The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) is to give Irish marinas and sailing schools a boost in 2016 by taking an 'Irish Marine Stand' at January's London Boat Show 2016 in Excel. Aimed specifically at attracting visiting UK boaters, the IMF is keen to attract more UK sailing and powercraft over to Ireland next season.
The full economic impact of the UK marine industry and spending associated with boating participation was estimated at £7bn in 2012/13, according to a new report released by the British Marine Federation (BMF).
Ireland is the only English speaking Euro based country in Europe. It currently offers very competitive pricing on: marina berths, boatyard facilities, sailing schools plus a variety of boating services when compared to UK stg prices.
'The idea behind this initiative is to highlight Ireland as a nearby boating destination where there are plenty of travel connections for UK sailors and boaters', says the IMF's Gerry Salmon. 'Already there are London based sailors berthing boats on the Irish east and south coasts to take advantage of comparatively cheaper berths and we want to take advantage of this, he said.
A number of key firms have already signed up for the 2016 Irish stand including Dublin marinas at Dun Laoghaire and Malahide and Wicklow's Greystones Marina. The Irish National Sailing School (INSS) based at Dun Laoghaire Harbour is also participating.
The aim of the joint stand initiative, comprising an estimated 20 Irish boating firms, is to give individual firms the opportunity to promote a venue that would otherwise be cost prohibitive for individual firms.
Well known Irish sailing administrator Ciara Dowling is to run the IMF–backed stand at the ten–day show. More information here.
