Riding the waves, the thrill of speed, and the joy of free navigation can only be truly experienced by taking the helm yourself. Yachts bring people closer to the water. From April 26 to 29, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Pudong, Asia’s flagship exhibition for the entire boating industry chain —the 2018 Shanghai International Boat Show and the 23rd China (Shanghai) International Boat & Marine Technology & Equipment Exhibition (abbreviated asCIBS)—willoffer nearly everything you could envision for a future waterfront leisure lifestyle.
The 2018 China International Boat Show Invites You to Set Sail
The boating industrysounds the clarion call for a full industry recovery
In recent years, China’s economy has maintained a steady and positive growth trend, gradually overcoming the “middle-income trap,” and is expected to join the ranks of high-income countries during the 13th Five-Year Plan period. As people’s definition of happiness evolves, the tourism sector—ranked first among the “five happiness industries”—has begun to show strong vitality, with waterfront leisure tourism booming particularly. Under this new historical context, China’s water-based lifestyle is gradually revealing a grand and vigorous new landscape.Currently, among Chinesetravelers, 55% choose “water-based activities,” with the total output value of waterfront tourism reaching over 5 trillion yuan. The waterfront leisure industry is entering a period of rapid growth.
The boating industry, which combines fitness and leisure on the water, competitive entertainment, and vacation tourism, is considered the “crown jewel” of the waterfront leisure industry chain. However, due to the lack of related laws and regulations and supporting facilities such as public docks, the cost of boating remains high, making yacht leisure accessible only to a privileged few.
Now, with the government gradually relaxing controls on yacht leasing and commercial operations, increased financial support, the revival of China’s shipbuilding industry, and the growing popularity of the sharing economy, yacht rental prices have become more affordable. Close encounters with yachts are no longer a luxury for most people. After years of pent-up demand and lagging supply, the boating industry is on the brink of explosive growth. Take the Sanya yacht tourism market during the 2018 Spring Festival Golden Week as an example: three yacht docks welcomed 25,900 visitors over seven days, with 2,695 outings by various yachts and sailboats, averaging 10,000 yuan per 3-hour trip. Estimated related consumer spending surpassed 200 million yuan. Organizers say 2018 could be a major turning point for the boating industry’s recovery, and the already popular CIBS will sound the clarion call for a full industry rebound.
Gathering of Boating Giants,CIBS Shines Bright
After 22 years of dedicated development, CIBS has earned a loyal following among renowned exhibitors and boating enthusiasts, growing into Asia’s largest, most comprehensive, and most brand-rich boat show. It also serves as a “barometer” for the boating industry’s development in 2018. CIBS is committed to becoming the most professional and influential boating exhibition platform in China and even Asia, providing invaluable opportunities for component suppliers, manufacturers, yacht clubs, and related businesses and institutions to showcase their offerings.
The exhibition will also feature numerous luxury yachts, with well-known veteran exhibitors such as Beneteau, Oceanis, Jeanneau, Ferretti, and Guangzhou Powerboat Yachts showcasing their latest models. As a preferred destination for global brands launching new products and technologies in China, CIBS will continue to host exciting debuts this year. Beneteau will unveil its new models Lexi 30, Antares 8, and Oceanis 41.1. Jeanneau will launch its Prestige 520. Oyster will present its newcomer Sessa Fly 42 and other models, while Jeanneau will showcase its flagship vessels—the Bavaria yachts and Monte Carlo sport yachts. Additionally, other leading yacht brands will reveal their latest new products.
The equipment and accessories sector has always been a highlight of CIBS, and this year it welcomes many top exhibitors, especially engine manufacturers eager to debut new products. Mercury Marine, a professional maritime propulsion system brand, will globally premiere its latest engine products at the 2018 Shanghai International Boat Show. In addition to Mercury Marine, Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Parsun, Bennington, Alpes, Ancortek, Painer, and HaiDe will all join, adding further luster to this year’s CIBS.
A Stellar Cast Delivers Ultimate Waterborne Experiences
CIBS is not just an industry event but also a carnival where the public can engage up close with icons of the water sports world. This year’s Shanghai International Boat Show boasts a glittering lineup. The organizers are honored to welcome diving expert A’ku, AIDA international freediving instructor Linda Liu, wakeboarding queen Chen Lili, ISA-certified surf coach Wei Jiahui, youth water sports expert Pi Laoban, Chinese Canoeing Association coach Xu Haiwei, and SUP yoga instructor Chen Yufei—all prominent KOLs in the water sports community—who will offer insights and deliver thrilling performances, allowing everyone to experience the endless charm of water sports firsthand. Additionally, CIBS will host over 100 water and yacht clubs, exhibiting their functional gear all day for even more fun options.
The high-stakes competition centered around water-themed activities is the highlight of the aquatic carnival. The organizers have created a massive 500-square-meter indoor-outdoor pool for exciting bounty races, including water mat sprint races · bounty races and underwater puzzle bounty races, letting audiences engage in water sports 360°. Participants can also receive a sailor gift pack. Other interactive experiences like kayaking, Optimist sailing, and paddleboarding will be available, with top-tier equipment provided by professional suppliers and expert instruction from leading clubs.
Centered Around Water, Uniting Diverse Lifestyles
Beyond the star-studded aquatic carnival, this year’s show further elevates water culture through the concurrent “Lifestyle Shanghai Show,” integrating elements like lure fishing, RVs, travel, and family recreation. Visitors can enjoy exhilarating water fun while freely exploring the latest trends in modern leisure lifestyles.
The creatively designed lure fishing experience zone authentically recreates fishing scenes, whether it’s the all-inclusive lure fishing carnival, the runway show featuring hundreds of lure fishing stars from China, the US, and Japan, or the eco-friendly bait trade-in charity event—all designed to turn audiences into fans of this sustainable fishing method.
In the “Set Sail for Your Dream Vacation!” themed travel section, over 800 dreamy waterfront destinations such as Sanya, Phuket, Malta, and Seychelles are highlighted, with tailored premium water leisure trips offered at the best yacht and sailboat rental rates.
Additionally, the RV section breaks away from traditional static displays, blending RVs, gourmet food, music, outdoor living, and popular entertainment elements. An “EDM-themed RV” event will even realize the dream of Greek EDM legend HOMEBOY, hosting his first China performance, immersing audiences in the RV lifestyle.
CIBS consistently adheres to the philosophy of “delivering extraordinary experiences to the public,” using diverse formats to promote a new, fashionable way of life. The 2018 Shanghai International Boat Show will dazzle at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from April 26 to 29. We look forward to your visit.