Experts and enthusiasts alike head for the London Boat Show 2006
12 January 2006 - 13:47
For ten days only, the London Boat Show brings together the largest, most varied selection of boats and water sports equipment in the UK, all under one roof. It attracts the marine worlds most passionate and knowledgeable experts as well as sports men and women and people who are fanatical about water leisure, making it a must for anyone with a passion for water pursuits.
Drool over the boat of your dreams
Explore hundreds of different world-class makes and models of boat from multimillion-pound motor cruisers to one-man lasers and inflatable ribs, and everything in between. From the makers of celebrity-style vessels like Sunseeker and Moody Yachts to makers of one man boats like Laser and Zodiac, you can climb aboard and experience any of the hundreds of the boats on display with specialist experts on hand to answer your questions.
Get an adrenaline fix at the Water Sports Arena
The adrenaline-fuelled sports of windsurfing, wakeboarding and canoe polo are brought indoors at the Show for a winter display of skill and mettle. The world’s windsurfing elite compete in the London leg of the Professional Windsurfers Association Tour in the purpose built, 1,500 seater, Arena. Giant fans generate 30 knots of wind, while 30 competitors ride in the slalom, freestyle and jump events. The UK’s finest wake boarders will also engross crowds, pulling airs and riding fakie through the British Open Indoor Wakeboarding Championships and the toughest UK canoe polo teams have their paddles at the ready to quite literally fight it out at the National Canoe Polo Championships.
Discover a new passion
The London Boat Show is the perfect place for beginners to get involved in sailing or waters ports for the first time. Be inspired by the professionals and have a go yourself. There are daily free public coaching sessions where water sports experts will offer tips on canoeing, sailing and windsurfing. For a more leisurely ride, pedalos will be available for to take out on the water.
Explore the impressive Hydropool Marina boats
Take a trip along the Hydropool Marina and explore the impressive range of boats on the water, averaging 80 feet or longer. The Royal Navy Frigate HMS Grafton will be protecting the dockside for the duration of the show and is one of the few boats at the Show that’s not for sale!
Grab a sailing or water sports holiday bargain
The London Boat Show is a great place to check out the latest sailing and water sports holiday deals. Sailing and water sports holiday companies like Sunsail, Mark Warner, The Moorings and Neilson will all be offering discounts to those who book at the Show for holidays in the coming year. The Water sports Lifestyle village also houses everything a water sports fan might need. There are fantastic deals to be had on the latest water sports gear including surf and body boards, windsurfing sails, wet suits and waxes and loads more.
Pick up sartorial style for surf, Solent or St Tropez
If you’re looking for serious surf gear, high tech sailing kit or stylish yachting clobber, the Show’s the place to go. Brands like Mad Cowes, Fat Face or Pukka will appeal to water sports fans, while Gill, Henri Lloyd and Musto might appeal to the serious (or wannabe) sailors out there.
Take it easy at Inland Waterways
You can find life-size jetties and a real-ale English country pub at the Waterscape.com Inland Waterways attraction. Dedicated to canals, lakes, and rivers, the feature is sponsored by Waterscape.com and supported by the British Marine Federation, British Waterways and the Environment Agency.
Meet up with old friends at the Guinness Bar
The famous Boat Show Guinness Bar is a favourite haunt for regulars to the Show so make sure you drop in and enjoy a pint of the black stuff with the great and the good of the boating world.
Learn more about financing a boat and fractional ownership
For looking to buy, or trying to understand the finance of boat buying, e
