Miami Boat Show this week
Mind-boggling numbers at the world's biggest boat showThe statistics of the Miami International Boat Show – the biggest boat show in the world – are simply staggering. More than 3000 boats will be on show and more than 2000 companies represented when the marine extravaganza opens on Thursday (Feb 13).
Organisers say that the economic impact of the show to the Miami area is nearly $US600 million and the show supports more than 6500 full-time jobs in Florida.
While the show is operating, an average of 45,000 people will be working across three sites. These include exhibitors, contractors, facility staff and show employees.
To ferry people between the two giant marinas and the huge Miami Beach Convention centre free shuttle buses and free water taxis will run constantly from one hour before the show until one hour after closing (organisers of the new split Sydney International Boat Show take note).
The Miami boat show is, in effect, three shows in one with the three venues being the New Yacht & Power Boat Show at Sea Isle Marina, Strictly Sail Miami at Miamarina at Bayside, and the Miami Beach Convention Centre. Each show venue features a variety of interactive activities and education for boaters of all ages and experience levels.
The show will be offering complimentary on-water sailing and power boating workshops through the Discover Boating Hands-On Skills Training series, as well as hundreds of hourly on-land clinics for seasoned skippers and new boaters alike covering sailing, big game fishing, Boating 101 and DIY for boaters. There will also be free yacht rides along the bay and live music.
The five-day show is billed as an all-access pass to experience the boating lifestyle, with a chance to shop thousands of the newest in recreational boats and marine accessories.
Organisers say that 36 per cent of visitors to the show come from either interstate or overseas. Australia is very well represented, with our leading boat manufacturers Maritimo and Riviera featuring in-water displays, a cast of importers checking out the abundant new releases for the brands they represent here, and other travelling just to peruse the nautical eye candy.
The Miami International Boat Show is open from February 13-17 inclusive and, we reckon, you might need all of those days and more to get around it.
For more information go to: www.miamiboatshow.com.
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