There will be hundreds of exhibits from the world’s best boating brands to explore sprawled over 36 hectares at the inaugural Gold Coast Marine Expo that opens tomorrow, Friday November 4 and runs until Sunday November 6.

The brainchild of Queensland’s boating industry leaders, the Gold Coast Marine Expo is a real community not-for-profit event with representatives from the Wasp Creek Rural Fire Service, the Rotary Club of Coomera River and the Rotary Club of Coomera Valley all volunteering during the three day event to raise funds for these community organisations and local charities Paradise Kids and Sailability.

Gold Coast Marine Expo spokesman Stephen Milne said it was a great opportunity for the public to meet the heart of the Australian marine industry and take a behind the scenes look at this vibrant industry.

“The Expo is a unique experience for families who wouldn’t normally have the chance to view the construction process through a factory tour or site inspection,” Mr Milne said.

At the time of writing, over 5000 metres of boats will be on display if all joined from bow to stern.

“There will be something for everyone at the Gold Coast Marine Expo from kayaks to super yachts, sail and power, new and pre-owned vessels. There will also be plenty of fun for the whole family with international food stalls, fresh prawns direct from the trawler, wakeboard demonstrations, a wooden boat festival, an artists quarter, Kids Club with jumping castle and face painting, Offshore Super boats display, YAK aerial show and mock rescues throughout the show from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter,” he said.

“The added bonus of free admission, free parking and public transport access directly to the Expo are all great incentives for families to come along and experience a whole new dimension in boating.”

The Gold Coast City Marina will stage a working exhibit with their huge machinery including their 150 and 50 ton ship lifts and their 12 ton forklift. The 2011 Expo will be the first time that the public will have a chance to meet the master craftsmen behind the products and services that are - Queensland’s marine experts including Quintrex and Riviera.

There will be myriad things to see and do at the Gold Coast Marine Expo with the marine industries most respected brands exhibiting at the Expo, such as Grand Banks, Custom Powercat – Hairazor, Seawind Catamarans, Cabo, Grady White, Bayliner, Trophy, Walker Bay, Feelfree Kayaks, Baysport, Seascape, Savage, Horizon Aqualine, Quintrex, Bluefin, Yamaha, Whittley, Catalina, Arrow Yacht, Ocean, Riviera, Hampton, Alaska, Endurance, Hurricane, Horizon, Glastron, Cobalt, Lifestyle Boats, MEC Yachts, Maritimo, Mustang, Stacer, Crownline, Princess, Runaway Bay Pontoon Boats, 80’ Savana, Scimitar Cat, Brig Inlfatables, Sirocco Inflatables, Sealegs, Williams Turbo Jet Tenders, Tailored Marine, Allison, Seajay, Clarke and more.

Organisers of the inaugural Gold Coast Marine Expo are calling on any artists who have not yet registered to participate in the Artists Quarter, which aims to have a wide variety of artists from all different backgrounds and mediums come together to create a marine themed artwork.

Artists will set up their easel or sculpture workspace in a designated area within the Gold Coast Marine Expo where they will have views of the water, boats and the Expo itself.  All artists will have from 9am until 5pm on Friday and Saturday to complete their marine themed masterpiece before they are exhibited and offered for sale at the Club Marine Carnivale of Colour, which will be held on the Saturday night.  A selection of works will be auctioned with 50 per cent of the proceeds going to artists while the remaining 50 per cent will be divided equally between two local charities, Paradise Kids and Sailabiltiy.

Admission is free to the Gold Coast Marine Expo, there is free parking and for a gold coin donation people can catch a shuttle bus from Coomera Railway Station to the Expo.

If you are interested in participating in the Artists Quarter please email your background and examples of your work to Emma Milne at marketing@gcmarineexpo.com.au

The inaugural Gold Coast Marine Expo will be held on November 4, 5 and 6 and will be open to the public free of charge from 9am to 5pm over the three action-packed days.

To find out more visit www.gcmarineexpo.com.au

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