YOKOHAMA – Japan’s biggest marine event, the Japan International Boat Show 2013 opens for four days this weekend in Yokohama, a showcase of the latest boat and yacht technology.

Designed to be entertaining for families as well as enthusiasts, the event is billed as “a toy box full of fun.” Yet the Japan International Boat Show is also the most important exhibition of the year for trade too, and is supported by the United States of America Department of Commerce.

Around 40,000 people are expected to descend on two venues, an indoor fair at Pacifico Yokohama, and outdoors at Yokohama Bayside Marina. In the port, attendees will have a chance to sail on different boats, and learn skills from experienced sailors.

A rescue operation demonstration will also take place in Yokohama Bay, in the shadows of the iconic Cosmo Clock 21, a Ferris wheel in the harbor that claims to be the world’s largest clock.

Running from March 7-10,  (10 am until 5 pm) the event will celebrate its 11^th consecutive year with a wide-ranging exhibition of motorboats, sailboats, canoes and kayaks. With 172 exhibitors, it will also present marine leisurewear designs, as well as interior design for boat owners.

According to last year’s attendance figures, the event attracts a mixture of newcomers and regulars that suggests that those who like boats – love boats. 41 percent of attendees have visited on five or more previous events, while 30 percent are first timers.

For more details, visit the Japan International Boat Show 2013 website.