First outdoor mooring for Boat Asia show

By Patricia Wee Singapore Sentosa Cove has hosted its first outdoor exhibition and conference, Boat Asia 2004, from the 15 to 18 of this month. Some 8,000 visitors, out of which 2,000 trade visitors comprising distributors, boat builders and designers, architects, regulators and associations have been expected to attend. In total, 80 exhibiting companies worldwide signed up for the event - part of Suntec Integrated Media's (SIM) umbrella of marine week events including Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) 2004 running from April 16 to 18 at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Previous boating events held in Singapore were at the World Trade Centre and Suntec Singapore Convention Centre, where mooring facilities were minimal or non-existent. Suntec Integrated Media (SIM) chose Sentosa Cove because of its natural shelter for mooring yachts and boats. Up to 20 boats have been exhibited and Boat Asia has been marketed as Asia's leading leisure boat show for yachts, powerboats, marine equipment and accessories, with air-conditioned waterfront pavilions showcasing boating equipment. Events include a three-day seminar held on board the M.S Columbus berthed at the cove, a sailing regatta and watersports activities. SIM chief executive officer Warren Buckley said: "After many successive boat shows held indoors in the past, we have brought back Boat Asia where it belongs - in the water. Asia is still largely underdeveloped as a boating region, despite its undisputed potential (and) we need more initiatives to promote and grow the regional industry." Exhibitor and Simpson Marine general manager, Southeast Asia, Jyrki Jaamaa, added: "A boat show is essential to support the business...and it creates interest especially in Singapore, where the boating culture is still quite weak."