Motor Boats Monthly's team blog
Latest weblogs from the London Boat Show, and archive material from previous boat shows
The final countdown
19 September 2008
This weekend is all about sealing the deal. After a devastating drop of 19% in visitors on Tuesday, Wednesday was better with a drop of just 4%. Today though things seem to have picked up a bit and there is certainly a bit more of a buzz about the place.
I started the day on the Sunseeker balcony where Robert Braithwaite of Sunseeker was presented with the Queens Award for innovation for the fifth time. The prestigious award was yet another excuse for Sunseeker to pop open the bubbly - it's a hard life this hack business, but somebody has to do it.
If you haven't made it down yet there's still time to get here and take a peak round some impressive boats, including the Maritimo 48, the Princess V62 and the quirky Tuna 40.
And if you visit tomorrow you can also view some models of the leggy variety, in the shape of the Miss PSP Southampton Boat Show competition.
Sally Coffey, Motor Boats Monthly
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Here come the girls
18 September 2008
The inaugural Ladies Day at Southampton kicked off with a special fashion show on the Main Stage - Powered by Fairline. Glamourpusses strutted their stuff in sexy designer togs, and then of course there were the models on the stage.
On a serious note, proceeds from the fashion show will go to the charity Touching Tiny Lives, the official charity for Ladies Day, Action Medical Research's fundraising campaign to ensure that all babies, especially those born prematurely, have the best start in life.
Shelley Jory, powerboat champion, will shortly be on the main stage and she has been up in the Platinum Lounge this afternoon, available for a chat with Platinum ticket holders. Elsewhere, exhibitors have been offering special offers to ladies throughout the day and if you look closely enough you should be able to nab some free chocolates or champagne, but it doesn't seem to have been embraced by exhibitors as much as was hoped.
I'm sorry to say I haven't seen one silly hat all day (a la Ascot) so it remains to be seen if Ladies Day will become a regular fixture at Southampton and London or if it will just fade into the boat show history books.
Picture: Fashion show as part of Ladies Day
Sally Coffey, Motor Boats Monthly
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Red diesel reaction
18 September 2008
Despite the latest news about red diesel being possibly the most important announcement made about the future of boating in this country for some time, surprisingly few people know about it. MBM has been trying to do its bit by handing out flyers and talking to brokers and boaters alike. But it's odd that not more has been made of it by the BMF, RYA and IWA.
The three organisations did sterling work in lobbying HMRC for a 60/40 split, and you would think they'd be shouting it from the rooftops. But they're not. A smallish news story went in the daily BMF-produced Boat Show News, but if you didn't read that, or the YBW stories, then you'd be in the dark. Personally I think the BMF should have had people out pounding the pontoons, telling salesmen to add to their patter: "You know, the fuel situation isn't as bad as it might have been. Did you know... etc etc"
But on reflection, perhaps the BMF is in a tight spot and not willing to draw too much attention to the apportionment for fear of upsetting things before the ink is fully dry. As the mag that brought you the good news first, MBM will remain all over this developing story. Look out for a fuller feature in the November issue.
Stewart Campbell, Motor Boats Monthly
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Top 10 Motorboats
18 September 2008
Benétéau Monte Carlo 27 from £86,230
Bénéteau's design skill and flair has created a fab looking sportscruiser with a neat, stylish interior that wants for nothing. She's not as cheap as we'd like but her looks alone will help you get over that. Big boat features like a bright red hull and cool side screens are just what this end of the market is crying out for.
Jeanneau Prestige 50 from £524,380
Another French builder to deliver superb on-board design, this time it's Jeanneau's three ensuite cabins that steal the limelight. A first for a boat of this size, every cabin is well thought out and, importantly, the third cabin comes with proper side-by-side berths rather than bunks.
