From Kids in Oppies the Next Boat Owners May Come

SHANGHAI, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks the end of the tenure of the 21st China (Shanghai) International Boat Show at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center. One of the neat initiatives at the Shanghai Boat Show was a sizable pool in the parking lot that was provided by the organizers and run by the Shanghai Sailing Club.

In the pool there were 4 or 5 Optimists either being wafted along by the gentle breeze or towed round the edge for those youngsters who were less confident. Beside the pool were lengthy queues of youngsters, some little more than tots -- you could say the ideal Oppie age -- patiently waiting their turn for their first taste of boating. While they were waiting they could color in a miniature Oppie sail -- proper sailcloth not just paper. This operation has a clear motto -- "Catch them young."

During the show it was obvious that many of the dealers would have fewer boats to take home than they brought with them, as "SOLD" stickers started appearing on many craft as early as Friday. Healthy interest was reported by vendors throughout the show, and most people spoken too said that the show's branding was "worthwhile."

Interested buyers were seen could be be walking around, listing to port or starboard under the weight of of their shoulder bags that were stuffed with brochures.. This was balanced by knots of small groups of people in obviously meaningful discussions among salespeople at various stands. It wasn't just the exhibitors who were getting serious, as the people who were there were clearly doing more than just filling a weekend afternoon.

Many exhibitors made their stands attractive to show visitors. One that caught people's eyes was a dummy trapezing from the wall of the Ronstan stand, in full wetsuit, trap harness on and tiller in hand. Much more eye-catching than a stock hanging on a pegboard.

There is no doubt that the leisure boating industry has a future in China. Most dealers agree that the market has more buzz than ever before. People are asking more in-depth questions and local dealers are becoming more and more professional.

The 22nd China (Shanghai) International Boat Show will be at the Shanghai New International Expo Center on Long Yang Lu, a short distance from the downtown end of Shanghai's Maglav line, and the home to the Shanghai Auto Show that has enough space to satisfy the Shanghai Boat Show for many years to come.