#TradeNews - Organisers of prestigious yacht shows in Florida and Monaco have taken over the boutique London On-Water Boat Show and are set to relaunch the brand next May as the London Yacht Show.

As Motor Boat & Yachting reports, Informa Exhibitions will return to the St Katherine Docks venue that has hosted the event for the last five years — with Fairline, Princess and Sunseeker among planned exhibitors from 9-12 May (dates to be confirmed).

And the new show-runners have the backing of Southampton Boat Show organisers British Marine whose own London Boat Show, originally scheduled for next month at the city’s ExCeL, was cancelled over the summer due to “insufficient support”.

Informa promises to retain the boutique nature of the St Katherine Dock event. “We’re not looking to compete with the Southampton Boat Show, this will be a focussed event aimed at the luxury end of the market,” said Andrew Williams, president of maritime for Informa Exhibitions.

Motor Boat & Yachting has much more on the story HERE.

Industry body, British Marine, says making the decision to put the London Boat Show on hold now for 2019 enables the organisation to look at alternative options. Here is the British Marine statement in full: 

British Marine, which organises and owns the London Boat Show, has announced that the 2019 Show, due to run at ExCeL London from 9-13 January 2019, will not take place. 

This decision was made after independent research by exhibition experts, Zing Insights, showed there was insufficient support from a large proportion of the marine industry to the London Boat Show with its current format, duration and location. 

A scene across the stand at the 2018 London Show Photo: British Marine

In the last three weeks, Zing Insights has carried out personal interviews with over 67% of exhibitors. This revealed that whilst a number of marine companies supported the change to a five day Show, finding it preferable to a 10 day Show, a large number of key exhibitors were not prepared to commit to exhibiting to a five day Show at ExCeL in January 2019.

Visitor research also showed that consumer satisfaction of the 2018 Show was below acceptable industry standards. Visitor satisfaction was centred on the content of the Show and specifically on the number and diversity of sailing and power boats exhibited. The research results showed a year-on-year decline in audience satisfaction which would continue to fall if the Show proceeded in the same format and continued to fail to satisfy visitor expectations.

"The British Marine Boat Show team are now able to put all their focus on ensuring The Southampton Boat Show 2018 is the most successful to date"

Zing’s research findings were endorsed by British Marine’s exhibition sales staff who, despite intensive sales efforts, reported that an insufficient number of signed contracts of commitment to the 2019 Show had been returned. This was particularly significant amongst boatbuilders and boat retailers. Lack of signed contracts from this sector also affected confidence from other potential exhibitors, further reducing confirmed sign ups within the deadline.

Sales activity and support for the London Boat Show is in contrast with British Marine’s Southampton Boat Show, which attracts close to 500 exhibitors and more than 106,000 visitors and has the support of title sponsor TheYachtMarket.com. The 2018 event is significantly ahead in terms of ticket sales and exhibitor sign ups compared to this time last year. TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show 2018, running over 10 days from 14-23 September, celebrates its 50th year with a host of special events and activities taking place.

The British Marine Boat Show team are now able to put all their focus on ensuring TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show 2018 is the most successful to date. British Marine is in talks with relevant landlords to increase the footprint of the Show to meet exhibitor demands, both on the land and on the marina. New and exciting content for the Show includes additional features, alongside new displays and attractions.

“The decision to put the London Boat Show on hold is naturally very disappointing for the British marine industry,” said David Pougher, President of British Marine, “but British Marine and its Board of Directors has a responsibility to its members and we cannot commit to running a Show which is clearly forecasted in its current format to be commercially unviable and will not meet customer satisfaction levels. By contrast, TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show produces a positive contribution to the industry, is well supported by exhibitors and visitors alike and is a highly successful event and we are now able to put all our energy, expertise and enthusiasm into this event.” 

British Marine says making the decision to put the London Boat Show on hold now for 2019 enables the organisation to look at alternative options. “We are very aware that many companies in the marine industry look at a sales activity such as the London Boat Show in January as an excellent way to kick start the year, but times change and we must do the same in order to offer events which are affordable, accessible, welcomed and supported by the industry and its customers, and are financially viable for all involved. This is now the task for the British Marine team, its Board, its members and valued advisors to seek new opportunities to support our industry,” concluded David Pougher.

The 2018 London Boat Show drew to a close yesterday (Sunday 14 January 2018) amidst incredible sales reports, a vibrant atmosphere, strong visitor numbers and the fantastic launch of the all new Boating & Watersports Holiday Show. The changes made to the 2018 Show were a success amongst exhibitors and visitors alike, highlighting a renewed confidence in the future of the London Boat Show, with many companies instantly requesting space for 2019. 

