Global boat show kicks off with fanfare

HWASEONG, South Korea, June 8 (Yonhap) -- An international boat show kicked off with fanfare on Wednesday in South Korea with more than 350 local and foreign makers of boats taking part in the five-day event, the organizer said.
The Korea International Boat Show 2011 will run until Sunday in waters off Hwaseong, 45 kilometers southwest of Seoul, marking its fourth year, according to the event's organizer.
The opening ceremony was attended by about 250 government and boat industry officials, including Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Moon-soo. This year's event aims to cement its status as a renowned boat fair by going beyond Asia.
Along with the boat show, the Korea Match Cup 2011, an international yacht championship, will also be held at Jeongok and Tando Marina.
A total of 366 boat manufacturers from home and abroad as well as dealers, investors and other marine leisure enthusiasts are taking part in this year's boat fair.
The number of participating manufacturers has been reduced from 443 registered last year, but the quality of the fair has been boosted this year as it has lured big names in the global boat circles, the organizer said.
U.S. boat makers Larson and Cobalt as well as Bellingham Marine from Australia will participate in the event.
The Gyeonggi provincial government said it expected the boat fair to serve as a springboard to lure foreign investors.
To increase convenience, the event's organizer set up indoor and marine showrooms spanning a total of some 31,200 square meters. The indoor showrooms have 620 booths, and the marine exhibition centers have facilities to accommodate some 60 boats and yachts.
The organizer said it also plans to provide a variety of cultural events, including boarding on naval vessels and photo exhibitions.