GC International Expo ramps up the entertainment

by Stephen Milne on 22 Oct 2012 An educational and entertaining extravaganza for the whole family to enjoy is planned for the second annual Gold Coast International Marine Expo, which has a host of new attractions, live demonstrations, workshops and entertainment.

Organisers are tipping this year’s event will be bigger and even more entertaining than last year with more than 20,000 people expected through the gates over the three day, free admission event.

Gold Coast International Marine Expo spokesman, Stephen Milne, said there was a raft of family friendly educational events and entertainment.

'Our events calendar is bristling with high calibre attractions and activities that will run every 15 minutes over the three big days of the Expo,' he said.

'This year we have more than 40 new exhibitors, over 200 leading marine brands will be displayed over a 2.5 kilometre show circuit, more than 120 boats will be showcased at our on-water display and hundreds on land exhibits, and we have secured an action packed line-up of entertainment.

'Entertainment includes the RAAF Roulettes performing an aerial acrobatics display at 12 noon each day above the Coomera River. The Yamaha Supertank Fishing Show, a Jetpack Flyer professional will shoot up into the sky and fly the gravity defying jet pack along the river, a Class 2 Offshore race boat display and there will be an opportunity to meet the drivers from the Queensland division of the Australian Power Boat Association.'

Back by popular demand is the Quintrex factory tours held on the Friday, which will demonstrate the aluminium boat building process. Quintrex will have experienced welders on-hand to demonstrate and explain the latest techniques used in crafting Australia’s favourite aluminium boats.

Riviera will host live seminars daily taking people through the stages of their luxury boat construction from 3D computer aided design to the industry leading standard of highly sophisticated boats. Riviera’s world-leading engineers and electricians will explain the latest in marine technology.

The Westpac Surf Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service will be holding mock rescue demonstrations throughout the three-day event showcasing the skill and techniques used by their experienced crew.

'One of the major highlights this year for sailing enthusiasts and sporting fans is the chance to meet Olympic sailing gold medallists Matt Belcher and Malcolm Page, and we feel extremely honoured to have these two elite athletes come along to the Expo on the Saturday.

'We will also have a host of daily live demonstrations, workshops, presentations and seminars by Australia’s leading marine industry representatives including tips on how to build a standup paddle board by Dinghy Build, a Trailer Sailer rigging demonstration by Blue Reef Yachts, vessel steering maintenance by Marine Control Systems, watch the live demonstration of Gold Coast City Marina’s 50 tonne marine travel lift which will hoist a 54 foot Alaska motor cruiser out of the water and manoeuvre it safely back into the water, gel coat restoration and polishing demonstration by Sea Spray, and Planet Wrap will host an interactive Designer Coating Wrap demonstration showcasing how marine vinyl products can enhance anything from a tinnie to a container ship .'

The Expo’s Artists’ Quarter and the Little Pirates Kids’ Club will once again entertain the children with jumping castle and face painting, and there will also be a host of international food stalls and live entertainment.

'The on-water display will showcase an impressive 120 boats ranging in size from four feet to more than 100 feet, kayaks to superyachts and everything in between. The Saturday night Club Marine Shipyard party that is open to the public with free admission, is expected to be one of the many highlights of the Expo and there will be a spectacular fireworks display at 7pm.'

The not-for-profit expo will showcase the latest products and services from Australia’s and the world’s leading marine manufacturers with kayaks to superyachts and everything in between, so there will be something for everyone at the Gold Coast International Marine Expo.

The Gold Coast International Marine Expo will be held on November 2, 3 and 4 from 9am to 5pm with free entry and free parking.

To find out more or print the calendar of events visit www.gcmarineexpo.com.au