A new initiative to hold an annual World Boating Day is gathering support and participation among key industry players.

Local, regional, and national industry bodies are being invited to amplify the new World Boating Day, which is set to take place from 25-26 May 2024, for its first edition. The initiative, launched at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2023, is being coordinated by The Superyacht Life Foundation.

The foundation says World Boating Day is a non-profit campaign comprising many local open days across the globe, aiming to foster a greater understanding of the leisure boating industry and help attract more talent to safeguard its future.

“We are excited to join such an important initiative for our industry. It truly brings a sense of unity among our members,” says Joe Lynch, CEO of ICOMIA (the International Council of Marine Industry Associations).

“Taking part in World Boating Day is an exceptional way to elevate the worldwide appreciation of diverse leisure boating sectors and ultimately celebrate moments on the water on an international scale.”

ICOMIA and AIMEX are among nine international organisations committing the initiative. These include ISS (International Superyacht Society), Superyacht Australia, APSA (Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association), EBI (European Boating Industry), BIA (Boating Industry Association), USSA (US Superyacht Association), and Zeal Marinas Network.

“After joining the Superyacht Life Foundation as a partner this year, we were delighted to be able to amplify World Boating Day,” says Niels Klarenbeek, director of METSTRADE. “This is an innovative campaign for our cherished boating world.”

Dilan Sarac, executive director of The Superyacht Life Foundation, adds: “As a collective campaign, World Boating Day strives to support organisations in engaging their networks for one dedicated weekend per year, inviting their member companies to host memorable events of celebration on the water.

“We could not be more grateful for the support we have garnered so far, and truly open our doors to anyone who wishes to join.”

The Superyacht Life Foundation says local, national and international industry organisations can join the campaign by sharing the World Boating Day message with their audiences and utilising the resources developed by the foundation, from newsletter templates and digital campaigns to event inspiration sheets.

For participating companies, there is no limit or criteria to fulfill and no registration deadline. Shipyards, design studios, sailing schools, marinas, retail businesses, and offices are openly invited to join, creating a specific event or registering an existing one from their calendar under the World Boating Day banner.

“For EBI, it is essential to highlight the vital connection between boating and the environment,” says Philip Easthill, secretary-general of European Boating Industry. “By bringing our industry closer to users, we can grow boating, inspire more people to protect our waters, and foster a passion for the seas across Europe and beyond.”

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