Show preview: Sunshine Coast Marine Festival

THE Sunshine Coast Marine Festival not only incorporates the Sunshine Coast Sailing Expo but is being held at the Mooloolaba Marina and Yacht Club – coinciding with the reopening of the Yacht Club after a seven year closure.

Marine Queensland events manager Jason Plant said festivals were win win for the tourism and retail sectors and the wider community.

“The success of the Mackay Marine Festival earlier this year was a real catalyst for this event,” Plant said.

“Boat registrations are higher than ever before and even though times are tougher than in previous years many boat owners are still looking for ways to upgrade – whether it is to a newer model boat or through accessories.

“This festival will help provide both entertainment and showcase some of the very latest in boat machinery,” he said.

Springwood Marine has chosen the festival feature the new 2012 Four Winns H210 Bowrider, a complete new model and the only one in the country.

Adding to that Mercury Marine will unveil the very latest in engines, fresh from its international release – the 150 hp FourStroke outboard. This engine took out first prize for the prestigious Innovation Award at the recent International Boatbuilders Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) in the US

Along with the very latest in engines, marine enthusiasts can check out the latest in accessories and get up close and personal with more than 25 brands of boats with product ranging from sailing boats, offshore fishing boats, tinnies, fibreglass boats, engines, PWCs, marine electronics and accessories.

“This is an exciting addition to Marine Queensland’s existing event portfolio,” plant said

“It is a great opportunity to highlight just how popular boating in the region is and to support our members in the area.”

The Sunshine Coast region boasts a high per capita boat ownership ratio with one boat registered for every 18 residents.

“By putting on a festival that is solely dedicated to the on water lifestyle we aim to bring to the region the new product releases and the fishing talks and demonstrations that have been enjoyed by visitors to the southern based shows for years. 

The Sunshine Coast Marine Festival will be held 19th and 20th November, 2011 at Mooloolaba Marina.

More information availabale at www.marinefestivals.com.au.