Bulgaria joins European Boating Industry as 30th member
Robert Marx, president of the EBI (left), and the president of BABI, Kaloyan Radulov.
The Bulgarian Boating Industry Association (BABI) has joined the European Boating Industry (EBI) as its 30th member. The announcement was made during EBI’s General Assembly, held at boot Düsseldorf.
The establishment of BABI was led by founding members Elica Yard, LZ Yachting 1991, Crooze Yachts Bulgaria and Dream Sea Yachting. The founding members say their aim is to unite manufacturers, brokers, charter companies and yacht equipment importers to strengthen Bulgaria’s yachting industry.
Kaloyan Radulov, president of BABI and co-founder and CEO of Elica Yard, says: “By driving investment in the yachting sector, advocating for the interests of Bulgaria’s recreational marine industry, and facilitating the exchange of information, best practices, and technical expertise among members and partners, we believe Bulgaria is well on its way to long-term success in this promising market.”
Robert Marx, president of EBI, welcomed the addition of BABI, stating: “We are delighted to welcome the Bulgarian Association of Boating Industry into the EBI family. Its membership reflects the growing importance of Bulgaria’s recreational boating sector, and this partnership will enhance our efforts to promote sustainable growth, foster innovation, and strengthen cooperation across the industry.”
The association’s goals include positioning Bulgaria as a high-quality yacht-building hub in Europe and increasing the global visibility of Bulgarian yacht brands. This initiative is expected to benefit both the Bulgarian and Balkan economies. BABI also aims to encourage the growth of a robust supply chain of suppliers, subcontractors and importers to enhance the competitiveness of Bulgarian-made yachts.
Dimitar Panayotov, executive director of LZ Yachting 1991, says: “It is our privilege and also a great responsibility to help establish and grow the Bulgarian Association of Boating Industry, and we will dedicate all the necessary resources, knowledge and connections in doing so.”
Read more about the annual boot Düsseldorf International Boat Show
Gabriela D. Petrova, co-founder and COO of Crooze Yachts, adds: “At Crooze Yachts Bulgaria, we believe in the power of partnerships to drive sustainable and meaningful change, fostering growth in business, lifestyle, and education. As founders of BABI, we are focused on bringing European and global trends to life, adapting them to create impact at the local level.”
Ivelina Topalova, CEO of Dream Sea Yachting, emphasised the vision for the association. “Our vision is to elevate Bulgaria into a hub of innovation and craftsmanship in the global yachting industry,” she says. “By developing local expertise, building world-class boats, and fostering international collaboration, we aim to make Bulgaria a recognised leader in boatbuilding. Together, we can turn this dream into reality and create a legacy for future generations.”