Maritimo 48 from £800,000
Double the motorboat fun and function here with Maritimo's clever, enclosed flybridge design. The top deck is fitted out like a high spec saloon giving you more useable boat to make the most of our temperamental climate. The only stumbling block is the monster price tag, so while the enclosed flybridge may well catch on, this actual boat might not.
Nimbus 365 from £252,000
Coupe style delivers a big bright saloon and some of the best decks you'll find at this length, the Nimbus' side deck door alone is more interesting than many of the boats at the show.
Nordic Cruiser From £62,000
Looking for something a little more sedate? Then how about this beautiful Danish launch? Offering a decent overnight cabin, the boat's cockpit is the real draw. Decked out in mahogany and teak, it is a real treat. A clever sail drive propulsion system delivers a useful 16 knots from a frugal 55hp engine.
Nord West 370 Coupe from £281,000
Like the Nimbus another great coupe design with a slick and stylish sunroof system and stunning IPS performance. Three cabins add to the cruising armoury. Read this month's MBM for a full test on the 370 flybridge.
Princess V62 from £1,102,000
Could this be the boat of the year? In typically understated fashion Princess has created a boat as near to perfect as it gets. Every element, from the vast sunroof above the elegant deck saloon to the full beam master suite, works like a dream. It's a breath of fresh air in an increasingly complicated world and we suggest you jump on and inhale.
Sealine SC47 £366,000
Sealine's big, brave new world of sportscruiser design takes another mighty leap forward with this monster 47. The cockpit should be a winner with buyers, a towering hardtop design delivering vast areas of glass and seating. Below it's all very minimal and different, with a shower room almost as big as the cabin it serves. Power comes from Zeus or IPS pods. Some will love the SC47, some won't but its low price might help convert the non-believers.
Tuna 40 £385,000
Traditional lines and a quirky three-cabin layout all add up to a friendly river launch, however hit the button marked 'V ' and you get a 40 knot coastal beast.
Westwood 29 £106,890
Here's a builder that understands its environment perfectly. In this case that environment is the river and the Westwood 29 will look after you from the very moment you board. Spec'd with everything you'll need as standard, a huge galley, safe decks and a bow thruster for easy handling means you'll be able to explore our waterways in absolute safety and comfort.
Motor Boats Monthly
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Southampton fights back
17 September 2008
Official figures for Monday show a slight increase of 1% on the same time last year and although it's not massive, in these tricky times organisers will take all they can get.
I caught up with Andy Williams, MD of the British Marine Federation (BMF), today who was philisophical about the dip in visitors, "I don't think there are any shows at the moment that are experiencing increases" he said. Andy also told me that the new Platinum Pavilion and the Platinum tickets scheme have been a big hit with visitors, with sales on the first Saturday running at 95% .
The Platinum Pavilion is aimed at the fairer sex and includes lifestyle exhibits, including hairstyling, Botox (yes, really) and teeth whitening.
Platinum tickets, meanwhile, give ticket holders access to the exclusive Platinum Lounge and also entitle them to a ride on a Fairline, Princess or Sunseeker. The boat rides have been so popular that two visitors who visited on Sunday returned the following day to put an offer on a smaller version of the boat that they went out on. Now that's progress.
Expect to see the Platinum Pavilion at London. And look out for Andy's comments on the future of both shows in the November issue of MBM.
And move over Ascot, tomorrow is Ladies' Day so I will be bringing you all the fun of the show from the female point of view.
Picture: View from Platinum Lounge
Sally Coffey, Motor Boats Monthly
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Tide's out
17 September 2008
Who let the plug out? It's spring tides at the moment and low water is leaving show boats high and dry. With just 0.5m at low water, this was the view of the Hydropool Marina last night. Low water today is at 1843 BST measuring 0.6m and is getting higher as the week goes on.
