Biggest ever boat show in Stockholm
By IBI Magazine/Lars-Åke Redéen
This year's Stockholm International Boat Show will be the biggest boat show ever organised in Scandinavia, with over 1000 boats on display and attendance expected to reach 110,000 visitors across the 10 days.
Running from March 1-9, Stockholm's show is usually the region's largest, but this year it is bigger than ever before. In addition to the Alpha, Bravo and Charlie halls, an additional hall — the Suzuki hall — will be used by the show.
Swedish importer of Suzuki outboard engines KGK Suzuki, Hella components and lighting, Sea Star and Capelli boats, and many other marine brands will all exhibit in the new space.
"After a 20 per cent increase in boat sales during the latest season, the Stockholm International Boat Show will be the most important marketplace for all boating enthusiasts in Sweden," says Thomas Sandberg, project manager for Stockholm International Boat Show.
"It's the variety that makes Stockholm International Boat Show so attractive. Everyone in the family can find their favourite thing here. Children can surf in ExtremeCorner, the latest marine fashion is on show, and visitors can browse through masses of marine gadgets as well as look at what's new in water sports, sails, engines and boats," says Sandberg.
The environment will be a particular focus at this year's show. A new environmental organisation consisting of 19 different authorities and organisations will present its 12-point programme to reduce the environmental impact of boating in Sweden. Three boats equipped with electrical engines will be on display at the show's design and innovation exposition.
Among the show's premieres are the Bryant 233CC, Nimbus 27 S, Skorgenes 445 and the Nordstar 40. Sailboats being unveiled at Stockholm include the Bavaria 40, Oceanis 31, Brenta 38SL and Nacra Infusion.
Boating has increased steadily over the last ten years, with around two million Swedes using leisure boats every year. The number of boats sold in Sweden increased by 20 per cent from 2006 to 2007, making Swedish boating an industry worth around 15 billion SEK.
With the increased interest in boating, the Swedish boat industry is unable to keep up with the market. Many boatbuilders from other countries will be displaying at Stockholm International Boat Show 2008, hoping to take advantage of this growing market.
Stockholm International Fairs AB is the organiser of Stockholm International Boat Show in collaboration with Sweboat - the Swedish Marine Industries Federation.
(19 February 2008)
|
