Boat India 08- an overview

by Marine BizTV India on 18 Jan 2009 In the wake of the terror attacks in Mumbai, Boat India '08, the much awaited marine carnival organized by Marine BizTV, took place at Le Meridian Cochin on 14 December 2008 with the inaugural International Boating Awards.

Offering the most in-depth and comprehensive platform, Boat India '08 covered every aspect of the Boat & Yacht industry worldwide. The three day event with regional, national and international participation featured charter services, yacht brokers, the latest marine equipment & technology and all other services and products associated with the Boat industry. The theme of BOAT INDIA 2008 was Trends, New concepts, Technology and Commerce surrounding the design and construction of Boats.

This first time boating awards were constituted to honour the outstanding contributions and craftsmanship of the boating and yachting industry. Awards covered 17 categories of the boating sector, including two special awards for the ‘Best Boating and Yachting Personality of the Year’ and ‘Safeguarding the Environment’.

The event coincided with the launch of the film venture 'DAM', directed by Mr. Sohan Roy and the Maritime Film Festival 'Ocean Blue', Dec 17-22. Sohan Roy, CEO, Marine BizTV and Aries Group of Companies delivered the presidential address. The award event was a visual treat for all gathered with dazzling performances including various cultural programs and traditional art forms of Kerala.

The event was attended by prominent figures both in the boat and film industry. Gulu Lalvani, founder and chairman of Binatone, the world’s second largest manufacturer of digital cordless phones added an extra dimension to the event, who also walked away with the ‘Best Boating and Yachting Personality of the Year’ award bestowed for his exceptional interest in Boating and Yachting.

Mr. Gulu Lalvani is the 4th richest man in the UK. His assets also include the £32m Royal Phuket Marina in Thailand. The other special award for ‘Safeguarding the Environment’ was taken out by HELMEPA (Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association). Dr. Peter Jansen, International Marina Committee (IMC), Germany, who is also a prominent name in the boating industry was the Chief Guest for IBA ’08.

Other winners included Gulf Craft awarded for the category of Best Yachting Video; Asia Pacific Boating for Best Boating media, Volvo for Best Marine Engine Manufacturer, Choguku Marine Paints for Best Yacht Paint, Club Privada for Yacht Club Of The Year, Royal Langawaki for Marina of the Year, Asia Marine for Best Charter Company, Marine Solutions for Best Yacht Management Services, Pershing for Most Innovative Interior, Azimut for Most Innovative Yacht Design of the Year, Marcopolo, Fincantieri Yachts for Innovative Product, Princess Yachts for Best Motor Yacht (30-80 Ft), Oceanco for Best Mega Yacht Builder (over 100 Ft) and Ferretti Yachts (Marine Solutions) for Best Yacht Manufacturer.

The jury for IBA ’08 included distinguished personalities from the Boating and the Yachting industry like Till F. Braun, Dipl.-Ing., M.IME(I), C/E, Germanischer Lloyd AG, Hamburg/Germany; Dr. Peter Jansen, Architects-Consultants, JANSEN MENN AC; Chris Hughes, Chief Operating Officer, Boattest,US and Simon J Arrol, Director Technical, Marina India.

The nominees were selected through online voting and the winners were selected from the shortlisted final nominees by the jury. Boat India ’08- international conference on Boating and Yachting was inaugurated at Hotel Taj Residency on 15 December 2008.

The conference was inaugurated by Mr. Gulu Lalvani at 9.00 am and Boat India Expo, the premier boating and lifestyle exhibition was inaugurated at 9.15 am by Mr. Eel Kent, Managing Director, Oceanco. Nearly 150 delegates from various part of the world gathered for the boating conference. There were two sessions included for the first day of the conference. The topic for the first session was Marine and Leisure Infra structure and the second session was Advanced Technologies in Boating.

More at www.boatindia08.com