Maver Boats of Crail in Fife reported an excellent show and won an order for one of their catamarans from a father and son team from Anstruther. Maver’s 6.9m catamaran design is ideal for potting and attracted much interest.
Martin Maver of Maver Boats said: “We had a very busy show and a lot of enquiries, especially from young fishermen, which was very encouraging.”
David Ash of marine electronics specialist Mantsbrite Marine said: “We had an excellent expo with some good sales. It was also great to catch up with existing customers.”
Safety was a major theme of the expo, which was sponsored by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) and Mullion Survival Technology.
Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said: “It was a fantastic show that included healthy political debate and a vast array of exhibiting stands for visiting fishermen. I am particularly pleased that a total of 70 free Personal Flotation Device jackets for 32 boats were handed over at the expo, making the event a huge success in promoting this SFF led safety initiative.”
As well as a record number of boat displays, the show also featured exhibitors from a range of diverse sectors, including marine electronics, engine suppliers, safety equipment, creels, chandlery and deck machinery.
Sharon Boyle of organiser Mara Media said: “We are thrilled at the success of Skipper Expo Int. Aberdeen 2014 and I would like to thank all exhibitors and visitors for their tremendous support. This expo is really going from strength to strength and we are already making plans for next year’s show.”
For the immediate future, Mara Media is now turning its attention to Skipper Expo Int. Bournemouth 2014 that will be held on 10 and 11 October. Targeted at the English and Welsh fishing industries, the show looks set to benefit from the excellent facilities in the exhibiting hall at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC). A large number of exhibitors have already confirmed their attendance.
