Organizers of Yacht & Boat Korea 2011 wrapped up another successful show in Gyeongsangnam-do. The show ran from May 4th – the 8th in one of Korea’s busiest leisure boating ports, Jinhae.

The show was opened with a keynote address by Everett Babbitt, President of the industry’s largest marina construction company, Bellingham Marine. Mr. Babbitt’s presentation focused on Korea’s emerging boating market and the country’s need for properly designed infrastructure to support its growing boating public and to ensure a financial return on its initial investment. In addition, Babbitt provided an overview of the current marina market and trends worldwide

The theme for this year’s show was “awakening the dream.” According to individuals involved in the local industry, the Korean government has approved the development of more than 40 new marina facilities along the Korean coastline. “Building a marina is more than just placing pontoons in a body of water for boats to tie up to,” said Babbitt. “Proper engineering, detailed planning and a commitment to building it right the first time will ensure the long term success of Korea’s plan to significantly grow its boating industry.”

Delivering a similar message to the emerging market in China, Bellingham Marine’s General Manager of the company’s Asian operations, John Spragg, spoke at China’s Shanghai show in April. Spragg echoed Babbitt’s statements about proper design and offered suggestions on future yacht club development in China.

“Taking the right approach to marina design and construction is absolutely critical to the long term success of these emerging markets,” remarked Spragg.

As the world’s leading marina design-build construction company, Bellingham Marine produces Unifloat® concrete floating dock systems, Unideck® metal frame floating dock systems and Unistack® dry stack systems for marinas worldwide.

Contact: Bellingham Marine, P.O. Box 8, Bellingham, WA 98227; www.bellingham-marine.com.

Unifloat, Unideck and Unistack are registered trademarks of Bellingham Marine.