The event opened with a roundtable to analyse the situation of the sector in Spain with businessmen and employers.

The show hosts a photo exhibition of 5 of the best nautical photographers in Spain 

València, 29th of October 2020 

The Valencia Boat Show (VBS), which this year has become the first 100% virtual boat show, opened with more than 5000 visitors on its opening day from all over the world. Access to the event is free, simply register as a visitor to enjoy the exhibition of new boats, engines, accessories and marine services from the leading national and international boatyards, as well as a packed schedule of events.

At 11am an inaugural round table was held – which, like all other events, is broadcast via streaming within the platform. Moderated by the event director, Nacho Gómez-Zarzuela, it focused on the analysis and situation of the marine sector at a time of general uncertainty due to the pandemic.

Carlos Sanlorenzo, general secretary of the Asociación de Empresas Náuticas (ANEN); Isabel Gil, president of the Unión de Empresas Náuticas (UEN), the employer’s association for the sector in the Valencian Community, along with two business representatives: Luis Martínez-Doreste, sales manager of North Sails sailmakers, and Marc de Antonio, whose De Antonio Yachts has become a world reference since its foundation in 2012.

A wealth of new developments
The Valencia Boat Show has 15 thematic areas in which 129 companies exhibit their products, services and new developments for the 2020-21 season. One of the main attractions for visitors is undoubtedly the boats, which in this new digital format can be visited through 360 technology and matterport, in addition to the more traditional videos and photographs.

The leading national and international boatyards have embraced this new digital format, which provides them with the necessary technology to present their new boats in an engaging way for visitors. Boats raising much expectation include the latest Rodman model, the 1290 Evolution, the De Antonio D46 Walkaround, D28 Cruiser, and D34 Xplorer; the Beneteau Flyer 8 Sundeck, Gran Turismo 32 and 36 and Antares 11; as well as the new Nimbus Boats outboard range. Sailing enthusiasts can indulge in the Beneteau Oceanis 40.1, Oceanis Yacht 54, First Yacht 53, Jeanneau Yacht 60 and Franck Roy’s classic design boat Solenn 27.

As for catamarans, new boats include the Excess 11 from Beneteau Group, Aquila 54 and 70, as well as Lagoon SIXTY 5 and Lagoon SIXTY 7, and the latest from Silent Yachts.

All of these accompanied by the usual classics.

The most exclusive boats in the Superyacht Dock
Visitors will be able to walk around the pontoons of the Superyacht Dock of the Virtual VBS to see in detail through their devices the most exclusive boats, which will be virtually moored in La Marina de València. Cnb by Sportnautic, Euphoria Yatchs, Fabiani Yatch, Insteimed, Mb92, Monte Carlo Yatchs by Sportnautic, Prestige by Nautica Aza, Princess by Pleamar, and Silent Yatchs byBoatsibizaonline will all be exhibiting.

Nautical visions
One of the most attractive features of this virtual event is the photo exhibiton gathering 5 of the best yachting photographers -Ainhoa Sánchez, María Muiña, Nico Martínez, Sailig Energy and Vicent Bosch -. Each of them shares thier particular visions on big sailing events such as Americ’a Cup, The Ocean Race or The Olympic Games.

Everyone is invited to enjoy the ground-breaking marine festival organised by La Marina de València, Grupo Alfatec and the Unión de Empresas Náuticas (UEN).
So, what just six months ago seemed like a crazy idea in the minds of Gómez-Zarzuela and Carlos Pujadas, CEO of Grupo Alfatec and that today is a reality, has already managed, at the very least, to rekindle the hopes of the marine sector.

Virtual Valencia Boat Show
28 October – 1st November

Virtual Valencia Boat Show is the first 100% virtual boat show in the world, offering a totally immersive and interactive experience. The show is organised by Grupo Alfatec, La Marina de València and Unión de Empresas Náuticas.

More info: www.virtualvalenciaboatshow.com