GC Expo hits heights, Stefan's Razar Cat, SCIBS invites exhibitors

by Jeni Bone, editor on 6 Nov 2012 Competing with all things equine today - great news from my own fair city of the Gold Coast, with a massive turn out of 20,752 for fledgling boat show, the Gold Coast International Marine Expo, held over the weekend under sunny (little bit windy) skies - all the better for enjoying the phenomenal performances of the RAAF Roulettes!

From all reports, visitors and exhibitors are ecstatic, organisers relieved and thrilled. I enjoyed much of Saturday aboard the brand new Outer Reef 63, as well as strolling the excellent venue and taking in the full range of exhibits, including more than 500 boats, at this year's event - many hailing it the best boat show for years.

At the pink and rainbow-hued new premises of Stefan Boating World, adjacent to the Expo, powerboat champ and hair mogul, Stefan Ackerie, launched his startling range of excellent little boats - selling them as quickly as they could be placed on the new factory floor. The standout though is the futuristically-styled 4.1m long Razar Cat, a hybrid jet ski and inflatable boat that is going to ignite plenty of interest, particularly in the lead up to summer!

Can't you just see this jetting around the waterways of the Gold Coast, Sydney Harbour, Port Phillip, Glenelg, Cottesloe and perhaps even Fannie Bay in the Top End?

Also hot this week, news of the hot new Capricorn cat for the F18 class, a collaboration between renowned multihull designer Martin Fischer and PSA's Chris Caldecoat; an update on Marine13; the pros and cons of the cruise ship terminal concepts (there are three in motion!) mooted for the Gold Coast.

Also, we have news of David Kellett running for ISAF presidency. David is a veteran of 38 Sydney Hobart Races and has been involved in the ISAF since 1991. As well as being the ISAF Treasurer, and a two-term Vice President, Kellett has also been the ISAF Technical Delegate to the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.

We have the full story today and you can check out his video outlining his experience and aspirations.

In other boat show news, the 25th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is now open for exhibitor applications. Organisers promise a superb event for this milestone quarter century, with a beefed up, family-oriented program and extra support and service for exhibitors. Check out the website for more.

Hope if you're having a flutter you get good odds. I am at the Southport Yacht Club today, enjoying scintillating company and superlative views, trying to balance a feathered fascinator on my head, supping Wild Oats and wishing I were out on the azure Broadwater (on a Razar Cat!)