Mumbai on track for Boat Show

1:30 AM Wed 3 Dec 2008 GMT

'Plans underway for 2009 SMIBS.'

In the wake of last week's tragic terror attacks in Mumbai, the boat show organisers have stated that the February 2009 event is well on track to being a safe, secure and successful one.

Radhika Jhaveri, says that the entire country was 'disturbed by the recent terror attacks in our city but we hope that we will all have the resilience and strength to recover from the losses'.

The Samira Mumbai International Boat Show, the first and largest international boat show of its kind to take place in the financial capital of India, the city of Mumbai.

'After a hugely successful inaugural boat show in 2007, and a second edition which proved to be double its size in terms of exhibitors and sales figures, we are now working towards the third edition,' says Radhika.

The show has been granted an official 'Calendar Event' status by the State Government (Government of Maharashtra) and is backed with the full support of the State Tourism Department (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation), the Indian Navy, the Mumbai Port Trust and the Yachting Association of India.

With over 150 exhibitors at the SMIBS 2008, everything from small single man kayaks to super yachts were showcased. Post the show, business worth USD 100 million was recorded through a survey of our exhibitors.

On display at previous shows was a range of products from anchors and deck fittings to propulsion equipment and super yachts. While the exhibition at the Bandra Kurla Complex and the marina adjacent to the Gateway of India were the main draws, a fleet of related events ensured that the who's who of India attended the boat show.

Mumbai International Boat Show temporary marina. - Click Here to view large photo

Facts about the Samira Mumbai International Boat Show 2008:

. Largest boat show in India with show area of 12000msq and over 150 exhibitors and international brands like Azimut, Sunseeker, Ferretti, Princess,
Brunswick, Genmar
. Over USD 100 million worth of business expected to be transacted after the event
. Over 14,000 paid and invited visitors over three days
. Extensive local and international media coverage worth over US$8.05 million
. Special preview evening for VVIPs with a fashion show organized by the Gitanjali Group attended by over 4000 VVIPs and HNIs
. The regatta - 'Nautica SMIBS Navy Cup Regatta 2008' was the largest regatta in the history of India with over 350 sailors and 150 participating boats
. The UKTI SMIBS International Boating Conference was held alongside the show at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai with renowned international speakers
. The Marina at the Gateway of India, thrice the size of the one at the inaugural edition of MIBS, showcased over 16 boats on water.

Mumbai Boat Show Pvt. Ltd. is a company specifically set up for organizing and managing international boat shows in the region. The promoters of Mumbai Boat
Show Pvt. Ltd. comprise of dedicated and experienced personnel with proven expertise in the business of international yachting and organizing trade shows. The Mumbai International Boat Show 2009 will be organized in association with CMP India.

The 2009 Samira Mumbai International Boat Show will be scaled up to greater heights, double of the previous boat show with twice as many exhibitors and visitors. The enthusiasm of the visitors and participants of the previous two boat shows, who have all promised to participate in the third edition in a much bigger way, is a guarantee that SMIBS 2009 will make an even bigger impact.

More at www.mumbaiboatshow.com

by Jeni Bone