INDIANTOWN, Florida/April 7, 2006 - Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to safely dock and maneuver a twin engine power boat without the risk of dinging or banging? If you have, then the 2006 Treasure Coast Sport Fishing Expo set for May 19, 20, 21, 2006 at the Treasure Coast Square mall in Jensen Beach, Florida, is for you! The Expo will feature the debut of the Chapman School of Seamanship hands-on Boat Handling Simulator.

According to Tom Knighten, Director of Development, Chapman School of Seamanship, "Safe boating is literally no accident. We are proud to launch our new Boating Simulator at the Expo to show our commitment to boating safety."

The Chapman BoatHandling Simulator features a four-foot long, twin-engine power boat that is operated by remote control. The remote control station features a steerable helm, twin controls with variable throttles and separate forward and reverse selectors just like a real boat. The boat, dock, piers and obstacles float inside a custom-made pool that will be located inside the Treasure Coast Square mall. "The simulator allows the person at the helm to dock, undock and maneuver around obstacles such as buoys, piers and pilings as if you were piloting a large twin-engine sport fishing vessel. This will be an opportunity for someone who has been considering the purchase of a boat to get a hands-on idea of whether they can handle the basics of safe boating without taking a real boat out from the docks. Safe boating is the hallmark of a competent boater," added Knighten.

Sam Yates, Expo founder, said the Boat Handling Simulator is a welcome addition to the Sport Fishing Expo. "Last year, we unveiled a virtual fishing simulator that allowed those attending the Expo to fish for, catch and land a sailfish. This year, would-be boat owners can try their skills at the helm before purchasing a boat. We will also set up some friendly competition between some of our local Captains to see who should hold the title Best Captain when it comes to docking and maneuvering. "

The prestigious Maritime School of Florida, founded in 1971, will debut the new Boat Handling Simulator as part of the kickoff of Safe Boating Week, May 20 - 26, 2006. The Chapman School of Seamanship will also conduct a safe boating seminar to augment the fishing clinics to be conducted by local fishing experts, "The fishing seminars last year drew standing room only crowds. To accommodate more fishermen and women, we have expanded the seminars to 2 days, Saturday and Sunday. Best of all, the seminars by local fishing experts are free to the public.

The 2006 Expo will feature for sale: nautical items, fishing rods and reels, boats and trailers, recreational vehicles and many other items related to the thriving Sport Fishing Industry on the Treasure Coast. "This truly is the only event of its kind devoted entirely to the Treasure Coast Sport Fishing Industry - a multi-million dollar industry that employs thousands of people in our local counties," added Yates. "This is our way of saluting that industry with a free-to-the-public event where industry leaders can showcase and sell their products," said Yates.

The 2006 Treasure Coast Sport Fishing Expo will be held at the Treasure Coast Square mall in Jensen Beach. Anyone wishing to exhibit or take part as a vendor should make their reservations now as space is rapidly disappearing.

Once again for 2006, the highlight of the three-day-long Expo will be the announcement of the inductees into the Treasure Coast Sport Fishing Hall of Fame. Inductees will be honored for their contributions to the Sport Fishing Industry on the Treasure Coast.

Space for vendors and exhibitors at the 2006 Treasure Coast Sport Fishing Expo is available on a first come, first-secured basis. To sponsor or participate as an exhibitor in this unique event, contact Sam Yates, Yates & Associates, or Max Media Advertising at 772-225-1292.

Yates & Associates is a full service public relations, advertising and marketing company headquartered in Jensen Beach, Florida. Yates & Associates serves select clients at a local, regional and national level. For additional information about Yates & Associates please call 772-225-1292 or visit www.YatesPRO.com. ###