The Barcelona International Boat Show, which takes place on 12-16 October in Port Vell, will bring together the biggest and best offering in the nautical sports and recreational sailing sector in Spain with the leading firms as exhibitors. The event also features an extensive programme of activities and experiences for every audience and will also underline its role as a leading forum and driving force for the sector, with a particular emphasis this year on entrepreneurs in the nautical sector to whom a full day conference will be dedicated.
Visitors to the 55th edition of the show, which will occupy the quays of España and La Fusta in Port Vell, will once again enjoy the floating exhibition – featuring boats at least 8 metres long – and the land-based exhibition, which includes all kinds of new nautical products and services, ranging from electronic appliances and engines to paints, sails, trailers, fishing gear, charter vessels and marinas, not forgetting inflatable and small boats. In this respect, some of the leading companies that have already confirmed their participation include Beneteau, CNB-Lagoon, Conade, Fountaine Pajot, Jeanneau, Marina Estrella, Marina Marbella, Metropol Náuticas, Nautic Luis, Sunseeker, Touron, Yamaha and Zodiac.
‘Once again, the event will demonstrate all its potential as the leading trade platform and meeting place for the sports and recreational sailing sector in Spain,’ asserted the show’s president, Luis Conde. He also highlighted the fact that ‘visitors will have a unique opportunity to learn about the latest new products and innovations, make contact with nautical companies, try out boats out on the water and take part in numerous activities. And all in the privileged setting of Barcelona’s Port Vell.’
The recreational boat market has revealed a very similar situation this year to the same period last year in terms of the number of registrations, with an increase of 3.7% for new boats and 11.5% in the rental market. ‘This season, the growth in registrations has slowed down compared to the last three years, though we are noticing that the change in business models and the creation of new companies in the sector, more geared towards providing services and incorporating new management technologies, is moving forward,’ contends Carlos Sanlorenzo, the general secretary of the National Association of Nautical Companies, ANEN.
The meeting point for start-ups and investors
One of the new features of this edition is its decision to provide space, support and a prominent role to the ever-increasing number of entrepreneurs and start-ups associated with the nautical sector, who are shaping a new corporate network in the field. On Thursday 13 October the event will be organizing, in collaboration with the ANEN, the first Seminar for Nautical Entrepreneurs in the Espai del Mar, one of the show’s themed areas. During the event, entrepreneurs and representatives of start-ups based on innovation and/or technology will give demonstrations of their projects and solutions and present them to potential investors and companies in the sector. There will also be talks by successful entrepreneurs and networking sessions.
Another new feature, also held in the Espai del Mar, will be a round table on the subject of nautical sports. Organized by the Association of Naval and Ocean Engineers of Spain, the session will involve competition boat designers, crews and other participants involved in nautical competitions. Planned for Friday 14 October, the session forms part of the 55th Congress of Naval Engineering and Maritime Industry. The Espai del Mar will also be hosting presentations of regattas, trophies and awards as well as debates and conferences on the marine environment and every aspect of sailing.
Experience the sea at the show
With the slogan ‘Experience the Sea’, the show will once again be a hub of fun activities and new experiences for sailing fans in general and also for people who are curious about or interested in getting involved in this world. According to the show’s director, Jordi Freixas, ‘one of our main objectives is to disseminate a maritime culture and demonstrate the countless opportunities available for enjoying it.’
In the Fun Beach area for example, there will be a trial zone set up again with access to the sea where youngsters and families can enjoy beginners’ sessions in dinghy sailing, canoeing, kayaking and paddle surf. Also scheduled is the 4th Barcelona SUP Festival, where Stand Up Paddle Surf enthusiasts can get together and engage in this sport in the waters of Port Vell. Meanwhile, in the Traditional Sailing area, where classic vessels will be on display, there will be workshops and activities suitable for the entire family.
The Boat Show will also actively be taking part in campaigns to promote and increase awareness of all-year-round sporting and recreational nautical possibilities, such as the ANEN’s successful ‘#embárcate’ initiative ‘designed to get Spanish people immersed in everything to do with the sea’, according to Sanlorenzo, which will be a big feature of the event; or else the recently celebrated Marina Day, an initiative of the Catalan Association of Marinas and Tourist Ports (ACPET).
More festive and gastronomy-based suggestions
Many exhibitors also plan to organise activities and parties on their stands, most of them happening on Friday the 14th, to coincide with The Nautical Night which will feature, for the second year running, ‘Swimnight & Kayak’ (an exhibition of swimmers accompanied by kayaks in the port), as well as live music, fashion parades and tastings amongst other initiatives.
The event is also committed to promoting spaces devoted to gastronomic activities. This time round, in addition to the OneOcean Club restaurant, the Nautic Food Plaza (food outlet area and chill out) and the Nautic Village by TheCooluxury (a collection of stands featuring premium products from the worlds of fashion, art, design and gastronomy), the show is scheduled to host the 1st Nautical Gastronomy Show to be held on a catamaran where gourmets will be able to attend by invitation only. Organised by Curt Ediciones, the vessel will host tastings of premium food and drink as well as having top chefs leading discussions and giving presentations on new culinary trends.
The Barcelona Boat Show was a founding member of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) and continues to serve as an international benchmark. Organized by Fira de Barcelona and held every year, the show enjoys the backing and collaboration of the ANEN.
