Show Features

Show Features at a Glance

Meet 'Duma' the Famous Waterskiing and Boat-Driving Dog!

Duma continues to make waves throughout North America and this year the beloved seven-year-old Jack Russell Terrier is looking to make a splash at the 2012 Vancouver International Boat Show.

Not only can this canine carve a line on his custom water-skis, she's also a Skipper; passion for the water inspired her to learn how to drive her very own boat!

This is an awe-inspiring, entertainment-packed show for the entire family.

Duma will meet her fans for photos and more after each show through February 8th – 12th. This is a show you and your family won't want to miss!

Catch Duma performing daily at location 626
on the Field Level of BC Place.

Wed./Thurs. 3:30pm & 5:30pm
Fri. 2:30pm, 4:30pm & 6:30pm
Sat./Sun. 12noon, 2:00pm, 4:00pm

Check out Duma in action at last year's Toronto Boat Show!

Click here to see our Facebook photo album of Duma's aquatic antics!

Check out www.perfectpetphotos.com for more Duma photos.

The World's "Most Dangerous Job"

Discovery Channel's 'Deadliest Catch' has been a documentary / reality television hit series since its creation in 2005 portraying the real life events aboard fishing vessels in the Bering Sea during the Alaskan king crab fishing seasons.

Based out of the Aleutian Islands port of Dutch Harbor, Unalaska, Alaska, the show's name derives from the inherent high risk of injury or death associated with the work.

For some it's a season of change; for others, a chance to make a name for themselves, but some things remain constant: the perilous, icy waters of the Bering Sea and most dangerous job in the world...

This year, crew member Russell Newberry makes his debut at the Vancouver International Boat Show, February 8th – 12th to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and share his stories from working the world's most dangerous job.

Catch Russell Newberry at location 649 on the Field Level of BC Place at the following times.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 2:00pm - 4:00pm and 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Discover Boating Centre

A wealth of FREE resources and unbiased experts are on hand at the Discover Boating Centre to answer every boating question and help boat show visitors navigate their way to getting out on the water.

Whether you are new to boating or already an experienced boater, our boating experts can help you figure out the perfect boat to fit your lifestyle and budget. They can provide advice on everything from destinations and new activities to try, to boating courses, safety information, accessories, maintenance, docking tips, and much more.

You can even get pick up a boat-shopping guide to use at the show, plus lots of free information, including magazines and DVDs to take home with you.

Drop by the Discover Boating Centre and find out why life is better with a boat!

Discover Boating - FREE Boat Rides!

Visit the Discover Boating tent at the entrance of Granville island and sign up for FREE 30-minute power or sailboat rides and get a taste of the boating life. These boat rides will be offered during show hours and are a very popular part of the show. Be sure to sign up early at the Discover Boating booth at Granville island. Experience the joys of boating first-hand, learn a bit about the lifestyle and find out for yourself why "Life's Better With a Boat"!

PFDs sponsored by:

Seminar Stage

The Seminar Series is a resource of inspiration and education.

Whether you are a novice boater, or a seasoned expert, interested is in sailing adventures, or in need of boat-buying or do-it-yourself repair tips, these experts can help expand your knowledge and perfect your passion!

Check out the seminar schedule to plan your visit!

Around the World at 16

Zac Sunderland learned how to sail when he was four years old, and at 16 he embarked on the adventure of a lifetime – setting sail into the Pacific Ocean on a quest to see the world and become the youngest person to circumnavigate it alone.

For 13 months he weathered perilous storms and threatening pirates, while embracing new cultures, learning new languages, and making lifelong friends – even losing some to the sea.

In July 2009 he realized his dream: Zac became the youngest solo sailor to circumnavigate the world and the first under 18!

Meet this intrepid adventurer at the 2012 Vancouver Boat Show's Seminar Stages February 8th - 12th – where he'll share tales of his record-breaking around-the-world solo navigation!

Click here for the 2012 Vancouver Boat Show Seminar Schedule.

Abby Sunderland's 2012 appearance has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict.

Unsinkable - Abby Sunderland

Abby Sunderland, younger sister of Zac Sunderland, has a dream to sail around the world. More people have flown into outer space than have sailed solo around the globe. It is a challenge so immense that many have died trying and all have been pushed beyond every physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual limit.

