The 19^th annual Port Credit Boat Show closed its gates Sunday, August 30, 2009 to a resounding success. Boat exhibitors sold 13 boats at the show, with another 9-10 serious offers they anticipate will close by the end of the week.

          “This is a great show,” said Shawn Bannon sales representative for Navy Point Yachts, dealers for Jeanneau and Island Packet.  “We sold two boats, one used, and one new.  This is a show of qualified buyers.  You always sell a boat at this show!”

           “We just love this show”, said sailors Dave and Kathy Spencer, who drove in from London for the day.  “Everyone is so friendly.  We really love seeing the boats in the water and get a chance to really get in there and inspect the boats.”.  This was Kathy’s first trip to the show, Dave had already been at the show Friday with his Dad.  They sail on Georgian Bay.

“We can credit selling two boats from this show” stated Ryan Wheeler, sales manager for Skyline Marina.  “And we’ve made some great contacts and have great leads we can follow up on”.

Over 75 boats - new and used, power and sail - were on the docks and on the hard at Port Credit Harbour Marina in Mississauga. Visitors had the chance to view boats ranging from inflatables to large cruisers, both power and sail. The Port Credit Boat Show was pleased to welcome first time show exhibitors Tiara Boats, Whaley Dinghies and the Humber Foton, a solar-powered 18’ runabout.

The grand tent was very busy with smaller marine exhibitors including SailTime; McMichael-Davis Insurance; Island Canvas, to name a few.

First time exhibitor Ken Harrison representing four product lines including Furuno stated, “I was astounded at the calibre of people who attend this show. I’ve had great questions, and lots of emails through-out the show asking for more information.

          Seminar favourites Paul and Sheryl Shard, Deb Cantrell and Dusty Miller were featured in the Seminar Tent, always a large draw, sponsored by Informed Boater.com. New comers Wally Moran, Ron Bianchi, Katrina Lewis were treated to good crowds and good questions.

          The Show Consignment Tent, sponsored by The Store returned this year and made $1300 for local junior sailing programs.  Boaters brought their no-longer needed boat stuff to the tent to sell. 40% of each sale went to junior sailing programs.  On Saturday evening, Lori Mason, owner of The Store, Masons, presented Donna Scott, chair of Ontario Sailing with a donation earned from proceeds at Store events held during the summer.

“We were absolutely delighted with the show this year” said Lori Mason show manager.  “The dealers and brokers supported us, the media were here, we had a record attendance – even the weather co-operated.  We are pumped and ready for next year’s show.”

The 20^th anniversary of the Port Credit Boat Show is August 27, 28, 29, 2010.  Visit www.portcreditboatshow.ca for more information.