The Earls Court Boat Show, launched last year, will be back in a different form, with a different name, this year. After last year's mixed response, with numbers of both show visitors and exhibitors below the organisers' expectations, the dates have been changed, too.
The Sail, Power and Watersports Show, as it is to be named, to avoid confusion with the “official” London Boat Show, will be back at Earls Court from Wednesday November 26 to Sunday November 30 - five days as against last year's ambitious 10. And it has been brought forward a week to avoid a clash with the Paris Boat Show, which last year caused problems for some potential exhibitors.
The organisers promise “five packed days of pre-Christmas fun,” with “more entertainment, exciting new products, interaction, education and hospitality” as well as “hundreds of boats” on display.
“This year the show has been designed to embrace the wider boating communities for a celebration under one roof. 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,” they say.
“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 RIBZone, 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.”
They add: “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.”
James Brooke, managing director of the Sail, Power & Watersports Show said: “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.”
The Show will be hosting what it claims is the world's largest boat auction. The auction will be run by BoatBid.com throughout the course of the show, offering a selection of boats from 10ft to 110ft in length.
The BoatBid.com system has been developed and tested over the last 18 months and was successfully trialled at Earls Court last year when Michael Perham's Cheeky Monkey was sold.
One lot that is sure to attract a lot of attention is Zana. Built in 2003 for offshore racing, 30 metres long and built out of carbon fibre and nomex, this Kiwi yacht cost more than $5million to build.
James Brooke said: "We've looked at how to take the show forward and there is a thriving market for used boats with a unique history, such as record-holding powerboats and classic yachts. We're delighted to be announcing our first superyacht, Zana, with a true racing pedigree and many other fascinating boats will be announcedover the coming weeks.
“We're delighted to have developed a partnership with Boatbid.com and to be hosting a ground-breaking feature for any boat show. It will ultimately attract many more potential boat buyers to Earls Court , which will be to the benefit of all our exhibitors.”
At the show the “Boatbid.com Auction Pod” will handle the administration of each auction, and visitors will be able to talk to the brokers handling the sale. Visitors will also be able to chat about all aspects of buying and owning a boat including insurance, finance, storage, transportation and mooring.
Some of the boats for sale will be on display at the show, and there will be a gallery of up to 70 photos for every boat posted online for prospective buyers to check out before bidding. All boats are offered subject to survey so buyers can bid with confidence, whether online or at the show.
As the show approaches, bidders will be able to find information on all the boats listed and how to bid at www.earlscourt2008.com
