Mar 6, 2018

Now in it’s 28th year the BC Yacht Brokers Association (BCYBA) annual Boat Show is about to make a big splash with a planned venue-change and return to Sidney, on Vancouver Island. It’s an exciting development made necessary because of space limitations at the Victoria Inner Harbour where the West Coast’s largest in-water boat show has been located for many years.

Some boat show regulars will remember a small show was held in Sidney many years ago, now plans are for a new iteration to showcase boating and the on-the-water lifestyle. The show, renamed the BC Boat Show, will take place May 3 – 6 2018 at Port Sidney Marina. Steven Threadkell, Boat Show manager, is delighted with the new arrangements: “Sidney is a special place and we have received such enthusiasm and support already from local government and area businesses. We have plans in the works to make this more than a boat show – more like a festival for all to enjoy.”

The Mill Bay Marine Group will be the presenting sponsor of the 2018 event, and the new venue at Port Sidney Marina will offer expanded opportunities for vendors and exhibitors. Duane Shaw, President of Mill Bay Marine Group: “From the instant that we purchased Port Sidney Marina, we wanted to get the boat show back. The BCYBA shared this enthusiasm and I think we all could not be more excited for the future of the BC Boat Show. We feel that Sidney’s location close to BC Ferries, Anacortes Ferry and the airport will help to draw people from across western North America and provide vendors with an opportunity to maximize their exposure.”

If you haven’t been to the boat show before you can expect that your summer on the water will now start in Sidney! Visitors will see everything from paddle boards, kayaks, inflatables, to small and large sail and power vessels; all available to board and inspire dreams about your next adventure. Additionally there will be many merchants and services on display including boatyards, clothing, fishing gear and lots of other cool, outdoors and water-related products and activities. Plan to make a day of it, feast your eyes and fuel your dreams. As always it will be a family-friendly event.

Sidney’s Mayor, Steven Price, welcomes the return of the show to Sidney: “Our community is welcoming and supportive and we have the resources and facilities to successfully accommodate an event of this scale.” Sidney’s unique downtown, packed with coffee shops, restaurants and boutiques makes it an appealing destination. Make sure you save the date for this essential boat-enthusiast’s event.

Contact Steven Threadkell for vendor applications or to book a spot: sthreadkell@shaw.ca or 250-885-9134.

The BC Boat Show is hosted by the British Columbia Yacht Brokers Association (BCYBA) and has grown to become one of the largest in-water boat shows on the West Coast. The show currently attracts thousands of boaters from across the Pacific Northwest & Alberta.