This year’s Hong Kong International Boat Show was held from November 29 to December 1, featuring an amazing display of boats. These were showcased by leading dealers as well as manufacturers from around the world, carrying a total price tag that exceeded HK$300 million.

Hong Kong International Boat Show 2013

The three-day Show, organised by Club Marina Cove, had on display a wide range of boats, equipment and accessories from Italy, France, USA, UK, China, Sweden, Germany, Japan and Taiwan.

Top of the list were – the Pershing 82 superyacht and the Ferreti 690 yacht from Italy; Jeanneau from France; the Fairline Squadron 78 yacht and 50 from UK; Bayliner and Quicksilver from the USA. Newly launched exhibits include the all-aluminum Schaaf – Crossover 31 from Germany and the Sea Stella 63 which is designed in Italy and made in China. Others include the Dominator and Cranchi from Italy and the Ponam 35 from Japan.

Pershing 82 superyacht

Club Marina Cove General Manager, Miss Winnie Ng, said the Eurpoean and American designs are the star attractions of the Show as buyers, especially those from China, have a preference for their designs, makes and materials. However, in recent years some makers have moved their manufacturing capacity to China to build boats on European designs for cost and production considerations.

She said the Hong Kong International Boat Show, now in its 19th year, is facing increasing competition from organisers in the region as the size and scale of these shows have increased considerably in recent years. Othe major reasons affecting the Hong Kong show include the severe lack of berthing spaces in Hong Kong dampening the interest of local buyers and resulting in a slackening demand as well as the absence of government support of both the activity and the industry.