Smooth Sale-ing: Cabo Marine Show Returns
It was all about what was in the water at this year’s Cabo Marine Show, the fifth edition of what has become the longest-running boat show in Mexico and the largest nautical expo on the country’s Pacific Coast. The three-day event, which was held May 15 to 17 at Docks L-M-N of the IGY Marina behind the Wyndham Cabo San Lucas Resort, again drew thousands of visitors to the marina boardwalk to browse booths showcasing the latest seagoing gadgets and playthings, as well as maritime-themed jewelry and fine arts.
Founder and organizer Sergio Igartua at the ceremonial ribbon cutting on Thursday, May 15.
But the focus this weekend was less about the products dockside than the millions of dollars’ worth of marine hardware floating in the marina. More than 20 boats, many of which could more accurately be described as luxury yachts or opulent pleasure craft, were on gleaming display for locals and visitors and ready for closer inspection by those with or without (but preferably with) high-powered checkbooks. Although sales figures were not released, it seems clear that the increasing success of the new and used boat market is driving an evolution of the Cabo Marine Show, which originally was primarily a platform for social networking and the exhibition of the latest nautical goods and services.
“We are pleased to see that our boat show has been taking a constant and natural evolution from the traditional exhibitors on the floor to a more pronounced in-water display of both new and used vessels—which is the purpose of any boat show, departing from the usual convention center format to an in-water exhibit more similar to boat shows of international stature,” said Oscar Avalos before the weekend festivities kicked off.
Avalos is Director of MAA+Eventos Meetings and Conventions, which partnered with show founder and organizer Sergio Igartua, who agreed with the assessment, noting: “Unlike other shows of this kind, Cabo Marine Show offers secondhand vessels at very affordable prices for both the local and visiting customer.”
New and used boat sales were an increased focus at this year’s Cabo Marine Show.
Rising interest in the show’s new and used boat market was evidenced by the number of brokers on hand to show off their vessels: representatives from United Yacht Sales, Emerald Pacific Yachts, Hallmark Yachts, Picante Sportfishing, La Paz Yachts, Pisces Group Cabo, and Otaduy Yachts New Construction and Brokerage were all in attendance, as were several private owners.
But despite the attention paid to boat sales, the weekend was also a boon to the 30 or so exhibitors who set up shop along the marina boardwalk. Big names like Maui Jim drew plenty of passersby eager to check out the latest sunglasses models, and it was estimated that between 800 and 1,000 people per day enjoyed the sunshine and salty atmosphere, occasionally ducking into neighboring restaurants like Baja Cantina and Solomon’s Landing for fresh local seafood and cold cervezas. Live music and VIP parties were staples during the early evening hours, and for the second consecutive year Bisbee’s offered early bird registration for their big money Baja California Sur fishing tournaments.
The importance of the Cabo Marine Show was not only apparent from the healthy turnout of visitors and virtual who’s who of nautical exhibitors but also from the list of local sponsors, which included the Los Cabos Tourism Board. It was an important weekend for local water-based businesses and the community as a whole, although for visitors it was probably just another good excuse to wander around in the sun sipping on a tropical cocktail. A good time was had by all it seemed, and a happy few exited the weekend with a beautiful new (or semi-new) boat. I alas was not one of them, but I’m saving my money for next year.