For the latest images visit our gallery
Claire Frew
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Talking shop with Bavaria
17 September 2008
I know it seems a while ago now, but there was a time, all of a year ago, when the words private and equity weren't immediately associated with the words toxic and debt. It was in these halcyon days that a little-known (outside the world of high finance) private equity firm called Bain Capital acquired the German boatbuilder Bavaria for a snip under a billion pounds. An inflated sum, many said at the time. But talking to the newly installed German CEO of Bavaria, Kay Schwabedal, it would seem Bain, and Bavaria, are well-placed to ride out the convulsions currently debilitating money markets.
In fact, Bavaria not only seems to be surviving but thriving; the new Bavaria 37 Highline model on show here apparently evidence of this. The Bavaria style, the new management team at Bavaria contended, was in need of a facelift, and the result is now here for us all to see. It's definitely impressive, and a sign that Bavaria is willing to 'chic up' to appeal to a younger audience. There are plans afoot to give the Highline treatment to more models in the range, but Mr Schwabedal would not be drawn on which ones.
Also interesting was the CEO's reasoning for why Bavaria is better placed than most to see out the storm. Bavaria works more or less to a 'just in time' production model. The customer orders a boat from its UK dealer Ancasta, and in a matter of weeks, thanks to the builder's impressive investment in production technologies, the boat is ready to be delivered. The upshot of this is there's no stock languishing in yards being discounted constantly by worried dealers. This maintains the value of the brand, and decreases the exposure of the dealer. "We tend to think boats shouldn't sit in parking lots," he told MBM. It's well known that other major boatbuilders rely heavily on stocking deals, effectively forcing boats on dealers that are perhaps not in the best financial position to take them. If Bavaria's business model is indeed the future, as Mr Schwabedal contends, then MBM wonders how long it will take his competitors to follow suit.
Stewart Campbell, Motor Boats Monthly
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New engines and drive systems at Southampton
17 September 2008
Southampton has seen launches from some of the biggest names in outboards.
Yamaha (stand D18) has a new F250, incorporating the fly-by-wire controls from the bigger V8 engines. It also has a new F225C Sport, which is said to offer the kind of performance seen on the old two-stroke motors.
Suzuki (stand E071) has been busy replacing outboards that were already pretty good. The new DF70 and DF90 are on display, together with a brand new DF80, Suzuki's first ever 80hp model.
Cummins MerCruiser (stand E41) seems to be finally getting the Zeus pod drive system into boats with the new Sealine SC47 sporting a pair, connected to 425hp QSB5.9 engines. The exciting Axius drive system, launched last year, is now available on diesels. This system gives owners of twin outdrive powered boats joy stick control, similar to that offered with Zeus and Volvo's IPS.
On the subject of new drive systems, I was led into a darkened corner and shown a document marked 'Confidential'. I am not allowed to say too much for now, but hopefully by the time the November issue goes to press we will have some exciting information to share with you. Basically, it involves a different take on traditional sterndrives. The project is backed by some big names and the system promises a number of advantages over current drives.
Another new system that seems to be appearing in decent numbers is the diesel-electric hybrid, such as Mermaid Marine's Hybrid drive. The drive is capable of providing 7kW of propulsive power, and 5kW of generating capacity and can be seen on stand G33.
Picture: Suzuki's new 80hp model and Mermaid Marine's Hybrid drive.
Neale Byart, Motor Boats Monthly
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Model behaviour
16 September 2008
Five days in and still no sign of boat show fatigue, although a few of us on the MBM team are struggling a little today as the social side of the boat show is starting to take its toll.
And it seems we're not the only ones that have been indulging in the odd tipple, as I hear the Guinness bar ran out of receipts the other day. It certainly adds weight to our suspicions that exhibitors have been consuming most of the Guinness and requesting the telltale receipts for expenses. Sorry guys, we're on to you.
This morning the organisers of the newly titled Sail, Powers & Watersports Show (not exactly roll off your tongue, is it?) called a press conference to try and drum up interest in this year's show at Earls Court. And James Brooke, MD of the show, brushed off concerns that three big boat shows could not survive in the current climate. Brooke said, "I think there's room for more than three shows, it's a massive market". We hope you're right James.
