A wide range of fun and exciting new products are set to be launched at the 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo from 17-19 October. Some of these will make their premiere in Queensland, some of them in Australia… and some of them will be presented for the first time in the world.
The growing list of product premieres – already more than double last year’s number – includes some of the world’s most esteemed marine brands and certainly delivers on the Expo promise of being ‘much more than a boat show’.
Expo chairman Patrick Gay AM said the event will feature ‘all things aquatic – from super yachts to kayaks, jet skis to fishing equipment … and everything in between’.
“In fact, ‘everything’ casts such a wide net that it also covers style-setting marine fashion, practical safety equipment, fantastic fun accessories, much-needed maintenance products and all sorts of handy gadgets and gizmos designed to make your summer on the water one to treasure for a lifetime,” he said.
“We are extremely excited by the massive vote of confidence the marine industry has shown in the Expo – early demand prompted us to expand the event site and the fact we are almost 100 per cent full with trade exhibitors reinforces that our decision to bring the date of the Expo forward was correct.
“It really is the best chance to get out on the water before the summer rush and, with live attractions and demonstrations every 15 minutes, we are supremely confident that this year’s Expo will indeed be the biggest and best yet.”
The huge range of new and innovative boats to be unveiled at this year’s Expo, at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct at Coomera, ranges from luxurious sports yachts and specialist fishing vessels to family recreation boats and inflatable dinghies.
And as for toys, Event & Marketing Manager Emma Milne advises to get set for a great summer with the debut of the fastest production jet ski on the planet, the first-release of futuristic and fun personal water craft accessories, as well as power-assisted snorkelling equipment and versatile inflatable water toys such as stand-up paddleboards.
“The Expo is so much more than just a boat show,” she said. “We have extreme high-diving, fishing and live cooking demonstrations, the 12km Coomera Cup paddle race, factory tours as well as a heap of activities for the kids … and for those young-at-heart.
“It really is going to be a whole lot of fun for everyone.”
The not-for-profit Expo will again offer free on-site parking for visitors and has a nominal entry fee of $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, and children under the age of 15 years are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. All proceeds will go towards supporting beneficiary charities – Rotary Club of Coomera River, Sailability Gold Coast, Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service and the Sea World Research & Rescue Foundation.
Just a sample of the futuristic and fun toys to premiere at Expo
Looking forward to fun on the water? This summer is shaping up as one of the best yet with a massive range of terrific toys and cool contraptions set for release at the 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo from 17-19 October.
Event & Marketing Manager Emma Milne said experiencing life beneath the water is about to get a whole lot more interesting with the release of the new Sea-Doo Seascooter from RIB Force Inflatables.
“This surprisingly affordable power-assisted snorkelling device is a bold way to experience the Big Blue, to explore local beaches or just have even more fun in the pool,” she said.
The Expo – to be held at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct at Coomera – has also been confirmed for the official Queensland release of the highly anticipated, limited edition 2015 Kawasaki Ultra 310R – the fastest Jet Ski on the planet.
Ms Milne said the 310R – at the Jet Ski World stand – draws on decades of championship-winning racing experience and its deep-V hull design offers superb straight-line tracking and precise cornering … and excellent all-day comfort.
“And as far as cool contraptions go, the Hoverboard is possibly the most anticipated futuristic thrill-seeking accessory of all time. It was in the 1989 blockbuster Back to the Future II that Marty McFly (aka Michael J Fox) introduced the world to the hoverboard – a jet-propelled skateboard without wheels,” she said.
“Rumours have persisted since the movie’s release that hoverboards were in fact real and, even after a series of false starts, that they were scheduled to hit the market on October 21, 2015 … again courtesy of the fictional Back to the Future II.
“The fact is: they weren’t real … until now!”
The Hoverboard has been described as a cross between wakeboarding and flying and taps the thrust of personal water craft to create adrenalin-pumping fun.
“It’s been said that: ‘if this is not the way you imagined a hoverboard would work, that’s ok … it might be time to accept that the future may be better than we first imagined’,” said Ms Milne.
And then there’s the Jetovator, which also taps the power of personal water craft – it combines the acrobatic aptitudes of an aircraft with simplicity of riding a motorbike and meets the growing demand for innovative and exciting water sports experiences.
“Shoreline Jet Skis will introduce The Tubby, which transforms your personal water craft into the ultimate fishing machine,” said Ms Milne. “This is an innovative design which offers more stability, more storage … and more functionality. It latches on and off in seconds, has a built-in cutting board and prep area, adjustable rod-holders … and more.”
Ms Milne said Gold Coast Boat and Jet Ski Licensing will also be offering an approved online learning environment that offers the flexibility of completing the theory component of boat or personal water craft licences in your own time, online.