London Boat Show 8 - 17 January 2016

Since the move to ExCeL, the London Boat Show has cemented its position as the largest annual London event. With over 500 exhibitors displaying products from right across the marine industry, it is the place to meet and talk to people who can really help you get the most out of your passion.

This year, the world-renowned London Boat Show will be a place where adventure starts, pioneers meet and innovation shines. The 62nd annual London Boat Show will let you explore a world of boating, see the latest trends, technologies and innovations, and experience show-stopping attractions - all at the heart of one of the world’s most pioneering capital cities.

The 10-day Show - spread over the equivalent of six full-sized football pitches – will kick-start the 2016 boating calendar by hosting over 300 marine brands and showcasing thousands of products, services and boats from leading British and international companies. Exhibitors will range from world-class boat builders through to fashion, travel operators and watersports companies – ensuring there is something for everyone.

New this year

New features for this year’s event include the ‘60’s Revival’ attraction which will transport visitors back to the swinging 60’s – an era that saw the first man to walk on the moon, The Beatles, the arrival of the Mirror Dinghy, and Sir Francis Chichester becoming the first person to sail singlehanded around the world by the clipper route.

The show is inviting visitors to discover the best of boating, from the ground-breaking innovations of the 60’s to the sailing champions of tomorrow, all to be showcased at the newest attractions and iconic marine brands showcased at ExCeL London during 8-17 January.

For 2016, organisers are taking advantage of the hundreds of marine innovators, adventurers and rising sporting stars who visit and exhibit at the London Boat Show each year with its new feature, ‘The London Boat Show Theatre’. A dedicated area for personalities to share their inspiring stories and expert knowledge through interactive talks and panel shows, visitors can expect a mixture of ‘A Question of Sport’, ‘Mock the Week’ and ‘Mastermind’.  

The ‘Mediterranean Bay’ will put boating skills to the test live at the Show. The purpose-built pool will host water seminars on close quarters boat handling, sail reefing and capsize drills. Visitors also have the opportunity to trial an array of watersports, from favourite’s including water-walking and kayaking to the latest must-have toys, including the Seabob sourced by Landau UK. With over 500,000 litres of water surrounded by faux villas and cafes, this attraction will be a destination in its own right.

Alongside today’s cutting-edge technology, the Show celebrates the innovations of yesteryear with its attraction, the ‘60’s Revival’. Showcasing the best of the 1960’s, both boating and culturally, visitors will be transported back to an era which saw the first man walk on the moon, The Beatles, the arrival of the Mirror Dinghy and Sir Francis Chichester becoming the first person to sail singlehanded around the world with only one port of call.

Plus, with the Show’s new layout providing the perfect platform to showcase the finest luxury yachts to the latest in cutting-edge electronics, from over 300 of the leading British and international companies, visitors can expect to witness more than 70 boats and products make their debut at the forthcoming event. As well as seeing new and returning brands for 2016 including Suzuki GB, Four Winns, Arthur Beale and Lewmar.

Murray Ellis, Managing Director of British Marine Boat Shows, comments: “At the heart of Europe’s most pioneering city, we are celebrating the rich heritage of British boating at this iconic event. Visitors will be taken on a journey of discovery, from reliving the great moments of our time to technologies of the future which will revolutionise the way we get out on the water.”    

RS Sailing Simulator

The RS Sailing Simulator is a real RS Tera fixed to a stand simulating the life-like motion of a boat.

The simulator enables youngsters to get in the boat and experience the feeling and movement required in a controlled (and dry!) environment. Powered by an electric (very large) fan, the sail fills as it would do on water, and heels over in reaction to the sailors weight distribution giving a realistic response.

There will be an instructor on hand to offer guidance and tips on how to sail the simulator, and users are guaranteed to get a feel for the RS Tera and sailing in general before they venture onto water.

*Image credits: flikr cc 2.0