The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) is promoting a necklace of over 60 Irish coastal marinas and pontoons as a central theme of its London Boat Show promotion that opens at ExCeL in London's Docklands on Friday morning.
As Afloat.ie reported previously, the Irish trade body is supporting the Irish Marina Operators Association (IMOA) who are keen to attract more visiting UK boats to Ireland this Summer. Eight Irish marinas have made the 'voyage' to London to promote their coastal facilties to the estimated 100,000 UK boating enthusiasts that will visit the international show over the next ten days.
Marinas from Eight Irish Counties Represented
Dublin marinas at Dun Laoghaire and Malahide and Cork Harbour Marinas at Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven along with Greystones marina in Couty Wicklow, Carlingford marina in County Louth and Kilrush Marina in County Clare, Kimore Quay in Wexford and Fenit in County Kerry are among Irish marina representatives manning the Irish stand. 'The aim is to assist UK visitors planning a trip across the Irish sea this Summer to enjoy the full benefits of the Irish coast' says IMF Board Member Gerry Salmon of MGM Boats who has co–ordinated the Irish stand and hopes it will be the start of a regular appearance for Ireland at the International exhibition.
#DunLaoghaire Marina will be there to market our destination to UK marine leisure tourism. https://t.co/45SiExuvqv
— Dun Laoghaire Marina (@DLMarina_Dublin) January 5, 2016
Visit us on the Irish Marine Federation stand at London Boat Show 2016 #LBS16 @eucoolroute https://t.co/KKq9esoP5E pic.twitter.com/JqsMCExLY4
— RCYC (@royalcork) January 8, 2016
Lucy Watson, star of hit Channel 4 series ‘Made in Chelsea’, will open the 62nd annual London Boat Show at 11am oin Friday.
Thousands of boats and brands will be showcased at the event all 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.
Spectacular Show attractions will include a Mediterranean Bay with waterfront cafés and a specially built pool hosting live demonstrations. There will also be hundreds of boats to climb aboard, a 60’s Revival showcasing boating highlights from the era, and themed discussions led by industry experts in the London Boat Show Theatre.
Last March, The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) met in Dublin to address priorities for the marine leisure industry after what has been a torrid time for marine trades in Ireland.
In a notice to members, Federation Chairman David O'Brien said 'like all small businesses, the IMF is building anew after recession'.
In a cautious note of optimism, O'Brien added 'Although it still remains to be seen if we really have 'turned a corner', as our politicians like to tell us, nothing can stay dormant indefinitely.
The IMF, who organises the National Boat Show, expects new opportunities to arise as the economy improves and consumer confidence grows.
Salmon also hopes to recruit new members for the IMF in London: 'The purpose of the stand is to highlight the benefits of being a member of the IMF in the absence of any planned events for any of our members in Ireland. The London show is the only international marine orientated event that is close to Ireland and one which attracts a number of Irish clients and companies'.
Members and non-members are most welcome to call by the stand F046, conveniently located near the Guinness stand.