This afternoon I got a sneaky peak at the latest offshore foul weather clothing from Gill. The Key West range includes eye-catching style, such as this women's jacket, modelled by Claire, and lots of practical features. Neale wears the Gill Waterproof Sailing Trousers, perfect for the boat or the pub (lovely Neale, just lovely). We'll bring you more on the range in the November issue of MBM.
Sally Coffey, Motor Boats Monthly
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New gear at Southampton
16 September 2008
New gear launches have been a bit thin on the ground here in Southampton, although most exhibitors I have spoken to seem to have plenty up their sleeves for METS in November, so we'll be there to bring you the news as it happens.
In the meantime, notable launches here include Raymarine's new A series, a range of budget plotters, and plotter/fishfinders, that include full European Navionics silver cartography in the price. With prices starting at around £600-£700, these plotters have the look, feel and user interface of the more expensive E series, meaning they are very simple and intuitive to use. Three models are available with screen sizes ranging from 5 to 6.4 inches. Visit stand G88 to see for yourself.
The search for my personal Holy Grail, a decent portable satnav that works well both on roads and the sea, has turned towards Garmin (stand G26) and its new Nuvi 500. All previous units I have tried, from various companies, have failed to meet my expectations, but if anyone can produce a great dual-purpose GPS unit, it should be Garmin.
Some bits of kit I have come across look and sound fantastic, and offer what could be a revolution in certain aspects of boat ownership. Ultrasonic Antifouling on stand H10 is one such product. Imagine never having to paint the bottom of your boat again: the annual money savings you would gain in paint and lifting fees would soon recoup the £850 needed to fit this gizmo. Does it work? I have no idea, but we will be testing it as soon as we can.
No boat show would be complete without picking up the latest version of the Reeds Almanac (stand B102). This year, however, carrying it home won't be such a bind as it is now online. Rather than hulk the big book around you can now leave the show with nothing more than a USB memory stick.
And finally, why not pop along to the Eberspacher (stand E37), Webasto (stand G12), Mikuni (stand G114) or Wallas (stand G35) exhibits and browse their ranges. Most of them have new products suitable for motorboats of all sizes, and what better way to help justify that 60/40 split than with a nice shiny new diesel heater?
I'm off now to look at engines and related products and from what I've heard there seem to be some interesting developments. Check back tomorrow for a round-up of what's hot in the world of propulsion.
Picture: Raymarine's new A57D plotter/fishfinder
Neale Byart, Motor Boats Monthly
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Botox at the boat show
15 September 2008
I arrived at the show this morning in something of a daze - a two-week-old daughter who has decided that 12am to 6am is the ideal time to be awake is mainly to blame.
It was in this half-comotosed state that I stumbled into the lifestyle area of the show, just next to the MBM stand.
I could barely comprehend what I was witnessing - people with fluorescent mouths sat in dentist chairs while others in face masks bent over them (see picture); fish swam in wall-mounted aquariums; and a man lounged in a huge beanbag reading a copy of the Financial Times.
This was no dream, it transpired. This was indeed the boat show, but not as I knew it. These strange happenings were taking place in the Platinum Pavilion, a new feature this year that also houses the Platinum Lounge for those that have forked out £85 for a VIP ticket, and other 'lifestyle' exhibitors.
The man behind the dentist chairs was Lee Oakey, sales and marketing director of Medical Facial Enhancements. At his stand, visitors are offered Botox treatments for a knockdown £99, teeth whitening for £299 and non-surgical facelifts for an undisclosed sum.
"Botox has been very popular," he told us. "And we've done quite a lot of lip enhancements. These treatments sit hand in hand with the boating lifestyle."
And I thought it was just the sunny weather that was responsible for all the perma-grins about the place.
Stewart Campbell, Motor Boats Monthly
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Boats, boats, everywhere
15 September 2008
Southampton International Boat Show is teeming with exciting new craft and has pulled off a real coup with the impressive new Princess V62, launched here rather than at Cannes.
