One of the main aims of the International Boat Show of Barcelona, which will be held from the 6th to the 14th of November 2010, will be to help reactivate sales, capture new users and promote the sector. Despite the economic crisis, which particularly affects the nautical sector, the event aims to demonstrate, once again, its great potential as a commercial platform, the most important in Spain and one of the top shows of its kind in Europe.
International Boat Show of Barcelona President of the Organising Committee Luis Conde
The 2010 Boat Show will be held in its two usual venues: the Gran Via exhibition centre, which will house the majority of exhibitors, and Port Vell, which will set the scene for boats over 40 feet, including super yachts.
In this difficult economic climate, “this year, the show will again demonstrate its potential as Spain’s leading commercial platform and meeting place for the sports and recreational boating sector”, said the President of the Organising Committee, Luis Conde. He added that “the show is a vital event for the sector, even more so in these times, since it is where the majority of the year’s sales are generated. Likewise, it is a unique opportunity to buy, make contact with nautical companies and see the latest products and services”.
Backing the sector
Aware of the complex situation the sector is facing, the organisers are not only maintaining the same measures approved last year to encourage companies to participate, such as the loyalty scheme, but it are also incorporating new types of aids and facilities. “We will hold the best show possible, taking into account the current economic climate and sector circumstances”, said the show’s director, Jordi Freixas.
A global range of exhibits
The Boat Show will offer the best there is in sports and recreational boating: accessories, canoes and kayaks, electronics, charters, sail and motor boats, inflatables, sports marinas, trailers, sails, nautical tourism, windsurfing and surfing, jet skis, fishing, yachts and super yachts. According to Freixas, “we also wish to provide information and show that there are boats to suit all tastes and budgets. The show is a big market where visitors can find windsurf boards for around 900 euros, powerboats starting at 15,000, cruisers from 100,000 to 400,000 euros and super yachts valued at various millions”.
Five theme areas
The show will maintain its five traditional theme areas located in Gran Via (Fun Beach, Espai del Mar, Marina Tradicional, Espai del Pescador and Espai Innovació), with numerous activities for professionals and the general public.
The Espai Innovació (Innovation Space) features design and R&D&I technological projects, the aim of which is to show new contributions and initiatives of design centres, engineering companies and shipyards.
The Fun Beach Area, aimed at young people, will provide the setting for activities for those wanting to learn to sail aboard small boats. This area promotes initiation in nautical sports in order to encourage new users. It will house a swimming pool equipped with wind generators for light sailing.
Schooners, dories and wooden boats will be featured in the Marina Tradicional (Traditional Marina Area), the show’s proposal to highlight the historic memory and preservation of maritime heritage. Visitors to this area will be able to see how boats are crafted and to participate in workshops.
The Espai del Pescador (Fishermen’s Area) will showcase new fishing rods, reels and equipment. There will also be virtual simulators which reproduce the sensations of deep-sea fishing. Lastly, the Espai del Mar (Sea Space) will set the scene for announcements of regattas, conferences and seminars, talks on navigation, etc.; a space in which to keep abreast of new projects, share experiences and participate in debates.
Prices and access points
The price of tickets to the show will be 10 euros from Monday to Friday and 12 euros at the weekend. Entrance is free of charge for sailing federation members. The same ticket is valid for both the Port Vell On-Water Show and the Gran Via exhibition centre, which will have one access point through the Europa Hall (Av. Joan Carles I and calle Ciències).
A free shuttle bus service will connect the Gran Via exhibition centre with Port Vell and the airport. The Ferrocarriles de la Generalitat de Catalunya (light rail) also link Plaza de España to the Gran Via venue.
Organised annually by Fira de Barcelona, the show has the backing and collaboration of the sector’s main bodies, such as the Asociación Nacional de Empresas Náuticas, ANEN, and the Associació d’Indústries, Comerç i Serveis Nàutics, ADIN.
