Buoyant Mood at London Boat Show 2017

British Marine, owner of the London Boat Show, report strong sales at this year's event amongst a backdrop of world launches and celebrities, provided excellent business
opportunities for exhibitors at the start of the New Year.

This year's event saw over 100 boat and new product launches - including 18 world, 2 European and 43 UK launches - with 37 show debuts and 47 new exhibitors.

The London Boat Show welcomed Industry Minister, Jesse Norman MP, Trade Minister Mark Garnier MP and Tracey Crouch MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, as well as the Rt Hon David Jones MP, the Minister of State at the Department for Exiting the European Union.

British Marine took the opportunity to discuss the support of the £3.01 billion industry needs from Government on issues such as skills and exports in topics like watersports, innovative design and increasing boating tourism.

Many celebrities also turned out to support the event, including Alex Thomson who came second in the recent Vendee Globe solo round the world race. Other celebrities included HRH The Princess Royal, sailors Dame Ellen MacArthur, Helena Lucas MBE, Dee Caffari MBE, Saskia Clark MBE, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, ocean rower Guin Batten and adventurer Monty Halls.

A number of key industry awards were also presented at this year’s Show, including Superyacht UK Young Designer of the Year, The Yacht Harbour Associations' Marina of the Year Award, the Yachts and Yachting Awards and, new for this year, the boats.com YJA Young Sailor and Yachtsman of the Year Award.

Visitors to the Show enjoyed live entertainment and high-octane fashion events, showcasing the latest in boating trends.

Dream Lodge Marina & Boating Lake was one of new featured attractions at this year’s Show, offering water activities such as stand up paddleboarding and kayaking.

Greg Munford, Chairman of British Marine Boat Shows concludes,

“What a great event we’ve seen at the 63rd London Boat Show. The 2017 London Show has been a place for exhibitors, members and sector bodies to use the networking opportunity and the platform to host various industry events, providing something for all those who love boating. “