The Vancouver International Boat Show has announced that the in-water portion of the show will be relocating to the Granville Island Maritime Market and Marina. In addition, the indoor venue for the Show returns to the newly renovated BC Place.

“2012 is a monumental year for the Vancouver International Boat Show,” says Linda Waddell, Show Director. “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the show, we’re excited to be moving to Granville Island.  We’ll have a larger area to showcase boats on the market – and where attendees can have a great Show experience.”

The Granville Island Maritime Market and Marina has the distinction of being one of the most central moorages for Vancouverites and visitors alike. Granville Island, located under the Granville Bridge in Vancouver, is an eclectic mix of artist and artisan shops, a wonderful public market, and a host of maritime businesses serving the boating community.

“The rich maritime history of Granville Island lends itself perfectly to an event such as the Vancouver International Boat Show. We look forward to hosting the Show’s exhibitors and visitors and will do our best to make this a very successful venue for the Show," says Cal Colson, Granville Island Maritime Market and Marina Operations Manager.

The Vancouver International Boat Show is also returning to its roots at the newly renovated BC Place, where more than 250 exhibitors will showcase the latest boats and marine products on the market at the best deals of the year.

With two great locations, Show goers can take advantage of activities for the entire family – including daily shows by Duma, the Wakeboarding Dog! Due to popularity, this year’s Boat Show features a second Seminar Stage providing double the value for attendees looking for educational programming from top boating experts. Visitors can pick up on everything from “do-it-yourself” boat repairs to maintenance and navigation and learn from the experts how to make the most out of your sailing and fishing experiences.

The youngest American to sail solo around the world, Zac Sunderland, returns to share his latest adventures with Show goers, including his recent appearance on the 19th season of hit television show The Amazing Race. Zac’s younger sister Abby, a maritime adventurer in her own right, will be at this year’s Show to talk about her attempt at solo circumnavigating the globe.

The Vancouver International Boat Show’s In-Water venue was located at the False Creek Yacht Club for the previous seven years. The change in venue was designed to ensure the continued growth and success of the Show. In 2011, the indoor venue for the Show temporarily relocated to the Vancouver Convention Centre West while renovations were underway on BC Place.

Visit VancouverBoatShow.ca for more information.