SAILING NEWS
London Boat Show 2009 - Review 13
55th Boat Show finishes on a high
CELEBRITIES AHOY!: Clockwise from above - Kelly Brook opens the Show, Dame Ellen MacArthur on the Main Stage, HRH the Princess Royal, and Raymarine Young Sailors of the Year James and Frances Peters from Hayling Island
Hall corner. We worked with National Boat Shows on here – even if you have to work a little bit harder. We and innovative way. a variety of marine professions – from a coastguard
the Design a Sail project, which couldn’t have turned are very pleased with the Show layout, and feel that By way of contrast, many visitors enjoyed the Classic helicopter pilot to a yachting instructor. Boating he-
out better – it’s always great to get the kids involved grouping the sail boats and electronics was a very Boat feature - in association with Classic Boat, Old roes took to the Main Stage – Powered by Fairline to
in boating at a young age.” logical move. The lead time on sail boats is short, and Pulteney and International Paints. The boats on dis- showcase their sailing experiences; Dame Ellen Mac-
Norma Brown, Honnor Marine added: “It doesn’t so we can point buyers directly over to suppliers – all play included a gorgeous four-berth gaff rigged cutter, Arthur, Sir Keith Mills, Geoff Holt, Adrian Flanagan
matter about a slightly decreased attendance figure – in one area.” a pretty little trailer-sailing ketch, and a majestically and Katie Miller were just some of the inspirational
we have sold sold sold! We have particularly noticed Visitors were almost spoiled for choice with the sleek Thames launch. Visitors also received a prog- speakers to grip the Boat Show crowds.
interest from the foreign market this time round, and action-packed schedule of daily events, displays ress update on the Cutty Sark conservation project. Each day visitors were dazzled by performances of
have had six sales to date with our order books full and interactive features, guaranteeing something for Several artefacts from the famous tea clipper were on ‘A Mermaid’s Tale’, an aerial display of extreme
until April 2010.” everyone. The Show is as popular with novices as it is view, accompanied by the craftsmen responsible for acrobatics, dance and music.
Frank Stevens, Crownline said: “Fabulous! We’ve with seasoned sailors, offering a fantastic introduction returning the vessel to her former glory. Adding to the glamour, guests enjoyed regular fash-
sold seven or eight boats so far, and have plenty of to the world of boating as well as a comprehensive Two young artists were crowned winners of the NBS ion shows that paraded the latest designs in marine,
other leads going forward. The response has been tre- showcase of sailing products and services. Design A Sail competition on Saturday 10 Janu- leisure and offshore clothing. Among the collections
mendous, and there are certainly still people buying.” NBS was thrilled to welcome Royal Navy frigate ary. Launched at the PSP Southampton Boat Show shown were those of Henri Lloyd, Puma, Elizabeth
David Dare, Oxfordshire Narrowboats reported: “A HMS Westminster to the marina. Over the course of in September, designers of all ages were invited to Hurly Beach and Helly Hansen.
very good Show. We’ve had better bookings than last the Show, almost 20,000 guests climbed aboard to decorate a sail. Thomas Middleton from Croxley and Andrew Williams concluded: “The London Interna-
year and have secured over £10,000 of holiday book- explore the warship. Matthew Kiddle from Grimsby successfully beat over tional Boat Show is a celebration of all things marine;
ings. We’ve also had a very strong lead on a boat sale, Visitors were keen to pit their boating skills against 200 entrants to scoop victory in the under 16 and over designed to illustrate the diversity and accessibility of
as well as attracting the interest of a sponsor. We’ll be family and friends in the Deck Games zone, with 16 age categories respectively. Their triumph was an- boating, the Show proves there’s an on-water hobby
returning next year – it’s about quality, not quantity.” model yacht racing and kayaking bringing out many nounced on the Main Stage – Powered by Fairline by for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re an amateur or a
Of the 500 plus exhibitors at the Show, 80 were new visitors’ competitive streaks. The same enthusiasm RYA Young Sailor of the Year, Katie Miller. Thomas professional.
this year. One of these, Becci Eplett, J-UK, said: surrounded the Brushboarding exhibit. New to the and Matthew had their sails hoisted aloft a Topper “NBS would like to thank all exhibitors for the sup-
“After a year out from the London International Boat Show this year, Brushboarding is set to become a dinghy, which remained on display throughout the port they have given in developing our features and
Show we’re glad to be back. It’s definitely worth sporting craze – like surfing but without the water, Show. their marketing efforts with ticket sales. We look for-
being here. Everyone is aware of the struggles in the Brushboarders build core strength and fitness while Further Show highlights included a daily dose of Life ward to working closely to build on this success and
market, but there are definitely people buying boats improving balance and co-ordination, in an exciting As A… live talks designed to give a flavour of life in to focus on an ever more impressive Show in 2010.”
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