SO! DALIAN reports successful first edition

SO! DALIAN, the first in a series of events under the SO! RENDEZVOUS umbrella, finished its first edition leaving all of the 7,739 invited guests with a positive impression of the coastal gem of Dalian, enhancing the destination as a hot tourism spot in the North. The good weather throughout the weekend event demonstrated that early July is the ideal season to visit Dalian and sail on Bohai Bay. Many HNWI spent time discovering the new DongGang District of Dalian and identified it as a destination in itself, especially ideal given its one-hour flying time from Beijing.

SO! DALIAN presented a collection of 45 yachts at DongGang Marina, one of China’s newest yacht facilities. The show included four yachts over 90ft, a premiere in Dalian and the North of China. In order to emphasise Dalian’s close proximity to the sea, a fair share of the selections were composed of sailing yachts. The local trade authorities CCPIT offered great support and was an excellent organising partner, allowing China Rendez-Vous and its exhibitors to invite guests on sea trials.

Delphine Lignieres, founder and CEO of China Rendez-Vous said, “Sea trials are a must for both Chinese prospects as well as buyers to be able to experience the thrill of sailing and the relaxation offered by cruising. Wherever we go, it is something we want to promote.” 

More than 90 brands, sponsors and exhibitors from all corners of the world supported the event. Acknowledging the strength of the platform and the quality of the guests, brands headquartered overseas sent representatives directly from the head office as opposed to relying on the local teams to ensure that their brand positioning was accurately presented. In its first edition, SO! DALIAN saw attendance of the key players in the yacht world including Luerssen, Sanlorenzo, Benetti, Arcadia, Jeanneau, Beneteau Group, Azimut, Ferretti Group and many more. Jeanneau Prestige, Marquis, Bavaria and Noble Boats have already confirmed sales, while other partners of the show are in the midst of finalising deals that will be announced soon. 

The sponsors and partners of the first edition of SO! Dalian Beach Polo and Marine Lifestyle: La Martina, Shangrila, Christofle, Diplomatico, Lanson Champagne created momentum in sharing their values and their spirit with a captivated public. 

The Gaggenau VIP lounge during the four-day event boasted a warm atmosphere with top chefs in attendance from different parts of the world. As a perfect match to the lounge, the SL 96 from San Lorenzo was fully equipped with Gaggenau kitchen and was moored directly opposite. 

Delphine Lignieres commented, “We need to continue the work we have undertaken for a decade now: offering the keys to Chinese potential boat owners, in particular people from the North, to access to the marine lifestyle. HNWI in China do not believe advertising claims anymore. They are refined connoisseurs and are looking for the right experience, now more than ever before”.

Another key element of the show was China’s first ever Beach Polo World Cup. Guests and exhibitors were all enthusiastic when describing the beach polo and it acted as another major draw to SO! DALIAN. The polo arena and hospitality suite offered excellent opportunities to share quality time with family and friends while taking in the ‘Sport of Kings’ played on sand.

For more information visit SO! DALIAN.