Elsewhere, we have the incredibly glamorous Fairline Squadron 55, a boat so lavish and richly fitted out that if it were a pudding you wouldn't be able to finish it.
But away from the big boat headlines there are also some interesting movements in affordable classics and interior design.
Out by the Holiday Inn you will find the 24ft Nordic Cruiser, a charming teak-fest of a boat offering a very efficient (under a gallon per hour) 15 knot ride, a good cockpit and some useful overnight cabin space.
Down on the water the Admirals Tender is another beauty with a fantastically old-school hull form underpinned by the latest in GRP build. Both this and the Nordic start at around £60,000 and offer a real alternative to the usual sportsboats and cruisers.
On the contemporary front, many of Sealine's sportscruiser and flybridge range have been given a facelift. The clean, minimal interior and cockpit styling seen on the SC35 has been rolled out to boats like the SC29 and T50. The 29's new look is especially good, delivering exactly the kind of sharp style that its innovative hardtop design deserves. Sunbrella upholstery, natural walnut timber and subtle cabin tones make for a really cool look.
Even more cosmetic detail is found on the Bavaria stand. Delivering the kind of colour and depth that this value for money brand has been crying out for, the new Highline upgrade offers numerous cabinetry, upholstery and coloured gelcoat options. Natural walnut, light oak and mahogany cabinetry from the Italian veneer specialist, Alpi, is matched with teak cockpit tables, designer lighting and planked cabin linings. There are eight different interior upholstery options available.
Although currently only available on the 37(pictured), the Highline upgrade is expected to roll out across the whole range, with prices starting at £2560.
Carl Richardson, Motor Boats Monthly
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Saturday slump
15 September 2008
Well the figures for Saturday are in and I'm sorry to report that they are down 9% from last year, with 14598 people coming through the gates. It was hoped that the gorgeous weather on Saturday would help lift numbers but it seems the credit crunch and looming end of red diesel derogation, (despite the fact that the announcement on Friday that a 60-40 split for propulsion and domestic use has been widely accepted as good news), have combined to deter visitors.
It was inevitable but secretly we all hoped that the show would be victorious, proving once and for all that boating will conquer all.
The show was noticeably quiet yesterday so the overall figures for the weekend are not expected to be good.
Alas, all is not lost, I spoke to a couple of dealers yesterday that had sold a couple of boats and believe the visitors that are here are serious consumers. It remains to be seen if their faith is matched by sales figures.
So come on boaters, show your solidarity and let's fight this credit crunch together. Get yourself down to Southampton for what really is a great boat show, whether you're looking for a new boat or you just fancy a bit of fun.
Carl and Neale will be reporting on their round up of the best boats and gear later today so keep your eyes peeled.
Sally Coffey, Motor Boats Monthly
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That's not a boat, this is a boat
14 September 2008
My ears are still ringing. On my way back to the press office my attention was caught by the bellowing sound of a horn. As I turned around I was shocked to see a mammoth ferry, which dwarfed the whole pontoon area, moving past, drawing gasps from the gathered crowd. Suddenly the Princesses along the end pontoon seemed quite small.
I finally got the chance to look around some boats today.
I jumped on the new Nimbus 365 Coupe, which has lovely wide side decks and a nice open cockpit with teak bathing platform. A door at the helm opens onto the side decks and on first impressions I found it to be a cute, quirky boat, if a little pokey.
The Maritimo 48 enclosed flybridge has been receiving appreciative nods all day and it's certainly an impressive sight, towering above its neighbours. I added one to my mental shopping basket.
I also spotted an interesting looking silver launch called Admirals Tender by Superior Yachts, which sits next to the two Goldfish 29 RIBs, one of which, Lionhead was the recent winner of the 2008 fastest RIB Round Britain award.
Phew, it's been a long day so it's off to the Guinness bar for me. Until tomorrow.
