To be hosted by Port Vell, a lovely Barcelona yacht holiday destination, The Barcelona International Boat Show will be once again the platform chosen by the main national as well as international companies in the sector to showcase their products this year. Around 250 exhibitors will introduce 70 new boat models, in addition to more than 650 boats on show, 50 innovations in electronic accessories and the latest motors, as well as a wide range of services, products and trends. The event, to be held in a context of gradual recovery of the sector, will also play a host to a wide-ranging program of activities and talks for nautical professionals and enthusiasts.
Barcelona International Boat Show 2013© Fira de Barcelona
Organised by Fira de Barcelona in collaboration with the National Association of Nautical Companies (ANEN), from 15 to 19 October the Boat Show will once again showcase its products and activities in the Moll d’Espanya and Moll de la Fusta in Barcelona’s Port Vell. In addition to the boats on show in the sea, from 8 metres in length, on land, visitors will also find all kinds of nautical products and services, as well as small boats and inflatables.
The President of the Show, Luís Conde, notes that ‘this year’s show exudes optimism, both because of the first positive data on the sector in the last six years and the quality of the exhibitors’ products and the ambitious programme of activities.’
According to ANEN data, registration of recreational boats has grown by 13.27% in the first eight months of this year, in comparison with the same period last year. For Luís Conde ‘this is only a first step, let us hope that the show can help consolidate this change of trend.’ The Secretary General of ANEN, Carlos Sanlorenzo, expresses similar sentiments: ‘The nautical season has been positive, with an average growth of almost 16% in the months of June, July and August, which reflects the stability of the sector to date.’
In this respect, the potential growth of the national market is awakening the interest of countries such as the United States, which this year is participating for the first time with its own official pavilion, thanks to a cooperation agreement with the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).
Launch of new models
Notable among the new products to be presented in Barcelona are the Rodman Muse 44, a motor cruiser made in Spain and a world reference, and the Sunseeker 75 Yacht (example is motor yacht Finezza), a luxury yacht that combines the experience of the British company in the design and implementation of new technologies. Moreover, the Lagoon 630 MY, a spectacular catamaran, is ideal for those who enjoy long crossings without giving up the comforts of a motor yacht. Sail enthusiasts will also enjoy two new models: Bénéteau’s Oceanis 60, a majestic deep-sea cruiser, and the Dufour 560 GL at the top of the range of long-length boats, for their appearance, finishes and features.
In addition to its role as a commercial platform, the show aims to stimulate initiation in sailing and encourage enthusiasts. Therefore, this year it has supported the development of the Beginner’s Guide to Tugboat Sailing, which will be given to visitors. It details the main aspects of getting started in this world, from diploma regulation, procedures and insurance, to the census of shore ramps on the Catalan coast. Moreover, a pass to use the services of ports in Catalonia with discounted prices will be presented.
A showcase of experiences
Moreover, a wide-ranging programme of activities has been designed ‘to attract all kinds of people – from beginners to experienced practitioners – and offer them new experiences,’ explains the Director of the show, Jordi Freixas. ‘We are even going to install a wave generator in the sea of the Moll de la Fusta for surfing enthusiasts, a pioneering initiative in Spain that promises to be spectacular.’ The event will once again be organised into thematic areas, where most of the activities will be held: the Fun Beach area, which, as well as bringing together products and services related to nautical sports, will have a trial area with access to the sea so that the public can enjoy beginner’s sessions in dinghy sailing, canoe, kayak, jet skis or paddle surf; ‘the sea’s space’, for the presentation of boat races, trophies or awards, and where there will also be debates and talks on the marine environment and sailing; and ‘Traditional Sailing’, where classic wooden boats will be on show and workshops held.
In the professional field, the show will once again offer a wide-ranging programme of talks and meetings, notably including the presentation of the new Law on Ports in Catalonia, of the Andalusia Ports Management Plan, a session on the current state of initiation in sailing in Spain and the signing of a cooperation agreement between associations of marinas in Northern Spain. Moreover, for the fifth consecutive year, The Freixenet Village on the Moll d’Espanya wharf, with its restaurant and terrace bar, will once again be the social hub of the Boat Show and the meeting point for professionals from the business and financial sectors, sportspeople and guests from the nautical world. Alongside the Village there will be an area of stands exhibiting premium products and the latest trends from exclusive brands in fashion, beauty, gourmet food, art and design.
