Dreaming of the Sea at the Montreal Boat Show

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Nearly every week in Montreal, special shows are taking place: the wedding salon, comiccon, the car show and of course the Montreal Boat Show at Place Bonaventure. Each of those have a few things in common: huge space, special activities, and the selling of dreams.

They are informative, can be a nice outing for a family (or a couple just starting in life) and they are a space where all kinds of people can meet. They are a space where the passionate can cross path with the interested, where children run near the elderly and where millionaires and regular joes (like you, me, and most people) can stand next to each other. They are made to make you dream and they do so by showing you this dreamy boat, that special car, this amazing dress for your “one day I will be a princess” kind of wedding. And who does not like to fantasize a little? Because I do. (Not on the wedding thing though…).

As I am a dreamer, and happen to love the sea, and yes even boats, I took the assignement up to go check this year Boat Show for Montreal Rampage with my collegue and photographer Krystèle. Yes guys, two chicks checking boats up and imagining what it would be to be on them. And not only to sunbathe but to drive them too! Yes, we dared to dream.

The Boat Show was pretty interesting this year, amazing boats were displayed, and it was a pleasure to walk among them. I was so surprised to see some of them being so “girly”-shiny all the way. Crazy right? Well I guess people don’t only want a cool boat, they want a glittery one as well. And glitter there was. Oh yes.

There were a few surprises for us when we visited the show. The first one came to us as soon as we walked in. Motors. I can honestly say I do not care about motors (nor does my collegue). I know nothing about them and I don’t think as myself as a very mechanically-interested girl. Yet, I was still astonished by the display presented. Sorry, I have no photographs to show, but my god were they huge. I am not that tall but I never expected a motor to be my size. I’m not sure If I was annoyed or surprised by this…probably just depressed a little by it. And yes I know, I sound like a cliché of a girl speaking about motors. Know what? I do not care.

After walking a bit, seeing stands where they sold boats parts or accessories for your boat, we finally arrived at the center of the show. That happens to be the most interesting space, the boat display.

It seemed to us like thousands of boats were lying in the air, kind of like in a port only without any sea. Thousands of people walking in alleys were gazing at them with a dreamy look in their eyes. We probably walked the alleys with the same look in OUR eyes.

I mean you have to imagine: luxurious boats, yachts, small shiny boats, long ones, short ones, funny looking ones. All beautiful, all with special designs, some even presented for the first time. We could not help but stop, shoot, gaze, and let our hands slide on the hull of the boats.

Please, picture yourself walking among boats of all size and shapes. Suddenly you see one! So big, so beautiful, so exactly what you’d like if you could buy the boat of your dreams. The perfect boat. (it might also be a very small perfect one). Imagine yourself walking toward it, there is a light in your eyes and hope in your heart. Hope that maybe, only maybe, it is all possible.

You are now at the foot of the boat, staring at it, wondering how much that marvel is. And then you realize… it’s the price of an apartment. Of course. But you cannot stop staring. Remember the Millionaire and the regular joes thing? That’s it! THEY (the millionaires) are probably standing right behind you in that line, THEY have taken their shoes off, THEY are ready to visit when you are done. But the difference is, THEY can actually buy it without blinking, because THEY already have a few apartments.

While seeing all the wonderful boats presented, watching the families, the children, the sea aficionados, I started to wonder, does it really matter that it’s all just a dream? Is it such a big deal that you cannot afford to actually leave with a boat, or even a jet ski? Is it so bad to let yourself pretend? And does money even really matter in that case? I mean, you know anyway that most people in that space are closer to you than to those 3 percent, that small percentage who can buy a diamond ring and a car in the same day. So does it matter, really?

The more I think about it now, the more I think: NO, it’s not such a big deal. A dream is just a dream. And if it makes you feel good, makes you forget time and space for a moment, then it did what it was intended to do for you. It gave you a moment of “happily ever after”, free of charge.

I guess that’s what those shows are about. Free dreams, (well except for the entrance fees of course). They are meant to help you cut loose, and just dare to imagine what would be if…
So dream on. I am all for it.

If you are a boat lover, or passionate, or just someone who likes nice things to look at then the Montreal Boat Show is for you. Hop on a boat next year. A small adventure in fantasy land is better than no adventure at all. Release your inner sailor, you will be welcome aboard!