Exhibition of boats to commence from Feb 22

Mumbai, Feb 17 (UNI) Over 48 exhibitors and over 60 brands from the marine and boating industry worldwide will take part in an exhibition of boats, which will be held here from February 22 to 25.

The event has been organised by Dr Malav Shroff (Director of the Mumbai International Boat Show), who had represented India at the 2004 Olympics in the 49er class, a release said today.

The exhibition will be held both on land and sea. In suburban Bandra-Kurla Complex, there will be exposition of boats for prospective buyers as they can get to see, touch and feel the boats, while at Apollo Bunder in South Mumbai, there will be a marina display.

The exhibitors will showcase sailboats, kayaks, motor boats, ski boats, power and luxury yachts, while international brands like Azimut and Beneteau are to participate.

''India is the last major potential leisure boating market and there is enormous scope for the show with the growing level of disposable income and increasing interest in leisure pursuits in India. New generations of wealthy Indians are turning their heads from buying top of the line luxury cars to owning private yachts,'' Mr Shroff said in the release.

Sailing greats such as Jamshyd Godrej and Admiral S Mehta (Chief of Naval Staff) will grace the show.

''People like the Singhanias and Vijay Mallaya are boating enthusiasts and will be involved, but what will be interesting to see are the high net worth individuals. For instance, the Bajajs' have recently bought 3 boats and the Mahindras are in the process of acquiring one,'' he added.

UNI