Following today’s official opening of the 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo, there was a buoyant vibe across the massive event site. First day featured solid visitor numbers as well as exhibitors, reporting strong sales.

The 32-hectare Expo site will feature more than 200 exhibitors over a 3km display circuit

The Expo – open all weekend – is a marquee event for the marine industry and has delivered on its promise of “all things aquatic – from super yachts and jet skis to kayaks and fishing equipment … and everything in between”.

Expo chairman Patrick Gay AM, from Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, said the event was a great example of how a competitive industry can achieve a fantastic result by working together for mutual benefit.

“I’ve long said that united we stand and divided we tumble down … and the fact we united to stage the first Expo has ensured our survival,” he said.

“Expo helped its exhibitors to survive a tough time and the support returned to us has added weight to our push to dredge the Coomera River – and that’s happening right now – and to establish a Customs facility on the Gold Coast so we can tap that international marine market.”

Gold Coast City Councillor Cameron Caldwell Expo chairman Patrick Gay and Member for Coomera Michael Crandon celebrate the 4th successful Gold Coast International Expo

Mr Gay said the wheels were in motion for the Customs office to be open ahead of 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“It’s a great event and thank you to all our exhibitors for your continued support – the fact we have over 60 new product releases is evidence of that support.”

Expo committee member Stephen Milne said the event was founded – by Clipper Motor Yachts, International Paint, Riviera and the Gold Coast City Marina – to create jobs and boost economic activity.

“It has certainly achieved its goal,” he said. “We started Expo in a tough time because the industry needed something special to survive – it was an awesome opportunity to stage a truly unique event.

“There is no boat show like this anywhere in the world – and in terms of physical space it’s the biggest in Australia.

Expo helps raise money for charities

“This year we had to introduce a nominal ticket price because when it was a gold coin donation some people gave freely, while others did not. The fact is it would be impossible to stage this event without our army of volunteers and it is our pleasure to be able to give back to the charities which help us make it a success.”

The Expo has a record number of exhibitors, up 10 per cent and numbering over 220. There are over 600 boats on sale both on and off the water and over 60 new product releases – everything from boats to fun and futuristic water toys, practical marine products and accessories, as well as live attractions and demonstrations – and boat-building factory tours – every 15 minutes across a 3km long display circuit.

Delivering a special message from Prime Minister Tony Abbot, Member for Fadden and Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert said the success of the Expo was testimony to the spirit of rallying together for the common good.

“It shows what can be done when Australians set their minds to it,” Mr Abbott wrote.

Mr Robert then said he would try to have a naval vessel visit the Expo next year, to add even more flavor to the unique nautical event.

The Gold Coast International Marine Expo gates open at 9am again tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday, and there’s fun for the whole family with kids entertainment, the McDonald’s Extreme High Dive Show, Segway rides, Jetovator and Hoverboard demonstrations, cooking demonstrations and an amphibious boat demonstration.

See you at the Expo!