With the third-annual World Boating Day coming in May, more opportunities to discover yachting are coming.
The initiative sees boatbuilders, refit yards, marinas, and other industry stakeholders open their doors to the public. Behind-the-scenes tours and special activities provide individuals and families better understanding of how yachts are made plus daily operations. It’s especially important to ensure more people enjoy the water and become tomorrow’s employees and business leaders. For the inaugural celebration in 2024, for instance, shipyards in nine countries hosted visitors. Last year, more than 2,000 people entered the gates at Benetti alone. Virtual-reality walkthroughs of its superyachts, a roundtable discussion with students, and storytelling were all part of the experience.
Although the date itself this year is May 23, World Boating Day events will occur from May 18 to 24. Here in the United States, for instance, Pier Sixty-Six Marina (above) is hosting the community to explore its facilities. Camper & Nicholsons Marinas in the UK is doing something similar. In Europe, meanwhile, a handful of megayacht builders and refit yards are organizing tours. They include Royal Huisman in The Netherlands, Cantiere Rossini in Italy (below), and Bilgin Yachts and Mengi Yay Yachts in Turkey. If you’ll be in Australia that week, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is participating, too, with special activities.
Overall, organizers of the initiative anticipate many more industry representatives to participate. Additionally, for the first time, World Boating Day will include sailing schools and maritime museums. Through them, further education and exposure to maritime heritage and involvement should occur.
“The enthusiasm from the global boating community is palpable,” says Dilan Sarac, The Superyacht Life Foundation’s executive director. (World Boating Day inaugurated thanks to the non-profit, which strives to promote more positive conversations around yachting.) Hüseyin Mengi, chairman of the board at Mengi Yay Yachts, is certainly enthusiastic. “From the very first moment we heard about the initiative, we knew we wanted to be part of it,” he says.
More companies are expected to sign up for World Boating Day events stateside and overseas. Visit the Events page at the website to learn more.
World Boating Day worldboatingday.com