As Morski writes, more than 80 exhibitors using over 5,000 m2 of fair space, over 10,000 satisfied visitors, numerous novelties and premieres – in many ways, the record-breaking Rijeka Boat Show 2022 proved that Rijeka lives not only by the sea but for the sea.
The largest nautical fair in the northern part of the Adriatic, the Rijeka Boat Show, has closed after three intensive fair days at Karolina Rijeka Pier. The thorough organisation and painstaking preparations for this demanding event were almost ruined by an unprecedented storm that engulfed the wider region of Rijeka, submerging the city centre. However, the efforts of the organisers and the perseverance of the exhibitors were still rewarded. On Friday, September the 30th, the rain finally gave way to the sun, and the mayor of the City of Rijeka, Marko Filipovic, officially opened the Rijeka Boat Show 2022.
For this fair, a record 80 exhibitors prepared a truly rich exhibition programme for the visitors. On the crowded pier, on land and under tents, as well as in the sea on numerous moorings, there were attractive brands from the nautical world, including many Croatian-built vessels and additional content.
This year’s fair was characterised by numerous representatives from the world of small Croatian shipbuilding, the expansion of the luxury offer and numerous Croatian premieres. Marin Boat presented boats up to 10 metres long to the Croatian market – those that can be afforded by a large number of customers, while Motonoavis premiered the Piranhascraft aluminum vessel, which interested visitors could try out. Demonstration runs of the Sailfin electric hydrofoil board presented by the Plurato company were particularly attractive to visitors.
The largest and most expensive vessel at this year’s Rijeka Boat Show, which was also the Croatian premiere, was the MONACHUS 70 FLY – the largest ever series-produced motor yacht in the Republic of Croatia, manufactured by Vineta d.o.o. from the City of Split. This brand new model of a top-performance luxury yacht is just over 21 metres long, and with its impressive appearance, it attracted a lot of attention in the Port of Rijeka.
The importance of a strong nautical fair has been enhanced many times over by ambitious investments in nautical tourism in Rijeka, which should soon get the most modern marina on the entire Adriatic in Porto Baros. This was emphasised in speeches made by numerous partners and sponsors of the fair, representatives of the City of Rijeka and its tourist board, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, the Port Authority and ACI. The director of the fair, Ivan Crnjaric, thanked them, and in particular highlighted the exhibitors without whose trust this demanding project would not have taken place.
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