The dream isn't as farfetched as it sounds, as city officials plan to build several marinas around Shanghai in time for the 2010 World Expo.

"There are few docks in China designed for people to berth their private yachts, which is one of the main reasons the industry here is far behind Western countries," said Jeffrey Seah, general manager of Suzhou-based Mercury Marine.

Dianshan Lake, the largest lake in the city, is currently the only place local boat owners can dock their yachts.

"No rules forbid the purchase and operation of yachts, but where can people cruise or dock their boats?" asked Zhou Jun, an official at the Shanghai Association of Shipbuilding Industry. "It's impossible for them to cruise on the Huangpu River since it's too busy with container ships and passenger liners."

That situation could change soon as Shanghai's decision makers are pushing to develop marinas and other boating facilities in the city.

"Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Liangyu has said Shanghai should have some first-class yacht docks if it wants to become an international metropolis," said Yang Xinfa, secretary general of the association. "So the city is planning to set up several docks in the city, each of them accommodating around 1,000 boats."

"Currently, at least 10 billionaires are interested in investing in these projects, but they are waiting for detailed plans from the government," said Yang.

Some of the industry experts attending the China International Boat Show, which will end on Saturday, said the city also needs to develop proper rules for yacht owners and operators.

"The current rules were drafted for regulating the operation of ships," said Bai Huimin, of Shanghai Double Happiness Yacht Co Ltd. "So private boat owners find it hard to apply for a boat journey."

Yang said the government has already begun discussions on new yachting regulations.

While local conditions are far from great for boat owners, a growing number of people are renting or buying boats to enjoy their leisure time.

"Sales keep growing, and 70 percent of the buyers are from Shanghai," said Seah with Mercury Marine.

The club sold 36 boats last year, a modest number but a huge rise from 1997, its first year in business, when it only sold two boats.

(eastday.com April 10, 2003)