Mumbai international boat show opens Thursday
By IANSWednesday, February 23, 2011
MUMBAI - Aiming to highlight India’s evolving leisure boating sector, the fifth edition of the Mumbai International Boat Show starting Thursday is set to witness an array of boats and yachts, an official said.
The three-day expo to be held at Mumbai’s MMRDA Grounds will display a vast array of day boats, speed boats, security boats, personal watercraft, kayaks, luxury yachts and sail boats, boating accessories, marine engines and marine toys, he said Wednesday.
“The phenomenal growth and success of the Mumbai India Boat Show is proof of the potential of this market,” according to Maneck Davar, Chairman of MIBS.
“Every year, the show grows in the number of exhibitors and visitors. This year, we are proud to have some of the most exciting and luxurious boat manufacturers in the world,” he added.
To promote the boating industry in India, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), a supporter of the event, will Friday host an international boating conference titled “Harnessing India’s Waterfront.”
The show has official backing from the government of Maharashtra, Indian Coast Guard, the Yachting Association of India, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, Mumbai Port Trust and the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation, Davar said.
After the inauguration, the show will be open to VIP guests Thursday. It will be open to general public from Feb 25 to 27.
The on-ground exhibition area includes large stands promoting a wide range of small and medium sized boats, engines and water sports equipment.
“The success rate of the show has been positive. Last year we had 47 exhibitors participating in the show. This year 70 national and international brands are exhibiting their products, including five French companies,” added Davar.
The brands include Ocean Style, Burgess, Sea-Doo Seascooters, Sealegs Amphibious Boats, Fairline, Azimut Yachts, Chinkara Cars, Mahindra Odyssea, Tecnomar and RAE Sports, among others.
