Yacht and Boat Korea 2010 Draws Praise

by Kate Duryea on 24 Oct 2010 South Korean boat show, Yacht and Boat Korea 2010, has drawn praise from the marine industry at the conclusion of the event on Sunday, October 17.

Event organiser GnA International released attendance figures as 120,000 for the Boat Show and an associated music festival close to the venue. The Show drew 155 exhibitors including international companies representing 19 countries throughout Asia, Europe, North America and the Pacific.

International Marketing Consultant Barry Jenkins confirmed sales were made at the three day event, from October 14 to 17.

'The organisers confirm more than 100 sales contracts were signed totalling more than $US8.4 million during the event. They expect sales negotiations after the event based on positive sales leads from exhibitors could top $US35 million in coming months,' he said.

Mr Jenkins confirmed M-boat Korea sold a Crownline 340, two Crownline 250s and a Crownline 240EX.

'The Dyna 70 Laguna displayed by Blue Marine drew interest,' said Mr Jenkins. He noted that Jin-Ho Kim from Blue Marine said the company achieved its objectives of drawing inquiries and establishing the brands. The company displayed a Dyna 70, Sunseeker 48 Manhattan and Dyna’s Blue Marine 51 plus a range of vessels including a Pershing 45, a Donzi 38 XZF (USA) and a Blue Marine 36 to name some.

'Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) members commented the location, facilities and venue were very good for this event,' said Mr Jenkins. AIMEX members at the event included John Hogan from The Superior Group and David Vincent from Austral Propellers.

AIMEX member MultiPanel director Tony Russo said he was impressed with the quality of visitors and had made some good contacts with many ship builders.

Bellingham Marine made its debut at Yacht and Boat Korea 2010 following the company’s announcement of a decision to enter the Korean market. The Show was attended by Bellingham Marine president Everett Babbitt, company General Manager of Australasia John Spragg and BMK representative Simon Yoo.

Mr Jenkins said Marine Department Director of Komarine confirmed the company sold a Tournament 2100 Walkabout, a Tournament 1750 and a Tournament 2000 Bluewater.

'The Export Sales manager of Glen Raven, Caojiong Zhang, was extremely happy with outcomes of the event,' said Mr Jenkins.

Enterprise Florida Inc was impressed by the support and dedication of the civic leaders in developing the leisure marine industry in the shipbuilding province of Gyeongsangnam-do which is located in the southern area of South Korea.

'The state of Florida, USA, stands ready and eager to work collaboratively in the continued efforts of Yacht and Boat Korea,' said Julie Balzano, Director for Mexico and Marine Industry Sector, International Trade and Business Development, Enterprise Florida.

International Technical Sales Manager with Dometic Marine Corp, Ben Haynes, said it was the company’s first boat show in Korea. He commented the company’s distributor, Korea Intercool located in Pusan, thought the event went well with more than 25 leads.

Yacht and Boat Korea 2010 was part of an action packed activity program with an international sports fishing competition which drew eight teams and a Marina Training Program by the Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA).

The Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do, Du Kwan Kim, was guest of honour at a VIP lunch where he expressed his government’s thanks to those supporting the growth of the recreational boating industry in the region.

The Official Opening on Thursday, October 14, was presided over by government officials, industry representatives and visiting dignatories. Vice Governor for Administrative Affairs Seo, Man Geun welcomed visitors. The function was also attended by Lee, Hak Lul Mayor of GyeongNam, Geseong-gun who pledged his council’s ongoing support for the event.

Yacht and Boat Korea 2010 is staged at Danghangpo (Danghang Port), close to the city of Goseong which is easily accessible by air, road or rail from Seoul or the city of Busan.

Dates for the 2011 Show are May 4 to 8.

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