Among the stands at the docklands were Dublin firms BJ Marine, previewed here, and MGM Boats.

Both will also attend the massive European boat show in Dusseldorf starting this Saturday, January 20th. Irish show-goers can avail of a day return to the German show with Aer Lingus.

Over the course of the five-day event in London, more than 52,000 visitors enjoyed a range of boats and products on offer from 347 exhibitors; this represents a significant average daily increase on attendance from 2017. Attracting attention from visitors and media around the globe, the Show offered a fantastic platform to launch 94 brand new products. Eleven World debuts included the magnificent Princess V50, Hanse 348 and Rodman’s Spirit 42 Coupe, with the Sunseeker 76 offering visitors the chance to see the biggest boat at the Show.

With brand new attractions for 2018, the Show provided more opportunities for visitors to get on the water for free – or learn and practise new skills on dry land. Powered by Rockley Watersports, ‘Chalk and talk’ sessions on the Show’s new Beach Club gave visitors an insight into some of the latest watersports activities, before trying them out on the Activity Pool. Close to 500 people also enjoyed the wakeboarding experience located in the new Adventure Park. The Lock and Waterside Pub, overlooking the new inland boating attraction, provided a welcome pitstop for a well-deserved pint and gave a feeling of life next to the waterways. On Saturday (13 January) alone, over 3,000 people paid a visit to just some of the new inland boats on display for 2018, demonstrating that staycations are still high on the list as a holiday experience of choice.

Keen boaters and novices flocked to the Practical Boat Owner Theatre where they crowded around to listen intently to their expert heroes such as Tom Cunliffe, Dave Selby and Stokey Woodall. Whether offering advice on how to kit up for the next cruise, what to take, or boating on a budget, the specialist speakers had all the answers.

The live programme of features continued at the Legends Theatre, presented by British Marine, with Sky Sports Presenter, Alec Wilkinson on hand to deliver a terrific programme to a continually packed audience. Heroes across the sailing world who appeared on stage included Mike Golding, Dee Caffari, Alex Thompson, who also collected the prestigious YJA Yachtsman of the Year award at the Show, and a joint appearance by female sailing icons Tracy Edwards MBE and Sam Davies. YouTube stars, Sailing La Vagabonde, were also a star attraction. A key moment on the stage included honouring future talent with the announcement of the Superyacht UK Young Designer competition winner, in partnership with Pendennis Shipyard and Olesinski; the competition has proved fascinating to watch across the first two days of the event.

HRH The Princess Royal gave the Show a regal feel on the opening day as she toured the event and presented Hannah Stodel with the celebrated RYA Yachtmaster of the Year award. Footballing hero, Sir Geoff Hurst and BT Sports Presenter, Jake Humphrey, officially opened the Sunseeker International stand and were joined by the prestigious Jules Rimet Trophy. Other famous faces included former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, Red Bull Team Principle, Christian Horner and TV stars Lorraine Kelly, Nick Knowles and James Martin. Political figures, the Rt Hon. Lord Henley, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and CBI Director-General Carolyn Fairburn received a detailed insight into the strength of the leisure marine industry 

The success of the Show has been reflected in the significant interest it has received from several companies not exhibiting at this year’s event but wanting a presence at the 2019 Show. These include Mastercraft Boats, who wants to now exhibit at both the London and TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Shows. This year’s exhibitors already confirming include Swallow Boats, Bayliner, Cobra Ribs, Compass Marine, Go Earth, Nfun Yachting UK, Elite Sailing, GB Helicopters, Sailing Holidays, Arba Nautika, The SUP Company. Hobo Yachting, Rockley Watersports, Banks Martin, Topper, Morton Boats, Ullman Sails, Boatylicious, Tingdene Marina and more. Zodiac, who has had a presence at the Show each year, has already indicated that it will be taking its own stand to increase its presence.

Howard Pridding, British Marine CEO, comments: “The 2018 London Boat Show has provided an essential platform to showcase the very best of the marine industry to a global audience. We’re delighted that the changes we have implemented have been such a success. Offering a new five-day format has allowed us to attract more new and first-time exhibitors than ever before.

“The atmosphere has been vibrant, and our new attractions gave everyone the chance to experience and interact with the Show. With an average daily attendance of just over 10,000 we’ve enjoyed more concentrated crowds of visitors at the Show than we’ve experienced for many years, particularly on the very busy Saturday.”

