The 2007 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference kicked off Wednesday in Miami, featuring over 800 companies showcasing the latest in boatbuilding design and repair. While the three-day event isn’t aimed at the retail sailor, much of the gear and technology on display could be coming to a sailboat, boatbuilder, or boat yard near you soon. And that's why we sent SAIL associate editor Dave Baldwin down to take a look around. Here are a few things that he found. For more information on IBEX 2007, visit www.ibexshow.com

Photo Gallery
Sure, we realize a boat show isn't the most photogenic of events, but here are a few pics nonetheless.

IBEX Innovation Awards
While the judges are busy deciding this year’s winners (check back next week for the results), here are three nominees that caught our attention. Click here to see who is on the panel of judges.

What’s New in LEDs?”
On Thursday, David DeHorn, the National Sales Manager for AquaSignal – maker of LED navigation lights, gave a surprisingly candid seminar about the state of LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting technology. And by candid we mean he didn’t shy away in the least from discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of LED lights on boats. Dave Baldwin sat in. Here’s a run down of DeHorn’s presentation.

New Gear Sneak Peek
Because IBEX is a show for professionals, some of the gear and technology on display isn’t yet available to the public (or has only recently been released). But just because it's industry news, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know about it. Here are three new items to keep an eye out for.