BC Boat Show, a staple of the West Coast boating scene, returned to Port Sidney Marina this week, welcoming enthusiasts with a dazzling display of vessels under sunny skies.
"Our tagline is, 'Summer in the water starts here,'" said Steven Threadkell, show manager of the past 12 years.
Running May 1-4, the show boasts over 130 boats of varying sizes and budgets, making it one of the largest in-water boat shows on the West Coast.
Attendees can find everything from affordable dinghies priced at $1,300 to luxurious 80-foot yachts valued at $4 million, with a wide range of options in between.
"It’s a serious boat buyer’s show," explained Threadkell. "People looking for a boat, not just tire kicking, but maybe planning for the future, this is the place to come because the variety is so great."
Beyond the impressive selection of boats, the show offers a complete maritime experience.
Guests can enjoy food vendors on the dock, explore an exhibitor's tent filled with marine-related businesses, and even tour the tall ship Providence, a historic vessel presented by the show's sponsor, Mill Bay Marine Group, complete with free tours and ice cream.
The favourable weather is expected to draw between 3,000 and 4,000 attendees throughout the weekend.
Tickets are priced at $15 for a one-day pass and $14 for seniors and students. Admission is free for children 16 and under when accompanied by an adult. For boating aficionados looking to soak in the entire experience, an all-access weekend pass is available for $30.
BC Boat Show promises a weekend of nautical exploration and a perfect start to the summer boating season.
