The Grand Hotel Excelsior’s yacht marina will be the venue for a brand new Boat Show that will open its doors to the general public in the last week of September.

John Formosa, organiser of the Valletta Boat Show, was very enthusiastic about how his plans were developing. “At the moment, we’re contracting out all the players to make sure our event has something for everyone, and I can tell you that the response we’ve had from companies has been tremendous.” He added, “We’ve been working on this for a very long time - since when we first realised that there is a void in our island’s calendar, in fact. We believe that Malta hasn’t had its own boats-in-water show for far too long. I have no doubt that this year’s event will be a great success, but there’s even more to come, too. Our intention is to develop this as a premier event on the international boats and yachting calendar, and we are already working on some exciting new plans for next year.” The first Valletta Boat Show is being organised in Malta, right in the heart of the Mediterranean, under the official patronage of the newly set-up Yachting Services Trade Section of the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise, and also of the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

For four magical days in September, the impressive yacht marina at the brand new Grand Hotel Excelsior Hotel in Floriana will be transformed into a boating haven for this first Valletta Boat Show, packed with everything for boating enthusiasts and their families and friends. The Show, which is also being organised with the kind collaboration of Bank of Valletta, Belair, Citadel Insurance, Cutrico Services and Firetech Marine, promises to be a spectacular day out for everyone with a passion for water and of all things boating.

Back on dry land, various boating related products and services, selling everything from navigation equipment, furnishings, clothing, dinghies, safety equipment, and everything else, will be on hand for you to explore.

So whether you are ready to buy a boat, kit one out with the latest equipment or are simply interested in getting a feel for boating and the water, experts will be on hand to guide visitors and to answer questions and provide useful information. There will be some great prizes up for grabs, too, for the visitors, including some great weekend breaks and dinners, compliments of the Grand Hotel Excelsior, and perhaps something else as well. You’ll have to visit to find out.

Buying a new boat?

There’s no better place on the island to discover the very latest boats on offer, all under one roof, so to speak - in splendid open-air marina, actually. Many of those who represent internationally-known boat brand names have already confirmed their participation, guaranteeing a marina-full of new sailing and power boats for everyone to see. So, if you’d like to explore them all and compare offers before taking that all-important buying decision, Valletta Boat Show is the place for you. In addition, of course, if you’re looking for innovative ways to finance your new investment, look no further, either. If you’re in need of new parts, and want to make sure your boat’s ship shape and ready for your next sail or adventure, look no further. Got the latest gear? Top brands, technical clothing, chandlery - all laid on for you to uncover, to make sure you have the right gear for the right conditions.

For those in search of refreshments, and a place to just sit and watch the world go by, there will be plenty on offer throughout the day and evening, right on the waters edge, where stylish and vibrant snacks will be on hand to whet your appetite. The Valletta Boat Show will open its’ doors to the general public from the 27 to 30 September. For more information, contact Ms. Christine Borg on 9942-6747 or email Christine@network publications.com.mt