Belgian Boat Show to feature new seminars
By IBI Magazine
Organisers of the 20th annual Belgian Boat Show said that this year's show will have more boats and events to attract new people to boating. The show, which runs February 9-17, 2008, will have 220 exhibitors in seven halls at the 36,000sq m Flanders Expo in Ghent. A statement noted that this year's event will have boats that range from 2m (7ft) inflatables to 20m (66ft)-plus motoryachts. The show's website said that attendees are fairly evenly divided between watersports enthusiasts and those looking to enter boating for the first time. The list of exhibitors includes yacht and equipment manufacturers, but also a number of non-profit boating associations. "The Belgian Boat Show meets not only the needs of a loyal public already familiar with watersports, but also another group consisting of interested persons who want to venture into the world of watersports," noted the statement." The show's organisers said that several markers point to a current boom in Belgium's watersports industry. "The demand for yacht berths remains high, so much so that dealers find that yacht sales are dependent on the guarantee of a berth in a marina somewhere," said the statement. "A rising trend can be also seen in the activities of watersports clubs and the size of their memberships. Another important signal comes from the financial world: the demand for loans and similar arrangements, such as leasing, has increased markedly." The statement noted that the show will have more motor- and sailboats on display than ever. It will also have special theme workshops on electronics, safety and other topics as well as a One-Design Island that includes a representation of sailboat classes in anticipation of the 2008 Olympic Games.
(21 November 2007)
|
