The Port Vell, a 2000 years old port in Barcelona, famous for its Christopher Columbus statue, hosts the biggest boat show in Spain, The Salón Nautico Internacional de Barcelona from 14 to 18 October and the only one approved by the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO). It has been awarded a gold medal for sporting merit by the Barcelona City Council for promoting the city all over the world, and is supported by the Spanish Marine Trade Association.

Welcome to the National Boat Show of Barcelona

Its aim is to promote and facilitate the access to sailing, and it offers many activities for the whole family to reach that goal, like sea baptisms, fly boards showmen flying seven meters above the see, night activities, exhibitions about traditional sailing, conferences, and access to 232 direct exhibitors, 700 boats on display and 150 yachts and super-yachts on the water.

The show is divided in areas: the Espai del Mar, the traditional sailing zone, and the Fun Beach.

Espai del Mar

In this zone, you can listen to conferences about sailing, watch presentations of regattas, prize giving and showcases for new products.

Traditional sailing

The exhibition of traditional wooden boats take place in this area, as well as boat restoring demonstration, or workshops on seafaring customs. Joan Santolaria, owner of the Raphael, one of the few sailing boats still riding waves using only the force of the wind, will be at the show for he is celebrating the 100^th anniversary of his boat, and he will organize a workshop on building ships from remnants of cork from cork oak.

Fun Beach

In the Fun Beach area, you can try different water sports like surfing in the port, stand up paddle, kayaking, dinghy sailing, or even take towable boats with guides giving you information about sailing qualifications, sailing schools, or the Balearic Islands.

Boat show by night

When the night falls, other activities take place. Live music, performances, and for the ones who want to keep exercising, Swimnight and Kayak, a 2500 meters circuit with two laps in pair, the first lap in a kayak, the second one swimming.

Restoration

The One Ocean Club, the official boat show restaurant offers 35 euro meals, with each day a different one, for both visitors and exhibitors. There you can enjoy a good dinner with a wonderful view of the port.

If you want more information on the event, you can visit the official website of the Barcelona Boat Show.