Positioned as the "Premier South Island Boat Show", the Christchurch Boat Show, 4-6 July has been hailed a "tremendous success", particularly given the state of the local economy.

Now in it's 18th year, with the NZ Marine Industry Association running it for the past six and with Boating New Zealand as the major sponsor, the Christchurch Boat Show is growing in prominence.

According to show management, Kerry Ellis from NZ Marine, organizers have had "nothing but positive feedback from exhibitors".

"Some companies have experienced record sales, and certainly the rest are on par with last year. It has been described as good overall and a refreshing boost to the business sentiment, with strong sales at the show and genuine enquiries to be followed up.'

Visitor numbers were 120 down on last year, coming in at around 8000. "People come from all over New Zealand as well as international," says Ellis. "We are just waiting on the visitor survey report from the event to know actual numbers."

There were 80 exhibitors at the Westpac Events Centre, Christchurch, many of whom have rebooked for the 2009 Show.

The Show also presented two main Awards: 1st Place Best New Boat release from the last 12 months: Reflex Chianti 585 - M3 Marine and 1st Place Best Innovative Product within the last 12 months: Satellite Personal Tracker - Gary Bately from Salcom.

Next on the NZ boating calendar are the Waikato Boat, Fishing and Leisure Show, 12 - 14 September 2008, then the Auckland International Boat Show in March 2009.

More at www.waikatoboatshow.co.nzand www.aucklandinternationalboatshow.com

by Jeni Bone

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