Sally Coffey, Motor Boats Monthly
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Attendance figures take a dip
14 September 2008
Well, it's another fine day in Southampton, but despite heavy queues at the main turnstiles this morning, the first figures released show that attendance for Southampton has taken a dip.
Official figures, released by National Boat Shows, show that 8099 people flocked through the gates on Friday, down 11% from last year.
Of course, the weather may have had its part to play, with heavy rain on Friday afternoon perhaps deterring people. It remains to be seen whether the sunny weather yesterday and today will help Southampton recover some of its visitor numbers.
There is a bustling atmosphere here today, although queues at the gates have already dwindled to a trickle, so it will be interesting to see what the overall figure for the opening weekend will be.
Right, I'm off to do some snapping, so don't forget to check our gallery for all the latest photos from the show.
Sally Coffey, Motor Boats Monthly
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Dangerous wives and hot plates
13 September 2008
Extraordinary scenes at the show as security staff let slip their biggest concern while down on the pontoons a unique moment in sportscruiser history occurred when a wet bar grill was used in anger.
First off though, the news that wives, that most dangerous of demographics, could be planning to maraud through the boat show. The problem was brought to MBM's attention as we sauntered to the press office.
Security guards pounced, demanding paperwork and to know our intentions. When we questioned the motives for this interrogation we were given the rather odd explanation that people's wives were known to be sneaking in, disguised as journalists and left free to totter around, no doubt buying shoes and gilets as they go.
Once happy that we were not hiding any married women about our persons, we were allowed to pass. Rumours that this hard line on wives has been brought in to protect mistresses at the show could not be confirmed.
From one grilling to another: the debut of the Monterey 415, the largest model ever shown in the UK by the American sportscruiser specialist, was the scene of a culinary first when food was cooked on a cockpit grill. Chef Tristan Cole knocked up a feast of fillet steak and prawn kebabs for owners and visitors alike. In line with MBM's usual hard-hitting journalistic policy we carried out an in-depth test of Tristan's work, but sadly we were forcibly ejected by staff when the fifth course was demanded.
Caption: Carl and Tristan in happier times and (below) the mother of all security gates
Carl Richardson, Motor Boats Monthly
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Models strip off as Southampton hots up
13 September 2008
What a beautiful day. I've just come from a fashion show at the Main Stage - Powered by Fairline, which provided some much appreciated eye candy, turning the heat up on Southampton even more.
At 9.45am there was already an impressive crowd gathered outside the gates in the morning sun, eager to see what Southampton has to offer. And, although we'll have to wait until tomorrow for official visitor numbers, it certainly feels busy walking around the site.
Yesterday, after an initial bright start there was something of a torrential downpour in the mid afternoon, which I sincerely hope is not repeated today. The MBM team were ok though, we sheltered below decks on the Monterey 415 where we feasted on steak, sausages and kebabs, followed by a dessert of homemade chocolate tart, all prepared by a Michelin star chef. A genius idea and surely a show first.
There are lots of events going on throughout the show. I'm just about to go and snap a Search & Rescue demonstration by the MCA and the RNLI so expect lots of photos later.
As yesterday whizzed by in a champagne whirl, today is about getting to grips with what is here. We'll be zipping around all the new boats, having a nosey at the latest accessories and gear and indulging in the fun side of the show to bring you our highlights. Watch this space.
Sally Coffey, Motor Boats Monthly
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Sunny start for Southampton
12 September 2008
I'm ignoring the fact that I just felt a drop of rain on my head as I entered the pressroom, as this morning has been so lovely that I refuse to believe our weather luck is coming to an end.
The PSP Southampton International Boat Show got off to a splendid start today with the sun shining brightly, as a jazz band serenaded hoards of people while they supped Champagne at the Sealine stand. This is what boat shows should be about. Every time.
