South-East Asia’s largest marina, the Ocean Marina Yacht Club was host to the 8th annual Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show from 21-24 November. Thousands of visitors basked in the sunny weather as they enjoyed a diverse range of displays in more than 100 booths.
Throughout the 4-day exhibition, the expo also offered opportunities to network with the world’s leading branded yacht companies, test marine products and services, water gadgets and toys. Most of the booths were occupied by representatives of luxury cars and bikes, five-star hotels and resorts, multi award-winning property developments and of course, food and drinks. More than 20 brands of boats were represented with leading brokers Simpson Marine, Boat Lagoon Yachting and Azimut Yachts all present at the show with in-water displays as well as Technohull, Capelli and Funseeker.
The show was opened by Mr. Napintorn Srisunpang, Vice Minister for Tourism and Sports. With more than 4,000 high-profile visitors turning out for the venue’s largest annual exhibition, the first two days saw action on the docks with brokers reporting quality leads. The Food Festival was a focal point through each day and well into the evening as visitors gathered to enjoy delicious bites from many of Pattaya and Bangkok’s leading pop-up restaurants and food trucks, as well as refreshing drinks from leading beer, cider and wine brands from 11 AM to 9 PM with live bands playing.
One of the highlights of the event was the helicopter rides and it proved a big hit—with visitors taking the chance to see Jomtien and Pattaya from above, while the free yacht cruises and daily sunset cruise allowed visitors to get a feel of what the yachting lifestyle is all about. Siam Seaplane – the first seaplane service of its kind in the area, and a newcomer to the show – caught the attention of many as did the fun activities for all family members.
A new initiative by the organizers saw a strong emphasis on sustainability this year, introducing free water refill stations at the show and implementing a strict no single-use-plastic policy. This was well-received and saved an estimated 5,000 single-use plastic water bottles as a result.
With positive talk of quality visitors and high levels of interest in boats at the show, Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show continues in its mission to promote the Gulf of Thailand as a world-class cruising destination and introducing new people in Bangkok, Pattaya and surrounds to boating and the nautical lifestyle through an experiential show.
Mr. Scott Finsten, Harbour Master of Ocean Marina Yacht Club, organisers of Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show, commented, “Our goal as organisers is to provide a platform for business and to promote yachting and the Gulf of Thailand to Thai residents and visitors from overseas. The weather was great this year, visitors enjoyed the diverse displays, some serious leads were generated and we helped to showcase Thailand’s yachting industry to thousands of visitors.
“I’m also very proud of how the marine industry, exhibitors and visitors came together to reduce the plastic used this year. So much single-use-plastic ends up in the Oceans and it’s important we work together to stop that,” added Finsten.
The annual Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show is one of the largest boat and luxury lifestyle events in Thailand, attracting over 5,000 visitors every year. With the presence of the finest in luxury watercraft, property, automobiles and more, one could find everything you need to live the high life in Thailand.