In a slightly different guise
The Earls Court Boat Show returns this year as the Sail, Power & Watersports Show, running from Wednesday 26-30 November.
The event has been scaled down to five days from the original 10 and no doubt organisers will be doing their best to advertise more widely than last year, when the visitor count was far lower than expected.
The show took place for the first time last year, in the same venue which used to host the British Marine Federation’s London Boat Show until it moved to ExCeL in Docklands.
The team behind the new Sail, Power & Watersports Show at Earls Court in West London say: “Hundreds of boats will be on display and this year the show has been designed to embrace the wider boating communities for a celebration under one roof.
“Now in its second year, the show has proven to be popular with both visitors and exhibitors, providing a mix of family fun and boats to see at the iconic venue.
“Earls Court is a venue that several generations of boating enthusiasts hold close to their hearts with the central pool marina and balcony in Earls Court 1 and the surrounding bars,restaurants and shops that will be buzzing with life as London prepares for Christmas.
“The show, which last year was titled the Earls Court Boat Show, has been re-branded to reach a new audience of water-loving families and to attract the next generation to the world of boating.
“Children under 16 will have free admission and there will be so much to see: Olympic heroes; spectacular wakeboard stunts; the biggest powerboat display in London and even Father Christmas will be making regular appearances to hand out presents.
“Other generations will be impressed by a unique display of marine art, a classic boat display, a marine electronics village, the RIB International RIB Zone, the Inland Waterways World, the Raymarine YJA Yachtsman of the Year Gallery, a Charter and Destinations Zone for holidays around the world, a Chandlery Village hosting the top names in marine fashion and of course the famous Guinness bar.
“If you want to get afloat for the first time there’ll be plenty of choice. Whether you’re looking to spend £100 or £1million on a new or used boat, you’ll find expert advice on training, insurance and finance.
“It’s a one-stop shop to get afloat with support from marinas, chandlers and electronic navigation suppliers, as well as a huge range of watersports accessories including kite-surfing kits, wetsuits, life-jackets, sunglasses and clothing.”
James Brooke, show managing director, says: “We’re very excited about delivering a show that’s even better than last year’s.
“It will inspire a new generation of mariner and attract families that may not have otherwise considered getting afloat.
“Earls Court is the perfect venue for the show with its unique features and central London location.”
