Nansha Boat Show - China's growing interest in all things nautical

by Guy Nowell, Sail-World Asia/SW Cruising on 12 Aug 2013 60 days to go to the Nansha Marina Boat Show, otherwise known as ‘Yacht CN’. Where is Nansha? One of the most thriving of coastal areas on the Pearl River Delta in China, just over the water from Hong Kong. They are heavily promoting their Boat Show-to-come, more evidence of China's growing interest in all things nautical. Read on, to see just how heavily.

Last night was the ‘Yacht CN 60 Days Countdown Extravaganza’ hosted by, and at, Nansha Marina. Media and exhibitors associated with what will be only the second Nansha Boat Show were treated to a buffet dinner, water ballet, dancing and a few speeches before Eric Fok, Commodore of Nansha Marina Club and Director of Fok Ying Tong Group, lit the 60 days Countdown Flame, assisted by Alastair Morgan, British Consul-General in Guangzhou. Yes, it was all very Olympic.

Nansha Marina’s Yacht CN 2013 will take place 10-13 October 2013.

Last year’s inaugural event was both boat show and conference. It was a good opportunity to fill up (partly, at least) the spacious and very well-appointed Nansha Marina which is now almost two years old and still looking rather empty. 17 boats were reported ‘sold’ at the show, ‘exceeding RMB100m in value’. If this is so, then they didn’t stay in Nansha – there are currently 10 berths occupied.

Above: Sailing crew gear, Chinese style, interesting.

At last night’s ceremony, guests were reminded that Yacht CN involved over 50 exhibitors, and had 60 boats on display. Exhibitors were said to be delighted that ‘the quality and number of visitors have exceeded our expectations,’ and overseas marine industry visitors declared that ‘the level of organisation complies with the highest international standards.’

This year’s event has been extended to four days, ‘by popular demand’, of which two will be Trade & VVIP Days ‘in order to improve visitor experience’. Yacht CN 2013 will also include a Lifestyle section, showing off a range of luxury cars and private jets, and a ‘massive Pearl River Delta Nansha Sailing Rally gathering yachts from all over Hong Kong, and Macau.’

If you are up for a rally and anywhere in reach of the Pearl Delta, you can find further information on their website:

www.yachtcn.net