Boat Asia 2006 opens in Singapore

by IBI Magazine on 21 Apr 2006 Boat Asia 2006 opened its doors to the public today at Singapore's Sentosa Cove. According to show organiser Suntec Integrated Media (SIM), this year's event is expected to break all previous records in terms of visitor numbers, exhibitors, national presence and the number of boats on display in the water.

More than 120 exhibitors from 190 countries are attending the show, which runs from April 20-23, and the marina itself will offer 10 special berths to accommodate large superyachts. SIM is also using Boat Asia 2006 as a platform to address the importance of developing the Asian leisure marine industry across all levels.

'Boat Asia reaffirms its role as the best international marketplace in the region from which to conduct boat-related business,' says SIM director Roel van Leeuwen. 'Now, we must also encourage international boatbuilders need to take an active role, in partnership with regional nations, marine associations, boat marinas, and major regional exhibitions like Boat Asia, in further promoting Southeast Asia's cruising grounds into a boating haven to rival The Mediterranean or the Caribbean. This is a developmental process that needs to occur across all levels of the industry,' he said.

A number of new boats will be making their debut in Singapore this year, including the Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40 catamaran, the Bénéteau Oceanis 343 and 523 Clippers, the Four Winns 378 Vista, the Grady White Sailfish 282 and many more.

Also new for this year is an online Internet booking system that allows boat show visitors to book an appointment to view the yachts on display. 'Book a Boat Viewing', which makes its debut on the Boat Asia website at www.boat-asia.com, provides an online directory of all yachts available for viewing, enabling visitors to apply online for an appointment. Exhibitors will then be able confirm, accept or decline the appointment.