Canal Boatbuilders Association

55^TH LONDON INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW CLOSES ON A HIGH NOTE

The London International Boat Show drew to a close today, Sunday 18 January, concluding 10 of the busiest days in the capital’s boating calendar.  CBA were pleased to be part of this event in the boating calendar.

The Show, which is the largest marine exhibition in London, hosted more than 500 exhibitors and showcased hundreds of boats, ranging from 1.4 metre sailing dinghies to 37 metre tri-deck motor yachts. The Show provided a vital platform for the industry to showcase its quality, with exhibitors spanning power and sail boats, dinghies, deck equipment, charter holidays, sailing courses, chandlery and more.

Model, actress and TV presenter Kelly Brook ensured a sparkling start by officially opening the Show on Friday 9 January. Kelly was joined on the Main Stage – Powered by Fairline by crew members of attending Navy frigate, HMS Westminster. Kelly was one of many famous faces to be seen at the Show; among them HRH Princess Royal enjoyed an official tour of the Show on Wednesday 14 January and Bee Gees star Robin Gibb also paid a visit.

The CBA exhibted with a Stand on the Dockside next to the Floating exhibits to present all Members to the visitors. It proved successful with good leads being taken away by members to action, and boat and Inland Holiday bookings being purchased on the water.

Stars of the boating world were present throughout the Show. Dame Ellen MacArthur and Mike Golding on his return from the Vendée Globe were joined by members of Skandia Team GBR, including Olympic gold medallists Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and flatwater canoer Tim Brabants, all of whom were recently decorated in the New Year’s Honours list.

Overall attendance at the Show was 112,000*, 12% below that of 2008, which is a fantastic result considering the challenging economic conditions. The Show’s success has been attributed to the excellent features, improved layouts and enormous range of exhibitors who have helped create a rich industry showcase.

On the whole, exhibitors have reported more interest and business than expected, with the majority cautiously optimistic about the results achieved. Some exhibitors had excellent Shows, while others have done very well – International Paints and Navigators & General, for example, were up on last year’s Show performance. In general, Show exhibitors reported that business is definitely there, only harder to secure. Greater marketing and sales innovations are being used to attract customer interest, a development illustrated by the 1000 sq. meter Suzuki Indoor Harbour.

Andrew Williams, Managing Director, National Boat Shows (NBS) commented: “We’re delighted by the success of the Show. Over the past ten days we’ve enjoyed a healthy flow of visitors, plentiful media interest and positive feedback from both our visitors and exhibitors. The results show the benefits of a succeeding Show during difficult times to showcase products of all ranges before buyers in the market.”

Several exhibitors chose the London International Boat Show to unveil exciting new additions to their fleet. Sunseeker International’s display of 14 vessels was boosted by the world launch of a 30 metre yacht, Fairline revealed their Squadron 70 to assembled press and public, while Princess Yachts premiered its Princess V42.

Anecdotal feedback from exhibitors ensured the Show concluded on a high note.

Richard Whittaker, Suzuki Indoor Harbour said: “We have achieved all our objectives that we set prior to the Show. Footfall has been great and we have sold a good number of boat engine packages. Having the feature in the South Hall has certainly drawn people towards us, and given the current climate we are very happy.”

Rick Reading, Topper commented: “The quality of visitor here has been excellent, despite the overall numbers being down. We’ve had really good sales over the entire range. The new catamaran has gone down particularly well, and we sold a Topaz16CX on the opening day of the Show.”

Norma Brown, Honnor Marine added: “It doesn’t matter about a slightly decreased attendance figure – we have sold sold sold! We have particularly noticed interest from the foreign market this time round, and have had six sales to date with our order books full until April 2010.”

Visitors were almost spoiled for choice with the action-packed schedule of daily events, displays and interactive features, guaranteeing something for everyone. The Show is as popular with novices as it is with seasoned sailors, offering a fantastic introduction to the world of boating as well as a comprehensive showcase of sailing products and services.

NBS was thrilled to welcome Royal Navy frigate HMS Westminster to the marina. Over the course of the Show, more than 18,000 guests climbed aboard to explore the warship. Visitors were keen to pit their boating skills against family and friends in the Deck Games zone, with model yacht racing and kayaking bringing out many visitors’ competitive streaks. The same enthusiasm surrounded the Brushboarding exhibit. New to the Show this year, Brushboarding is set to become a sporting craze – like surfing but without the water, Brushboarders build core strength and fitness while improving balance and co-ordination, in an exciting and innovative way.

 By way of contrast, many visitors enjoyed the Classic Boat feature - in association with Classic Boat, Old Pulteney and International Paints. The boats on display included a gorgeous four-berth gaff rigged cutter, a pretty little trailer-sailing ketch, and a majestically sleek Thames launch. Visitors also received a progress update on the Cutty Sark conservation project. Several artefacts from the famous tea clipper were on view, accompanied by the craftsmen responsible for returning the vessel to her former glory.

Two young artists were crowned winners of the NBS Design A Sail competition on Saturday 10 January. Launched at the PSP Southampton Boat Show in September, designers of all ages were invited to decorate a sail. Thomas Middleton from Croxley and Matthew Kiddle from Grimsby successfully beat over 200 entrants to scoop victory in the under 16 and over 16 age categories respectively. Their triumph was announced on the Main Stage – Powered by Fairline by RYA Young Sailor of the Year, Katie Miller. Thomas and Matthew had their sails hoisted aloft a Topper dinghy, which remained on display throughout the Show. 

Further Show highlights included a daily dose of Life As A… live talks designed to give a flavour of life in a variety of marine professions – from a coastguard helicopter pilot to a yachting instructor. Boating heroes took to the Main Stage – Powered by Fairline to showcase their sailing experiences; Dame Ellen MacArthur, Sir Keith Mills, Geoff Holt, Adrian Flanagan and Katie Miller were just some of the inspirational speakers to grip the Boat Show crowds.

Each day visitors were dazzled by performances of ‘A Mermaid’s Tale’, an aerial display of extreme acrobatics, dance and music. Adding to the glamour, guests enjoyed regular fashion shows that paraded the latest designs in marine, leisure and offshore clothing. Among the collections shown were those of Henri Lloyd, Puma, Elizabeth Hurly Beach and Helly Hansen.

Andrew Williams concluded: “The London International Boat Show is a celebration of all things marine; designed to illustrate the diversity and accessibility of boating, the Show proves there’s an on-water hobby for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re an amateur or a professional.

“NBS would like to thank all exhibitors for the support they have given developing our features and their marketing efforts with ticket sales.  We look forward to working closely to build on this success and to focus on an ever more impressive Show in 2010.”