Takes place at ExCel next summer
Boats will be exhibited for the first time at the Motor Show in July and August next year.
Craft of all sizes will be shown at the event, which takes place at ExCel from 23 July to 3 August 2008.
National Boat Shows (NBS), who are the organisers of the Collins Stewart London Boat Show, also at ExCel in east London, made the announcement late yesterday evening.
Their statement reads: “Capitalising on the presence of the luxury brand car market, NBS will create an elite on-water collection of large luxury yachts showcased alongside the heritage enclosure and parade ring, a celebration of super car tradition.
“Meanwhile boats of all sizes and ranges will be proudly displayed on the purpose built marina, situated in the inner harbour in front of the ExCeL building.”
There will also be a try-a-boat feature in the docks.
“Having boats at The British International Motor Show for the very first time will open up a whole new audience for the boat show, its organisers and exhibitors alike,” say NBS, “enabling them to interact with future boating enthusiasts and encourage attendees to get involved in a lifestyle they may not have previously considered.”
The biennial motor show attracted 415,000 visitors in 2006.
Andrew Williams, Managing Director for National Boat Shows, says: “This partnership with the organisers of The British International Motor Show, is a great opportunity for the marine industry to showcase itself in an amazing on-water location at a great time of the year.
“It gives us the chance to bring boating at all its many levels, to a whole new audience. It is also at a perfect time to promote our Southampton and London Shows which follow soon afterwards. Support from key members of the marine industry has been extremely positive and we will be working hard to deliver another outstanding marine showcase in the UK.”
