More than 100 exhibitors turn out for 2011 Brisbane Boat Show

by Bob Wonders on 19 Aug 2011 Following on from the recent successful Sydney International Boat Show, the industry is now focused on the north and the Queensland capital for the 51st Brisbane Boat Show.

More than 100 of the state’s leading marine retailers together with many industry ‘heavyweights’ such as Mercury Marine, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki will display their goods and services at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre over the four-days of the show, August 25-28.

The show will trade 10am to 8pm for the first three days, 10am to 5pm on the Sunday.

Apart from the opportunity to see the latest and greatest from the marine industry, show visitors will also be treated to a range of attractions, highlights including Brett Thomson and his Yamaha Supertank, daily fashion parades, the Mercury Gold Coast Bream Super Series, the Berkley Kids Fishing Show and Bart Beek’s cooking skills on the Club Marine stand.

The show offers educational opportunities for those visitors wishing to know and learn more about recreational boating.

Some of the speakers on the popular Fishing Boating Stage will cover subjects such as
‘Aluminium versus Fibreglass’, ‘Is Your Boat Safe’, ‘Setting up a Boat for Fishing’ and ‘Using GPS for Safer Boating and Fishing’.

Marine Queensland, owner/organiser of the exhibition, has pulled out all stops in a concerted effort to present a memorable show.

Former Wallaby and Queensland Rugby representative Greg Martin, these days a DJ for the Triple M breakfast show and a commentator on Fox Sports, has been named the Official Ambassador for the show.

He will be involved in television commercials promoting the show and will act as Master of Ceremonies at the show’s launch on Thursday (Aug. 25).

Martin said he was 'thrilled' to be chosen as the show’s ambassador.

'I’ve always been a keen fisherman and boating enthusiast and have a holiday house on Moreton Island where the family and I get to the water whenever we can,' he said.

Marine Queensland Events Manager, Jason Plant, said it was exciting to have such a hands-on ambassador.

'Greg has genuine enthusiasm for Queensland’s marine lifestyle and the Brisbane Boat Show is the prefect place to share fishing, boating and sailing tips with family and friends,' he said.

The fashion parades loom as a likely show highlight for men and women.

Fore the first time in Australia, White Sands swimwear will show off its Miami Collection with a line-up of high-profile models, among them the delightful Renee Gartner, Fox Sports panellist.

Creative Director of the swimwear company, Leah Madden, said the show was a celebration of the Queensland lifestyle and an ideal opportunity to show off the label.

'Blue skies, perfect beaches, sunshine and laid back people epitomise the lifestyle and form the foundation of White Sands designs,' he said.

If the glamour of the White Sands collection is not enough, then check out Australia’s World Championship Ski Racing Team, scheduled to contest the World Championships in September.

The team includes former Miss Teen Universe, the beautiful boxer/ski racer Lauryn Eagle.

While all these will add to the show’s appeal, importantly the 2011 exhibition features more exhibitors and more boats than the 2010 edition.

Headline acts include two of the best-known US boats, a Boston Whaler and a Sea Ray Sundancer which, both at 37’ (11.27-metres) will be two of the largest boats on display.

'Queensland boating had a tough start to the year with the floods, but the marine industry has shown it is made of ‘tough stuff’ and I believe it has triumphed over adversity in the last six months,' Jason Plant added.

'We invite all who have a passion for getting out on the water to come along and experience first hand Queensland’s best marine show.

'For many Queenslanders owning a boat is a very affordable lifestyle option that brings families together like no other.

'Make a visit to the 2011 Brisbane Boat Show an absolute ‘must see’ on your calendar,' he added.

Ticket prices for the show are $16 (adult), $28 two-day pass, $12 (concessions and students) with children under 15-years admitted free if accompanied by an adult.

For further information visit the website