Whether you love boating or have a more general passion for water sports of any sort, boat shows feed your love for the water and entertain the the whole family for days on end. From super yachts over 40 meters long to the single kayak, you will find something for everyone.
International boat shows are very large events spread over multiple venues, and typically span five or more days. Boating and nautical equipment manufacturers come from around the world, and each of these events attracts thousands of attendees from all over.
There are many advantages to attending such a large event. First of all, it is a buyer’s market. The exhibitors are very willing to negotiate, which means great deals can be found. There will be many options to choose from, and many specialists will be on hand to answer your questions. Furthermore, you’ll be among the first to see the latest and greatest boat models, water sport equipment, and accessories as well as seminars on various marine-related topics. Many people don’t realize they are allowed to board a boat to check out the entire vessel—the bridge and the crow’s nest being the two favorite areas of many young guests.
With so much to see and experience just within the boat show itself, it helps to be able to relax and recharge overnight in a home-like setting by using HomeExchange.com — not to mention, of course, the money you save on lodging can then allow you to spend more at the event!
Here are seven of the best International Boat Shows.
Cannes Yachting Festival
Cannes, France
Held each year in September, the Cannes Yachting Festival has nearly 550 boats on display, both in water and on land. The latest models of motor yachts, sailboats, both mono and multihulls, from many famous international shipyards are on display. Split over two venues, “Le Vieux Port” and “The Port Pierre Canto,” one will feature new vessels and nautical equipment, while the other will showcase previously-owned boats. Within the “Le Vieux Port” you will find 7 separate sections, each displaying different groups of boats or products. One not to be missed is the Super Yachts Extension where the largest boats of up to 55 meters are to be found.
Two new events have been added to the show. The first is the Concours d’Élégance, featuring a parade of collector boats in the middle of the Vieux Port de Cannes. The second is the Festival SUP Night, a relay race of stand-up paddle boarders over a distance of about 100 km.
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Miami International Boat Show
Miami, Florida, USA
Beginning in 2016, the Miami International Boat Show moves to a new venue, the Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin. It is one of the largest shows in the world, with more than 1,200 boats on land and in water. Marine accessories, electronics, engines, nautical gifts, apparel and services are also represented in large numbers. Fortunately the show spans over 5 days, allowing the attendees time to see everything.
Also held in conjunction with the boat show is the Strictly Sail Miami event, located at a separate venue, the Miamarina at Bayside. As the name suggests, this event is all about sailing and is great for the new sailor or a sea dog. Hands-on skills training workshops on the water are on offer here. Not quite ready for actual sailing? They provide a “sailing simulator” and offer a free lesson from a certified instructor. Strictly Sail Miami is also known as the Catamaran Capital of the world with the largest selection of catamarans anywhere.
Sample of the Miami show from 2015
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Dubai International Boat Show
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Dubai International Boat Show attracts visitors from over 120 countries. More than 400 boats, including super yachts, are on display at the Dubai International Marine Club. Attendees will have the opportunity to see 850 exhibitors, both local and international. There is a special area set aside for the sailing enthusiast where workshops will be offered to both novices and experienced sailors.
In addition to the boating related exhibits, an entire separate area is devoted to diving. The Diving Middle East Exhibition is the only event of its kind in the region, showcasing over 100 of the world’s leading diving brands. There are live interactive presentations from industry experts and certified instructors for all levels, including children. Whether you are just starting to dive or an expert, this is a good opportunity to see all the latest and greatest equipment and speak with the experts.
Other special zones within the boat show are being devoted to fishing and water sports, such as SUP, kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, water skiing, kitesurfing, surfing, wind surfing, and paddle boarding. There is even a Supercar Promenade where exotic sports cars are on display.
Sample of the Dubai show from 2014
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Seattle Boat Show, Indoors + Afloat
Seattle, Washington, USA
The Seattle Boat Show, Indoors + Afloat, is the largest boat show on the west coast of the United States. The event features over 1,000 recreational watercraft, seminars and the latest marine recreation accessories indoors at CenturyLink Field as well as at Afloat on South Lake Union. Fortunately, the event takes place over 9 days, giving the attendees plenty of opportunities to see all the exhibits and participate in the many special activities.
There is something for everyone here. Younger family members will have a blast at the Kids Aquazone where there are lots of fun and educational activities. There is a special Women’s Day when ladies can attend for free and seminars requested by woman boaters are on the agenda. To feel the competitive spirit and enjoy great laughs, there is the SUP Jousting where participants do whatever they can to knock their opponents off their boards. And don’t miss the Uncorked-Wine Event and the Sails & Ales-Beer Event.
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Sydney International Boat Show
Sydney, Australia
Photo Credit: Time Out Sydney
Sydney’s iconic harbor is the perfect setting for its annual international boat show, the largest recreational marine show in the southern hemisphere. The event takes place over 5 days on land at the Sydney Exhibition Center and on water at the Cockle Bay Marina in Darling Harbor.
In addition to the usual marine accessories and boats on display, there will be a nautical themed fashion parade, a showcase of classic and historical vessels, an exhibit of speed and racing boats, and even cooking classes. There will also be a special Boating Safety Zone, where visitors can learn important safety tips.
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Genoa International Boat Show
Genoa, Italy
The Genoa International Boat Show is a 6-day event, the largest in the Mediterranean, with over 1,000 vessels on display. The number of visitors exceeds 100,000 with hundreds of exhibitors and numerous workshops to occupy them. The show focuses on the “Sea Experience”; you can try the newest products on the water here, or get involved with special events organized to challenge and entertain the visitors.
One of the main events is the “Big Game Tournament,” during which sport fishing fans will be able to go on board sleek fishing boats with cutting-edge equipment and pit their skills against each other. Sailing fans can look forward to the presence of the Volvo Ocean Race crews at the show as well as the boats from the world’s toughest regatta. Other types of water sports being showcased include diving, kayaking, swimming, rowing, and surfing.
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Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Fort Lauderdale, USA
The boat show in Fort Lauderdale is the largest event of its kind in the world. It is spread out over 7 different sites, and attracts over 100,000 attendees each year. Visitors will have 5 days to go through all the different exhibits, starting with about 1,500 vessels which are on display.
If the massive number of boats and equipment exhibitors is not enough for you, there are other special areas and activities. An Aquazone is set aside for special demos on paddle boarding, SUP Yoga, Hobie kayaks, hovercrafts, and life rafts. A Boat Show Film Festival showcases nautically-themed movies. The IGFA School of Sportfishing will be on hand with some of the most experienced fishermen giving anglers their best tips and tricks during special sessions. And for the younger generation there are free fishing clinics every day of the boat show.
Caption: A sample of the boat show from 2014
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