2006 Lake Union Boats Afloat Show attracts record 11,214 visitors

SEATTLE, Sept. 18, 2006 --- The 2006 Lake Union Boats Afloat Show attracted a record 11,214 visitors during its five-day run Sept. 13–17 marking a 24 percent increase over last year’s levels and a 97 percent increase since 2004.

In 2004, 5,700 visitors attended the Boats Afloat Show, while 9,043 boating enthusiast walked the Chandler’s Cove docks on South Lake Union in 2005.

“Record attendance during each day of the Boats Afloat Show and feedback from our exhibitors indicates that the recreational boating industry in the Northwest continues to be strong,” said Jonathan Ives, Executive Director of the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association (NYBA) which puts on the annual floating show. “Increasing the number of larger yachts and affordable boats along with introducing important programs such as children’s water safety education helped our members connect with an important cross-section of the boating community.”

The 2006 Lake Union Boats Afloat show included some 350 boats ranging in size from affordable, trailerable boats under 20 feet to eight luxury yachts over 80-feet and a 130-foot mega yacht. In 2006, the floating show featured an additional 47 percent boats under 30 feet and shore-side exhibits grew by 60 percent from the previous year.

Among other factors contributing to increased attendance was a shift by the Northwest Yacht Brokers to a brand advertising strategy focusing on the boating lifestyle, inclusion of television advertising, an e-ticket strategy that included free South Lake Union parking along with a number of first-time programs for the entire family.

First time programs at the Boats Afloat Show included a Northwest Yacht Brokers water safety education partnership with the Children’s Hospital and Region Medical Center, the United States Coast Guard and other marine groups to address the importance of water safety for kids and parents. Through the program, the first 300 kids in attendance were fitted with free life jackets provided by Fisheries Supply and Stearns.

The Boat Show Dog Trials, a fun agility-test for show-goers and their dogs, brought cheers and laughter to boat buyers and the curious throughout the five-day show.

Other new programs such as the Lake Union Water Taxi, helped provided a nautical transportation alternative for attendees with a low-cost, on-water taxi service from various locations around Lake Union. The Lake Union Water Taxi is believed to be the only all-electric water of its kind in the United States.

The 2006 Lake Union Boats Afloat Show is one of eight principal shows held throughout the Seattle-area each year including January’s Seattle Boat Show at the Qwest Field Convention Center.

About the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association
The Northwest Yacht Brokers Association www.nwyachtbrokers.com is a non-profit marine trade group founded in 1988 consisting of over 340 marine brokers, dealers and other industry professionals representing over 230 marine-related businesses in the Pacific Northwest. Subscribing to the strictest code of ethics, NYBA members are committed to bringing integrity and professionalism to the buying and selling process of new and previously owned pleasure craft. NYBA plays an active role in marine youth and education programs and is active in creating a greater interest in the welfare and safety of the boating public. Along with the Northwest Marine Trade Association, NYBA's January and September Boats Afloat Shows connect thousands of boating enthusiasts with marine professionals and the finest pleasure craft the Northwest has to offer.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For more news, recreational boating industry facts, high resolution photography and story concepts for the 2006 Lake Union Boats Afloat Show in Seattle. Please visit www.boatsafloatshow.com/news.htm.