'Boating Days' planned for Mumbai

by Indian Marine Federation on 20 Dec 2009 In India, the IMF has through its subsidiary decided to organize an annual event to promote the Indian Boating Industry, christened, ‘Indian Marine Federation Boating Days’, to be held 30 & 21 January 2010.

Mike Derrett, consultant to the marine industry, who has many years experience in conceptualizing and developing boat shows, is the leading advisor for this event. The ‘IMF Boating Days will be held near the iconic Gateway of India.

The event comprises of a display of boats, yachts and other associated products on land and on water. Also planned is an industry seminar scheduled to be held nearby at the Taj Mahal Palace and Towers Hotel on the 30th morning to be chaired and attended by leading figures in the international Marine industry and local decision makers.

The IMF Boating Days Seminar will through active debate amongst leading industry figures and members of local Government and Authorities, seek to create a platform for discussion on the potential of the Marine industry. It will establish the connection between the growth of the industry and national interests and will work through some of the hindrances that hamper the progress of this industry. At the end of the seminar, the IMF hopes to provide the Government with a blue print that will establish the Marine Industry as a worthy partner in the on-going economic and commercial progress of the country.

The Indian Marine Federation (IMF) was incorporated on January 10, 2006. It is the apex trade body of the Indian Marine Leisure and Workboat Industry and represents 80% of the industry through its membership.

Its main objective is to promote, encourage and protect the interests of all members who consist of individuals, firms and companies engaged in the marine industry or any trade associated with or allied to that industry. The IMF also disseminates information, provides training and promotes the boating industry through events and allied activities.

In the past three years, more than 150 boats were sold in India, most of these imported. The Indian government supports recreational boating and its growth in the country, initiating the first proper yacht marina in Bombay Harbour.

Some of the international brands represented in the IMF Boating Days are Alliaura, Bayliner, Beneteau, Bertram, Cantalupi, Crown Line, Custom Line, Esmario, Fairline, Ferretti Yachts, Gill, Gulf Craft, International Paints, J Boats, Jeanneau, Kawasaki Jetski, Marine Tech, Mariner, Majesty, Meridien, Mercury Marine, Mochi Craft, Monterey, Nautitech, Oryx, Pershing, Princess, Regal, Riviera Yachts, Royal Yachts and Cruisers, Sea Ray, Silver Craft, Sunstream, Sunseeker, Walker Bay, Walcon, etc., to name but a few.

Direct queries to the Event Director Aditi Parikh at aditiparikh@imfboatingdays.org or to the Project Advisor Mike Derrett at mderrett@uwclub.net