Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show 7-16 january 2011
Tuesday 11, January 2011
London’s biggest and best-loved boating experience, the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show, returns to ExCeL London from 7-16 January, bringing a host of brand new features and attractions as well as regular Show favourites to the capital. The new look Show is an unmissable day out, where everything to do with activity on, in and under the water is there to be discovered.
Throughout the 10-day event, hundreds of exhibitors will showcase the marine industry’s finest products, services and equipment and roughly 1,000 boats ranging from kayaks and dinghies to sail boats and motor yachts will be on show to climb aboard, explore and trial.
With a new Show layout for 2011, that divides equipment and fittings, marine services, a retail village and holiday and watersports zone into ExCeL’s North Hall and boats of every description into the vast South Hall, it’s never been easier to navigate around your interests. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a new beginner or somewhere in between, there’s every reason to pay the Show a visit.
NEW FEATURES FOR 2011
USED BOATS - In response to overwhelming feedback from visitors past and present, the 2011 Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show will feature a used boats marina for the very first time. In association with Yachtworld.com, this used boats marina will berth up to 30 used boats of all shapes and sizes. Visitors can see just how far their money can go on the used boat market, or see how much their current boat may be worth if they’re thinking of upgrading!
WATERSPORTS - The Show has sharpened its watersports focus this year to ensure an unmissable experience for watersports fans of all ages and abilities. The North Hall will feature a dedicated watersports zone with its own distinct look and feel, packed full of products, equipment, training and services to meet all watersports interests and needs.
Most exciting of all is the brand new Watersports Action Pool, managed by Neilson Active Holidays and Rockley Watersports. Measuring 70m x 24m the pool is set to become a star attraction. Show visitors can try a diverse range of activities such as stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), wakeboarding, windsurfing, dinghy sailing, canoeing and kayaking, as well as model yacht racing. The pool will combine ‘Try It’ sessions and live demos by watersports experts, including a canoe polo championship and Invitational SUP Sprint championship. World champions and record breakers including pro-wakeboarder Matt Crowhurst, SUP distance champion John Hibbard and indoor windsurfing world champion Nik Baker are lined up to share their skills with visitors and to showcase the full range of watersports on offer.
The pool will also host two radio controlled sail boat regattas on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 January. The Sunset Rum Beach Bar situated right next to the pool is the ideal place to chill out and watch the action.
THE KNOWLEDGE BOX – The Knowledge Box gives visitors the chance to listen and learn directly from the best in the boating business. The informal theatre has free daily presentations with topics ranging from buying or selling a boat to wakeboarding tips and tricks. There’ll be guest appearances from some well known faces as well as top experts to talk through the topics. Among these will be jet ski racer Anya Colley, freestyle and white water kayaker Ed Smith and around the world racer Mike Golding OBE.
THE BOARDWALK - Designed to look like a marina (just without the water!) the new, enlarged boardwalk allows you to view sail and power boats from the same aspect as if they were floating on water. Visitors can see the yachts inside and out, complete with their masts and the boardwalk even allows for inspection of the underside of crafts without getting wet!
CRUISING CHUTE – In association with Yachting Monthly, the cruising chute shows how a shorthanded couple can confidently fly the Cruising Chute to get a lot more fun out of light wind sailing. As well as showing how to hoist, gybe and lower a cruising chute in easy-to-follow stages, there will be lots of other useful tips and advice given out, including how to avoid trouble when the wind picks up unexpectedly.
MODEL BOAT POOL – Get competitive and race friends and family on the new model boat pool -definitely not just for the kids! The area also includes a family friendly picnic area.
FAMILY AREA – Head to the new family area, where kids will be kept busy with a free play area and selection of exciting activities and games, including arts and crafts, a ball pond, table football, air hockey and Wii.
EXHIBITOR ATTRACTIONS – As well as plenty of attractions from the Show organisers, this year exhibitors are pulling out all the stops. Some of the activities to have a go at whilst wandering around the Show include:
THE JOLLY OLLY - Leukaemia survivor Oliver Rofix will be inspiring visitors with stories of his round Britain sail, raising awareness for the Anthony Nolan Trust. Come and see Olly on his boat Jolly Olly on stand B4 in the North Hall.
SHOW FAVOURITES RETURNING IN 2011
CLASSIC BOAT – A firm favourite at the Show, visitors can watch craftsmen at work on the Classic Boat attraction in association with International Paint, Old Pulteney and Classic Boat and learn about the time honoured skills and practises involved in the restoration and maintenance of traditional boats. See beautifully crafted boats including Swallow from the 1974 film Swallows & Amazons, plus dress up in clothes from Victorian naval times and have your photo taken as a memento of the day.
BRUSHBOARDING – Following the huge popularity of this feature in 2009, BrushBoarding is back for 2011. Have a go at this revolutionary craze, a cross between snowboarding and surfing on dry land and a ‘must-do’ for any visitor to the Show!
ON THE WATER - On The Water is a fantastic online resource packed with everything you need to get started in boating, and make the most of your leisure time. Meet the people behind www.onthewater.co.uk for great ideas for boating holidays, useful guides on how to buy a boat, the fantastic adventures of kayaking and much more. Get your questions answered on stand N9.
EATING AND DRINKING - As well as the favourite watering holes of previous shows, the 2011 Show also has some new eating and drinking options:
THE OUTDOORS SHOW- Visitors to the 2011 Show on the final four days (13 - 16 January) will be able to enjoy three shows for the price of one. The Outdoors Show and The London Bike Show will take place in the new, larger ExCeL London and boat show tickets will allow visitors entry into all shows.
To view the latest interactive floorplan and for regular Show updates and news on features, attractions and things to do, visit www.londonboatshow.com. Tickets can be booked through the website or via the ticket hotline on 0871 230 7140. Tickets booked in advance are priced at £13, while tickets bought on the door will be £18. Each ticket admits one adult and two children aged 15 or under.
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