Having been around the water and growing up on boats since she was six months old, Abby watched as her brother Zac successfully sailed around the world in 2009 and realized that her dream could come true as well with lots of hard work, support and perseverance.

In January 2010, Abby set sail around the world on Wild Eyes, an Open 40 sailboat. On June 10, 2010 Wild Eyes was rolled 360 degrees by a massive rogue wave, tearing off the vessel's mast, completely disabling Wild Eyes, and ending the trip.

After the media explosion that happened upon her safe return to dry land, Abby undertook the stirring narrative, Unsinkable, which tells her remarkable true story of attempting to become the youngest person ever to sail solo around the world with gripping and evocative firsthand accounts that start prior to her departure, travels through her daring (and sometimes near-death) encounters on the open sea, to her dramatic rescue in the remotest corner of the Indian Ocean.

Meet Abby Sunderland at the 2012 Vancouver International Boat Show February 8th – 12th and listen as she shares what it means to boldly face any challenge, to strive after something great and to plumb the depths of faith, fear, and desperation only to emerge changed, renewed, and emboldened.

Manufacturers Showcase:

Want to learn more about the latest marine products and accessories in a relaxed, sales-free environment? The 2012 Vancouver International Boat Show debuts an all-new area dedicated specifically to the manufacturers of marine related products; see displays featuring the newest in electronics and navigation, power, paints, sails, rigging, plastics and more. Check back daily at Booth #412 for the demonstration schedule as product demos will be taking place throughout the day; a visit to The Manufacturer's Showcase connects you one-on-one with representatives from some of the most recognized names in the industry who bring their extensive product knowledge to the show.

Located on Level 2 Concourse between Sections 235 through 246.

Government Services:

The 50th anniversary of the Vancouver International Boat Show also features an area dedicated to marine related Government Agencies. Transport Canada is on hand to discuss efficient marine transportation and safe, secure and sustainable marine practices; discuss the sustainability and development of Canada's waterways and aquatic resources with Fisheries and Oceans; speak to the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary about its day-and-night search and rescue services – plus many other dedicated Government exhibitors are available to answer questions. The Government Services Station is a valuable resource centre.

Look for Safety Bobbie at the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary booth!

Located on Level 2 Concourse between Sections 223 through 225.

Kids Zone

Kids will love the Nautical Play Centre located in the Kids Zone! There are friendly, energetic staff and lots of fun things for kids to do, including paddleboat rides.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

SailFest

If you're a sailor, you'll find lots to love at this year's show! SailFest highlights everything sailing-related at the show – from products to services, schools and destinations.

SailFest exhibitors are easy to find, too; just look for the SailFest flag.

And don't forget to see and board the largest sailboats in the show at the in-water venue at Granville Island!

Free shuttles run continuously between BC Place and the Granville Island Maritime Market and Marina.

BC Marine Authors

A "bookstore within the show," BC Marine Authors boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of BC marine authors and titles in the province.

Pick up a "how-to" book on boat repair, maintenance or navigation, or enjoy tales of sailing adventures, destinations, travel on the high seas, and more.

Featured authors are scheduled to appear at BC Marine Authors throughout the show.

Wooden Boat Alley

Meet some of BC's finest craftsmen, who will demonstrate traditional wooden boat building maritime skills and answer visitors' questions.

Inquire about their techniques, and admire their beautiful creations – these highly skilled and experienced boatbuilders are happy to share their passion for this time-honoured and traditional marine craft.

Get Your Pleasure Craft Operators Card

On September 15th, 2009, it became law that ALL operators of power-driven pleasure craft must carry proof of competency onboard at all times. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is considered proof of competency, and you can write a PCOC exam at the Vancouver Boat Show to earn your card, which is good for life.

For more information on educational programs to gain the knowledge needed to write the PCOC test, and on writing the test, visit any of the following Canadian Coast Guard-approved booths at the show:

BoaterExam.com: booth 538
BoatSmart!: booth 277

Granville Island Maritime Market and Marina

Fresh air, saltwater and spectacular boats make the in-water venue at Granville Island a must-see highlight of the Vancouver International Boat Show!

The perfect place to see and board boats on the water, Granville Island will host the largest motor yachts and sailboats featured at the 2012 boat show.

Located under the Granville Street Bridge, this stunning marina is a brief shuttle ride from BC Place – and for your convenience, shuttle buses will run continuously between BC Place and Granville Island.

Click here for more information.