The show season is here and boaters across Canada are offered plenty of excitement for the 2006 season!

Toronto International Boat Show, January 14-22

Show Hours Preview Night (Jan. 13): 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sundays: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Weekdays: Noon to 9:00 p.m. Admission Adults:$15.00 Seniors (65+): $12.00 Kids 16 and under: Free Two day adult pass: $25.00 Parking Mon-Fri—Free parking at Ontario Place

The WOW factor has always played a big part at the Toronto International Boat Show and this year’s event is no exception. In its 48th year, Canada’s largest boat show will be held from January 14 - 22 at the National Trade Centre where Canada’s marine marketplace will cover more than a half-million square feet and a 1,000 new boats, engines, accessories and services.

The World’s Largest Indoor Lake
Without a doubt, one of the most popular attractions at the Toronto International Boat Show is The Lake, which is considered the world’s largest indoor boat harbour and allows boating enthusiasts to see the boats how they are meant to be seen – on the water. Filled with more than one million gallons of water on a space larger than an NHL rink, The Lake is impressive, fun and the whole family will love it. Walk along the floating docks (kids are provided with life jackets) and browse the latest and greatest boats of the 2006 model year. You can also catch one of the great speakers at the new Boat House on The Lake Seminar Stage or just stop by to enjoy Henry’s Fish House, one of North America’s finest restaurants serving delicious walleye and perch.

See a Boat—Buy a Boat
It’s a well-known fact that “love at first sight” is a common occurrence at the show. You turn a corner and there it is, the boat of your dreams. No need to dream when you can buy it right then and there. More boats are sold here than any other single event in the country. If you’re thinking about buying your first boat or have been away from the scene for a while, stop by the Discover Boating Centre for unbiased advice. Experienced boaters are on-site and more than willing to offer one-on-one assistance to help you find the right model for your lifestyle and budget.

Special Preview Night
Each year, the Toronto International Boat Show opens its doors a little early for its annual Special Preview Night-Boating for Children’s Charity, hosted by CHUM morning show host Roger Ashby. This is your chance to take your time and see all the boats without all the crowds. Plus, you can bid on more than 200 live and silent auction items, catch live entertainment and enjoy fabulous food and beverages. Since its inception six years ago, this annual event has raised over $326,000. Tickets for the Special Preview Night are $75. For more information call (905) 951-0009.

Superstars of Boating
There are few people in sailing that command the kind of respect bestowed upon Dennis Conner. From his America’s Cup victories to his world speed record, Conner’s many achievements are legendary. He will provide a glimpse of the secrets to his success at the Boat House on The Lake Seminar Stage on Friday, January 20 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, January 21 at 11 a.m.

Another well-respected name in Sailing, Derek Hatfield is scheduled to speak throughout the Toronto Boat Show about his astounding completion of the 2003 Around Alone race – the world’s most difficult, challenging and grueling individual competition.

Gary Jobson, a world-class sailor in his own right, will also be sharing his experiences at the new seminar stage Tuesday, January 17 at 6 p.m. Jobson is best known as ESPN’s sailing commentator and has even earned an Emmy for his coverage of the Olympic Games in South Korea. He is also an accomplished author.

Another speaker not to miss is Tania Aebi, the youngest person to sail solo around the world. Aebi will speak about her journey and her road to success as a successful motivational speaker and author on Saturday, January 14 and Sunday, January 15 at 12 p.m. – Chris McDowall

For complete details on the 2006 Toronto International Boat Show visit www.torontoboatshow.com or call (905) 951-0009. (Page Top)


Head to the 45th Annual Vancouver International Boat Show
Two Great Locations, One Incredible Show (Dates: February 8-12, 2006)

For British Columbia’s boating enthusiasts, the 45th annual Vancouver International Boat Show (VIBS) signals the start of another boating season. This is western Canada’s largest boat show offering more than 300 exhibitors and the latest and greatest in boats, kayaks, canoes, and gear for every boater and budget. See and board the largest boats at the expanded in-water venue at False Creek Yacht Club.

New this year is the How-To stage offering seminars on everything from knot tying to docking. Visit the Discover Boating Centre and its experts who are on-site to share their passion for boating and offer unbiased advice on the right boat for you. There’s something for children too with the Kids’ Zone featuring hands-on interactive fun and paddle boat rides. Sailfest and the sail grinder display, a new product showcase, seminar speakers, and some of the best boat deals of the year await you at this annual event.

The Vancouver International Boat Show runs February 8-12, 2006 at BC Place Stadium and the False Creek Yacht Club.

For more information visit www.vancouverboatshow.ca (Page Top)

Go Boating- East Coast Style
Halifax International Boat Show (February 16-19, 2006)

Location: Exhibition Park, Halifax SHOW HOURS: Thursday February 16 12p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday February 17 10a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday February 18 10a.m.– 8 p.m. Sunday February 19 10a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information visit www.halifaxboatshow.com

The Halifax International Boat Show is the largest boat show in Atlantic Canada. The four-day event showcases an array of models ranging from six to more than 30 feet in both power and sail. Dinghies, pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, personal watercraft, trawlers, and wooden boats are also featured. Attendees can even expect to see exhibits of marine equipment, marine engines, (diesel, gas, outboard and inboard) along with marine electronics and accessories. The show is a great time to buy a boat as manufacturers and dealers offer great show specials.

Atlantic Canada has many outstanding women boaters who are great role models for women who boat or are considering boating. The 2006 Halifax Boat Show is planning to enhance boating for all women by introducing a series of hand-on sessions and educational boating seminars. The Women On Board Seminar Program is a series of five seminars delivered particularly to women. Seminar topics will include:

• Boat systems
• Electronics: navigation and
communications
• Marine Engines
• Safety and kids aboard
• Long distance cruising

Our Women On Board Series will be presented on the existing Seminar stage throughout the show.

In the spirit of exhibiting Nova Scotia-built boats, the event will also feature the Mongoose, a prototype of a new domestic defense boat launched by A.F. Theriault and Son Ltd. of Meteghan River, Nova Scotia. The Mongoose series of FPB Vessels range from 25 – 120 feet and have a new element added to the formulae. CRP-Ceramic Reinforced Plastics. Be sure not to miss this exciting attraction. (Page Top)