Sealine was launching its sporty SC47 but I couldn't linger around for too long, it was time to dash off to the Main Stage - Powered by Fairline for the official opening of the show, where I caught a glimpse of Dame Ellen MacArthur and the Great Britain sailing team, fresh from their achievements in Beijing.
This is my first Southampton and I have to say I love it. Southampton is a fitting location for a boat show and I love the fact it's outdoors - it just opens everything up and boats look so much nicer when they're, well, on water.
My only problem is that it is so huge and I haven't quite figured out where everything is yet. On top of this, I have already callously discarded my programme so I am spending half my time dashing back to the MBM stand to take a peak at their copy before toddling off again. Phew!
So if you see me walking around looking all confused please take pity on me.
Sally Coffey, Motor Boats Monthly
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Countdown to Southampton
9 September 2008
The Southampton International Boat Show is almost upon us and as well as showcasing all the latest boats, accessories and equipment, there's a lot of fun to be had and bargains galore. Here's our round up of how to make the most of your boat show.
Ready, steady, go
The show officially opens on Friday 12 September, Press and Public Preview Day, and although tickets are more expensive on this day (£20 at the gate, instead of £15) it will give you the chance to take an early peak at launches by the likes of Fairline, Sealine, Princess and Sunseeker.
The grand opening of the show will take place at the new Main Stage - Powered by Fairline and will include appearances by our Olympic heroes, the Skandia Team GB, as well as other figures from the boating world. Expect a spectacle and ladies grab your hubbies' wallets as there's a fashion show straight afterwards.
Discounts
There's never been a better time to haggle and that doesn't just go for boats - chandlers will be falling over themselves to offer you special rates. Here's our pick of the bargain bunch:
Reeds Nautical Almanac is launching its online version and anyone that subscribes at the show will get 25% discount, plus a loyalty card that you can use to get discounts from participating companies.
Premier Marinas is offering free visitor nights for all boat owners that visit the stand.
Try-a-boat is 40% bigger this year, so if you've ever wanted to test ride a boat for free, now's your chance.
There are also discounted entry tickets for groups of 10 or more.
Kid's corner
Let your little ones try canoeing or sailing in the H20 Zone, which is completely free, or test their sea legs on Dee Caffari's sailing simulator. Also, don't forget to collect wristbands for the kids from security, which will help reunite you, should you get lost.
Shopping
Helly Hansen will be running twice daily style sessions throughout the show, showcasing all their latest gear, held every day at 1pm and 4.20pm in the Holiday Inn Lounge. There is also a new area, known as the Platinum Pavilion, which will be selling all the latest lifestyle products.
Beauty queen
Ladies strike your best pose and gentlemen perfect your best non-leering stare, the Miss PSP Southampton Boat Show competition will round off the show on the last Saturday. Pop along to see who will be crowned this year's winner.
Getting there
Don't get lost,
check directions and public transport routes here.
Pack your wellies
Although we may see glimpses of sunshine (particularly on the opening Saturday), rain is forecast and the weather will be mainly unsettled.
And finally...
Above all, enjoy yourself (we know we will) and pop along to the MBM stand to say hello.
Sally Coffey, Motor Boats Monthly
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Inland section sorely lacking
18 January 2008
By all accounts the BMF has really pulled itself together and produced the best London Boat Show in recent years. It's a shame then that while some elements have seen big improvements others have deteriorated. I visited the inland waterways section and discovered that while some people exhibiting for the first time are happy enough with their positioning, others are deeply disappointed, "It get worse every year. Any further and we'd be outside" one exhibitor told me. Well, it seems half the inland section is now outside. Those lucky enough to be inside have bagged the not-so-coveted spot of far left corner of the north hall.
I had expected something more, especially after Earls Court pulled together such a nice inland section back in December. So come on BMF, sort it out.
Elsewhere dealers are getting ready for the busiest weekend of the show and judging by how many people I saw piling through the doors this morning they should be in for a busy couple of days.
Sally Coffey, News and Features Writer
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