success.
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'This year the Expo crowd was almost on a par with last year and we were able to instantly collect information on ticket sales and provide cash receipting for the organisers,' she said.

'We really enjoyed being involved and are very thankful to Sirocco Marine North for partnering with us for the giveaway.'

Expo Event and Marketing Manager Emma Milne also paid tribute to Dylan and the Sirocco Marine North team, to the foresight of the founding partners Riviera Australia, Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard, Quintrex, International Paint and Clipper Motor Yachts, and to new partners National Australia Bank and McDonald’s Children’s Charities.

'I’d also like to thank all the charity partners who worked so tirelessly with us to help make the event such a success,' she said. 'We wouldn’t be able to conduct the event without them.'

This year’s official beneficiary charities were Rotary Club of Coomera River, Sea World Research and Rescue Foundation, Sailability Gold Coast and the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service.

Dates for the 2015 Gold Coast International Marine Expo will be announced shortly.

Last word for prize winner Mark: 'I quite enjoyed the Expo this year – I go to several boat shows and camping shows to catch up with friends and always wonder who wins these types of prizes – as it turns out it’s people like Event website