Global boat show lures world's luxury yachts to S. Korea

HWASEONG, South Korea, June 13 (Yonhap) -- An international boat show has brought together the world's top-notch boats and yachts in South Korea, giving visitors a rare chance to glimpse into the vast array of luxury boats at a single venue, the event's organizer said Monday.
The fourth annual Korea International Boat Show was held in waters off Hwaseong, 45 kilometers southwest of Seoul, for a five-day run through Sunday with great fanfare.
The organizer said this year's international marine fair was noted for its wide selections of luxury yachts, which entertained visitors with their sleek designs and convenient facilities.
"Oceanis 58" by Beneteau, a renowned sailboat and motorboat maker based in France, drew exclamations from viewers with its stylish appearance and elegant interior.
The sailing yacht, introduced at a Paris boat show two years ago, is studded with expert-designed furniture, including a bed, a wardrobe, drawers, a bathroom, air conditioners and other conveniences. Finished with high-end leather, the French yacht is priced at about 1.5 billion won (US$1.4 million).



The 120-year-old French boat maker also presented a handful of its other works, including the Flyer 750, Beneteau Oceanis 34 and Oceanis 58.
Scandinavia's leading boat maker, Nimbus from Sweden, attracted visitors with its 380 Commander, which, according to the event's organizer, promises comforts and conveniences that match seven-star hotels. The 38-foot boat made of top-class wood from Scandinavia is a favorite of the world's royal families, the organizer said.
The 380 Commander was being showcased for the third time in Asia, after going on display in Japan and Hong Kong, and it is priced at 875 million won.
The global boat fair also showed off a string of yachts for beginners who want to dabble in marine leisure.
Blue Galaxy, a South Korean yacht maker, presented the "XS-SPIDER" designed by Van Gorkom Yacht Design in the United States.
With a little yacht training, novice sailors can easily enjoy marine leisure with the yacht that costs 30 million won, the event's organizer said.
An amphibious boat for land and water, and other unique yet practical products were also on display during the five-day fair, the organizer added.