THE inaugural XCAT World Series event on the Gold Coast has thrilled spectators and organisers who hope to win over even more fans next year.
The international Dubai-based watersports race series had its debut on the Gold Coast at the weekend, with Doug Jennings Park hosting crowds of up to 30,000 over the three days, exceeding organisers’ expectations by 20,000.
Australian Powerboats Association national director Russell Embleton said the committee had already debriefed about changes for next year, which included changing the date of the event so it did not coincide with whale migration season.
He said they would spend more time devising a course design after community groups lashed out at the initial course, which ran through Moreton Bay Marine Park.
“Whale migration is a concern but in saying that, where we ended up with the course was appropriate, but we’ll definitely look at that again next year and make sure,” he said.
Mayor Tom Tate said he would try to make the Gold Coast leg of the race, which will be held every year until 2020, more of a regional celebration.
“The event was a tremendous success but I think there’s a lot we can learn out of it,” Cr Tate said.
“This year we focused on the Gold Coast, and people asked me why we didn’t involve Brisbane and the Sunny Coast and it’s a good point.”
He also mentioned the idea of building a ferry terminal at The Spit.
“When we have world events, such as this, people will be able to get in by the water easily.
“I think we should utilise our waterway more and we’re looking at building a ferry terminal service for next year.”
The event was said to have brought up to $3 million into the local economy, with the Gold Coast splashed on 400 million televisions from China to Europe.
Local Tom Scantlebury treated his son and neighbour to a day out at the event and they even brought their own scooters and skateboards to avoid parking troubles.
“We brought our own public transport,” he said.
“The event looks great thought and there should be more of this on the off season.
“It’s good for the Coast to be diverse and not just all about the beach but have different events as well.”
