Changing Scene

2014 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW CLOSES ON A HIGH NOTE

The final weekend crowds seemed noticeably stronger and our opinion is that the 2014 Toronto International Boat Show closed on a high note, but the mid-week attendance seemed quiet to most exhibitors that we interviewed. Those exhibitors who were selling impulse purchase items, clothing and recreational accessories felt the effect of reduced numbers of people in the aisles. A nice feature for exhibitors is that the boat show organizers share a running tally of boats that are reported to have been sold at the show and check back with us later this week for those numbers.

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MUSTANG SURVIVAL OFFERS FREE INFLATABLE PFD INSPECTION SERVICE AT THE VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

As the official personal floatation device (PFD) of the Vancouver Boat Show, Mustang Survival is happy to provide free onsite inflatable PFD inspection services to all boat show attendees. Inflatable PFDs should be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure they are in good condition. Boat show attendees with questions about the maintenance or re-arming of their PFD are encouraged to come by the Mustang Survival booth #265 to speak with product experts. Additionally, Mustang Survival will be giving away a free M.I.T. 100 Inflatable PFD at the show. Stop by for details on how to register.

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BRP SHOWS EXCITING NEW SEA-DOO SPARK AT TORONTO INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

Starting at a remarkable $5,595 the new Sea-Doo Spark enjoyed constant attention throughout the 2014 Toronto International Boat Show. The Spark brings the price of entry down to levels where new boaters can easily afford to buy into boating. It also opens the door for cottage families to buy a fleet! According to Bombardier Recreational Products, the 2014 Sea-Doo Spark watercraft is intended to create an entirely new segment of Sea-Doo lineup designed for the young family looking for simple and accessible fun in compact, and lightweight platform.

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TAKE THE BOATING ONTARIO SURVEY TO IMPROVE BOATING IN ONTARIO

The Boating Ontario Association asks you to take just 20 minutes to fill in their survey of your experiences and wishes for Ontario’s locks, canals and waterways to improve boating in Ontario. You could win one of 3 prizes. First prize is a 2014 Season Pass for locking and boating on the canals while the second and third prizes are two tickets to a Toronto Leafs / Ottawa Senators hockey game.

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SEALINE INVITES DEALERS TO COME ABOARD

SEALINE is actively pursuing CANADIAN DEALERS to join its increasing dealer network around the globe.

As a world renowned luxury Yacht manufacturer, Sealine combines the best examples of design and craftsmanship with industry leading innovations to produce boats for adventure and relaxation, without sacrificing style. From entry level sports cruisers to luxury yachts, only the most natural and comfortable materials are selected to create a warm and welcoming ambience aboard.

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ASHBRIDGE’S BAY YACHT CLUB PARTNERS WITH SKIPPERS’ PLAN MARINE INSURANCE

This week Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club (ABYC) announced an extension of a long standing sponsorship agreement with Skippers’ Plan Marine Insurance. The 2014 partnership program features title sponsorship of both the prestigious Lake Yacht Racing Association (LYRA) Annual Regatta and the ABYC Annual Regatta. LYRA is an association of yacht clubs on Lake Ontario and eastern Lake Erie founded in 1884 to promote yacht racing among member clubs.

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CANADIAN YACHTING MAGAZINE AT THE 2014 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

Good crowds and an upbeat attitude characterized the first few days of the 2014 Toronto International Boat Show and the Canadian Yachting magazine both has been a busy place! Dealers say that serious buyers were out and on opening day, the parking lots were close to full just two hours after opening. Crowds were steady all day. Again, Canadian Yachting magazine set up our “CYNN” boat show news network video studio and we interviewed several key industry people

Read More CANADIAN YACHTING MAGAZINE AT THE 2014 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
SFC ENERGY EXPANDS EFOY COMFORT FUEL CELL DISTRIBUTION NETWORK FOR BOATS IN CANADA

EFOY COMFORT fuel cells now available at Western Marine and its appointed dealers. First presentation of EFOY COMFORT fuel cells for the Canadian marine market to the public at the Toronto International Boat Show starting on January 11th 2014. SFC Energy AG, technology and market leader for portable, mobile, and off-grid power generation and distribution, has further expanded the international EFOY marine dealer network. Western Marine Company is the new Canadian distributor for EFOY COMFORT fuel cells. Western Marine Company is a distributor of marine parts and accessories serving wholesale customers throughout Canada. Their extensive inventory

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WEST MARINE’S NEW PRODUCT REVIEW DAY SET FOR JANUARY 31, 2014

West Marine has announced its New Product Review Day is set for Friday, January 31, 2014. The event will be held at the Company’s Watsonville, California based Support Center located at 500 Westridge Drive. West Marine’s New Product Review Day allows prospective inventors and vendors to pitch new products to West Marine Category Managers for consideration and the chance to be sold in West Marine retail stores, and through its other channels of business, including westmarine.com. “West Marine is always on the lookout for the innovative products to maximize our Customer’s enjoyment of boating, fishing, sailing or paddling,” said Ron Japinga, EVP Merchandising for West

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DON’T MISS OUT ON THE EDUCATION SESSIONS AT THIS YEAR’S IFAI CANADA EXPO

To be held March 13 to 14 at the Sheraton Centre Hotel in Toronto, IFAI Canada Expo 2014 is designed to bring you business growth opportunities by combining a variety of educational programs with the latest and best fabrics, equipment, hardware and services.
This year's full registration includes your choice of two different education tracks. Track 1 is the Tent Installation Boot Camp, which includes a variety of educational modules conducted by the Tent Rental Division of IFAI. Track 2 is business and manufacturing focused and includes professional business seminars and training workshops. Both tracks include Friday's Anchoring Clinic.

