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SHOW TIME — Reviews —
HONG KONG GOLD COAST BOAT SHOW
THE 16TH EDITION OF the Hong Kong Gold Coast Boat Show
(Apr 29-May 2) showcased more than 90 of the latest cruisers,
yachts, superyachts and watersports equipment available on the
market, along with family entertainment.
The show welcomed 10,540 visitors, from yachting novices to true
connoisseurs. Continuing to inspire dreams for boat lovers, the event
enabled enthusiasts an opportunity to explore unique marine pieces
such as the Benetti Classic Supreme 132 MY Ming fa, Sanlorenzo SL106,
Sunseeker Yacht 86, Lagoon 560, Absolute Navetta 52, and Arcadia 85.
For the second year running, the show also organised the Gold Coast
Cardboard Boat Charity Regatta – a build-and-race challenge that
helped raise HK$127,081 for the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
Under the theme ‘Affordable Luxury’, the event brought together 80
major exhibitors who presented an impressive collection of 94 vessels,
including luxury yachts, sailing boats and related equipment valued at
over HK$1 billion. They included stand-up paddleboards retailing from
HK$10,000 to inexpensive small boats and superyachts priced at more
than HK$90 million.
“There is a significant rise of 26.7% in the number of boats
showcased comparing to last year,” says Gold Coast Yacht and Country
Club General Manager Robert Blythe. “The market for yachts in the
Asia-Pacific region is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world and
this edition of the Hong Kong Gold Coast Boat Show is a demonstration
of the trend.”
Asia-Pacific Boating hosted its 40th anniversary celebration on the
second night of the show (Apr 30). Themed Retro ’70s, the party brought
together over 150 industry leaders, friends and partners from Asia and
around the world to celebrate the significant milestone for the magazine.
“We are honoured to have played an important role in documenting
their efforts to promote boating in the region, and look forward to doing
so for many more years to come,” says Editor-in-chief Glen Watson.Arcadia 85