Countdown to Korea International Boat Show

by Tim Coventry on 2 Jun 2011 With just 6 days to the opening ceremony on the 8th June the 2011 show at Jeongok Harbour, Gyeonggi Province promises to be the another solid building block in the growth of leisure marine activity in South Korea.

'With Central Government backing for both the national 43 marinas plan and funding for new industry development with R&D support this market is now following the trend in neighbouring Asian countries with strong and growing economies and a hunger for new leisure activities' said Tim Coventry.

'Expect to see a very rapid growth pattern here as everything in Korea moves quickly. The infrastructure investments in new marinas and related retail, industrial and service facilities in Yacht hub developments are now forming the basis for property speculation, the first signs of private investment that will accelerate these projects.'

The Korean boat show, now in its fourth edition, is again hosting a round of the World Match Race Tour competing for one of the largest cash prize purses on the circuit.

The 2011 series Skippers are among the most successful sailors in the world. Their combined resumes include America’s Cup victories, world championships, a dozen Olympic medals, and countless hemispheric, continental and regional championships. Racing will take place in the 36ft Korean manufactured Bakewell White designed match race boats provided by the Boat Show organisers.

The Industry conference to be held on the 9th June has an exciting speaker line up. Heading the program is NMMA Vice president , Mark Adams. With a strong American theme Mark will be followed by top US Sport Fishing Captain, Anthony DiGiulian from Florida.

'The seas around Korea have many of the sport fish that we catch in Florida and right now there is little or no sport fishing so the opportunity to build a new high value industry sector that will support professional boating activity and promote tourism is an exciting prospect' Said Captain Di Giulian.

There will also be presentations relating to a new joint venture project building Australian Fusion 40ft catamarans from kits and a government spokesman from the Ministry of Land Transport and Maritime Affairs will present the current government plans for the leisure marine industry in Korea.

More at www.koreaboatshow.org