Devon businesses help London Boat Show sail into the Capital

Eighteen local businesses from Devon including Ribeye, Sleipner Motor, Chatham Marine, Jimmy Green Marine, Princess Yachts and Teignbridge Propellers were among over 300 exhibitors celebrating the opening of the 2017 London Boat Show on Friday. Visitors were wowed with celebrity appearances, live entertainment and over 100 debut products and boats.

Taking place until Sunday 15 January, the Show kicks off the 2017 boating calendar, offering a taste of the very best that the global sailing and marine world has to offer. With close to 400 boats on display, the Show is a spectacle not to be missed.

Award-winning British actress, Joanna Lumley OBE, delighted the crowds when she opened the Sunseeker International stand. Speaking at the event, Joanna commented, “I think we all have a natural affinity with the sea and for exploration. I really believe that whoever gets on a boat has the spirit of adventure within them.”

Across the course of the Show, visitors will enjoy World and European launches including World debuts of the Sunseeker 68 Sport Yacht and Manhattan 66, Bavaria R40 Coupe, Cobra Ribs 7.2 and 9.5, Excel Virago Yacht Tenders, Grandezza 25 S, Princess S60 and Spearfish 15 Inflatable Motor Canoe.

As well as these spectacular boats, there are brand new and exciting attractions for 2017 including the Watersports Park. Providing activities both on the water and land, this interactive area offers visitors the chance to try out some of the very latest watersports trends, including kayaking, water zorbing and Stand Up Paddleboarding.

The new indoor Dream Lodge Marina & Boating Lake offers visitors an idyllic setting with fantastic places to eat and drink, surrounded by beautiful yachts moored in the marina whilst the London Stage is the place to enjoy live entertainment including high-octane fashion shows. Sky Sports Presenter, Alec Wilkinson will be on hand to host guest appearances from sailing stars sharing their inspiring stories and expert knowledge.

Over the next nine days, the event will showcase the very best names across sailing and entertainment. Today, Saturday 7 January, sees Alec Wilkinson take to the stage to host a ‘A Question of Sailing’. In a fun take on a much loved classic, Alec will be quizzing a panel of sailing stars and pundits, including Olympic gold medallist Saskia Clark MBE and TV broadcaster and explorer, Monty Halls.

Throughout the weekend, Alec will return to the stage to host sessions of ‘Sailing Uncovered- Live!’, with special guests to include record-breaking sailors Dame Ellen MacArthur and Dee Caffari MBE, Paralympic sailor Helena Lucas MBE, Mike Golding and Radio 4’s Shipping Forecast presenter, Zeb Soanes.

Murray Ellis, British Marine’s Chief Officer of Boat Shows comments: “We’ve witnessed a great start to the 2017 London Boat Show and have a fantastic line-up of events taking place over the next nine days. With over 100 boats and products making their debuts at this year’s Show coupled with some brilliant activities for all the family in one of the World’s most iconic Capital cities, the Show is one not to be missed.”

For more information about the show visit: www.londonboatshow.com