Friday 20 January 2012
By Damian Devine

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club together with Club Marine will host the inaugural Club Marine Pittwater Sail Expo, a community event to be held over the week end of 24 & 25 March, 2012 featuring exhibitors supplying goods and services to the professional and leisure sailor as well as providing information on sail training, club membership, cruising, dinghy and yacht racing.

Club Marine Pittwater Sail Expo spokesman Maurice Gilet said the Expo set out to achieve several key objectives and the overwhelming support from exhibitors was a good indication that these objectives were achieved.

“The Expo set out to be a true family event with free admission to attract more new people to consider what boating and Pittwater has to offer. It is a not-for-profit community event and will showcase the skill and expertise of the boating businesses based on the Northern Beaches as well as providing a platform to display a large range of boats on the floating marina. It’s a great opportunity for people to see the club first hand, witness our magnificent waterway of Pittwater and learn more about all aspects of sailing,” Gilet said.

Hosts The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club are pleased to have the largest marine insurance company in Australia, Club Marine, on board as the sponsor.

Club Marine NSW State Manager, Corey Yeung said. “The Hawkesbury River is one the most picturesque waterways in NSW and being on a yacht is one the  best ways you can enjoy and experience the beauty of Pittwater.  The Club Marine Pittwater Sail expo provides a great opportunity for everyone to learn about sailing, meet some industry experts and find out how easy it is to get out on the water.”

Day one will have an official opening by Federal MP Bronwyn Bishop, other local politicians and RPAYC Commodore Rob Curtis. There will be entertainment, food, club tours, kids competitions and product demonstrations throughout the two day event.
Situated on beautiful Pittwater on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club is the State’s largest sailing club and combined with its extensive racing, cruising and dinghy programs, lures many sailors to the club.  The club is home to over 1700 members, over 300 yachts, 70 hardstand boats and 100 dinghies.  It is anticipated that the show will attract 2000 – 3000 people over the week-end.

Held in and around the club house and on the magnificent floating marina, the Expo will feature an extensive array of exhibitors and displays covering all aspects of sailing and boating. The family, friendly event is open to the public and there will be no charge to enter. The Club offers car parking for up to 400 cars, however, a shuttle service will be arranged that will service local public car parks to assist with the logistics of show visitors.

For visitors, it will be an outstanding opportunity to witness the Club first hand, have a look at sailing boats, gather information about training, racing, cruising, kids programs and membership and gain professional advice directly from industry experts.

The Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) who provide an invaluable service for boat owners via their radio communications will be present and will be running the sausage sizzle & raffles and manning the car parks. NSW Maritime and the Water Police as well as other industry authorities will also have a presence at the expo.

The Club Marine Pittwater Sail Expo will be held on 24 & 25 March 2012 between 10am-5pm at The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club located at 16 Mitala St Newport.

For a list of exhibitors click here

For more information on the Pittwater sail expo visit www.rpayc.com.au/pittwater-sail-expo.