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CDI ELECTRONICS ELECTRONIC IGNITIION SERVICE SCHOOL STARTS IN FEBRUARY

The CDI Electronics Electronic Ignition Service School is just around the corner. The school will be held Wednesday through Saturday, for the first three weeks in February 2014. The classes will begin at 8:00 am on Wednesday and end around 3:30 pm on Saturday. The classes are limited to 20 attendees and we expect them to fill up quickly. Once the class has reached 20, you will have the chance to sign up on a waiting list and will be notified if a spot becomes available.

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CRUISERS’ 328 SPORT SERIES BOW RIDER CROWNED 2013’s BOAT OF THE YEAR

Cruisers Yachts, a world-renowned manufacturer of luxury yachts and sport boats, is pleased to announce Boating Magazine has bestowed the 328 Sport Series with its coveted Boat of the Year award for 2013. Editor’s named the vessel “Boat of the Year” after reviewing performance data and commentary from the magazine’s Tech Team. In all, the group assessed approximately 100 vessels between 30 and 70 feet. Each test considers a boat’s construction, design, styling, performance, and adherence to the standards set by the American Boat and Yacht Council. Boats in contention must also meet the demands of the mission for boats in their category. The 328 SS was chosen because it led all others in innovation and excellence in a brand-new boat category.

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2014 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW FEATURES

There is always something for everyone at the Toronto Boat Show and 2014 proves to be no exception. For trade professionals, brokers, marina owners, families, couples, old boat enthusiasts, water sport aficianados, paddlers and those who are new to boating, the Toronto International Boat Show has more than enough offerings to make you long for summer in order to get out on the water and enjoy it. Features this year include…

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SEALINE TO LAUNCH F380 AT THE DUSSELDORF BOAT SHOW

Sealine will be unveiling their new F380 flybridge motor yacht at the Dusseldorf Boat Show in January. Following on from the success of the award winning F450, this new model offers more space than any other cruiser in this size range currently on the market. With their innovative design features Sealine has maximised the use of space and light throughout whilst also providing complete flexible living areas above and below decks. The signature wrap around windscreen offers 360 degree panoramic views from the saloon and there are double seats at both the lower and upper helm for social cruising. A port side sofa provides versatile seating and storage, movable for maximising the floor space available. To the

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ABYC MARINE SYSTEMS CERTIFICATION COURSE IN BC

From February 11 to 14, 2014 starting at 08:30 AM Daily, industry professionals can take the ABYC Marine Systems Certification Course at Raven Marine, 419 West Esplanade in North Vancouver, British Columbia.

This course with instructor Kevin Ritz, includes key information from 21 different ABYC Standards as they apply to boat component selection and installation. Best industry practices will be a part of the body of knowledge that a certified technician will be expected to be proficient in regards to Potable Water Systems, Waste Water Systems, Tanks, Plumbing, Electrical Installation, System Monitoring, Compressed Gas

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RECORD GLOBAL CAR SALES PROJECTED FOR 2014: SCOTIABANK

As a driver of the economy, new vehicle sales can have a major impact and we all know cars and trucks only last so long before needing replacement. The cyclical recovery in global auto sales remains intact with purchases advancing in every region, except Europe, over the past year, according to the latest Scotiabank Global Auto Report.

"Purchases in Canada are expected to edge up to a record 1.76 million units in 2014, with volumes boosted by an improving labour market and the best vehicle affordability in more than three decades," said Carlos Gomes, Scotiabank's Senior Economist and Auto Industry Specialist.

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SUNSAIL CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF SENSATIONAL SAILING

In 1974, when the world was in the depths of a recession, the Watergate Scandal forced Nixon to resign, and the Velour Jumpsuit (the original Onesie) was in fashion, a small sailing school embarked on their first Flotilla Holiday. Forty years later, the school, known as Sunsail, is still offering Flotillas and a whole host of other ways to sail from 27 exciting and exotic locations around the world.

Flotilla adventures have always played a key part in what Sunsail offers while 40 years of constantly improving these experiences has allowed us to deliver the best there is. With 23 routes designed around making the most of customers' time on the water, each itinerary takes you to the

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YOUR CUSTOMERS WHO ARE THINKING OF CHARTERING IN EUROPE MAY NEED AN INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY (ICC)

As you may be aware, it is now mandatory to hold a recognised International Certificate of Competency (ICC) if you wish to charter a boat in certain European countries. It is generally required for the inland and coastal waters of Mediterranean countries. In Northern Europe and Scandinavia the ICC is generally not required, but it is strongly advised to check with any European or eastern bloc country that you wish to charter in before you leave.

Read More YOUR CUSTOMERS WHO ARE THINKING OF CHARTERING IN EUROPE MAY NEED AN INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY (ICC)
ISLAND YACHT CLUB – NO INITIATION FEES

The Island Yacht Club introduces no initiation fees for New Boating and Social Memberships. Nestled in Blockhouse Bay, one of the prettiest coves in the Toronto Islands, the IYC offers a multi-cultural club with a family oriented atmosphere where you can swim in the pool, play tennis, dine casually or elegantly, or take to the waterways by sail, powerboat or kayak. Relax in the clubhouse while enjoying spectacular sunsets framed by mature trees. Their private tender whisks you on a scenic journey, from Queen's Quay, across the Toronto Harbour, through Blockhouse Bay, and onto Muggs Island.

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BOATING ONTARIO CONFERENCE AWARDS

The 2013 Boating Ontario Conference and Trade Show concluded with the President’s Dinner and Awards ceremony on December 3rd, 2013.

It was an excellent conference and attracted a much larger attendance this year but perhaps most encouraging was that the group included many more young people this year. These new faces will be the future of the industry and undoubtedly they profited from the veteran industry members, experts in the trade show and the excellent roster of presenters who were there.

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