Howard concludes: “With the latest industry figures demonstrating a sixth continuous year of growth within the sector, this year’s Show has continued along that terrific vein. We pay tribute to and thank our exhibitors who were the stars of the Show.” 

The 2019 London Boat Show will take place from Wednesday 9 – Sunday 13 January 2019. 

British Marine, the membership organisation for the UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry, welcomed Mark Garnier MP to the London Boat Show today to continue the successful working relationship between government and industry. The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for International Trade took the opportunity to meet with British Marine members and exhibitors to discuss further trade opportunities for marine.

This visit follows a recent meeting that British Marine and its members held recently with the Department for International Trade to discuss what support government can give the industry. Representatives from 10 member companies met with the Minister in Westminster to discuss the development of future overseas markets, priorities for the sector and how to maintain high skill levels in the marine industry to ensure its continuing growth.

During his visit to the Show, Minister Garnier, MP for Wyre Forest, met with British Marine members Seaglaze, Marlow Ropes and English Braids, Williams Jet Tenders and Princess Yachts. The Minister also took time to speak with students taking part in the Superyacht UK Young Designers Competition before heading on to meet with several delegates that took part in the British Marine ‘Meet the Buyer’ programme. Meet the Buyer, in association with IBI and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), held at the London Boat Show from 12-13 January, is an annual event offering UK suppliers of marine products and services a chance to network with a range of buyers, from overseas boatbuilders to distributors, who are flown in from across the globe.

International Trade Minister Mark Garnier said: “The London Boat Show is an iconic event that provides a vital platform to showcase the very best of British marine engineering and manufacturing.

“Our UK marine industry is world-class, with the superyacht and leisure marine sector alone generating over £895 million each year, almost a third of total UK marine export revenue. The Department for International Trade will continue to work with British Marine to support this sector by helping new and existing exporters to realise their international potential.

Howard Pridding, Chief Executive Officer said: “We were delighted to continue our working relationship with Mark Garnier MP by welcoming him here to the Show. Member companies have taken the chance to further the Minister’s understanding of the strength of this £3.01bn industry, which has just announced a fifth consecutive year of growth.

“Our industry has a strong export record and I welcomed the opportunity to brief the Minister at a time when the Government is developing an industrial strategy and to further discuss how we can work collaboratively with Government to continue this export success.”

Actress Joanna Lumley OBE opened today's 2017 London Boat Show at Excel. The Capital city's iconic Show has over 300 exhibitors showcasing the best the marine world has to offer, anticipated debuts to the World and European stage, as well as exciting new attractions. Ireland's MGM Boats has a stand at the ten day show featuring a range of brokerage boats.

Lucy Watson launched the 62nd London Boat Show at ExCeL London, which runs from 8-17th January 2016, aboard the Sunseeker 131, the largest boat ever launched at the show, priced at around £16M. Ireland is represented at the show by a new Irish Marine Federation backed stand.

Two of the UK’s most luxurious yachts, the Princess 60 and Princess V58 Open, sailed down the Thames this week on their way to ExCeL London in preparation for the London Boat Show. Kicking off today,  8 January 2016, the prestigious Show is the first event of the year in the global boating calendar.

The exceptional Princess 60 and Princess V58 Open are amongst some of the biggest boats that will be seen at the London Boat Show in January and are hand crafted in Plymouth by one of the world’s largest shipyards, Princess Yachts. Once the boats arrive at ExCeL London, a specially constructed crane, will lift the huge luxury motor yachts out of the water, before placing them on the back of lorries so that they can be driven into the Show hall. Over the coming days, a further 18 boats will arrive at the London Boat Show via the historic waterways of the Thames, past iconic landmarks, before being hoisted out of the water at the Royal Victoria Dock. Hundreds of boats will also arrive in the capital by road, bringing the total at the Show to almost 400.

The London Boat Show takes place from 8 -17 January 2016 at ExCeL London

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.

The London Boat Show returns to the British capital's ExCeL this Friday and promises much awaited new launches and innovations, a '60s Revival, Mediterranean Bay and a plush Sunseeker Champagne Bar. As Afloat reported previously, among Irish interest at the show is an Irish Marine Federation stand that aims to promote Irish marinas and harbours to the UK market. 

The 62nd annual London Boat Show, takes place from 8 – 17 January at ExCeL London and promises a fantastic day out with lots of boats on display and entertainment for everyone.

#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

You can explore the world of boating, see the latest trends, technologies and innovations, experience show-stopping attractions and have a tipple at the Sunseeker Champagne Bar – all at the heart of one of the world’s most pioneering capital cities.

Our Brokerage stand is coming along nicely for #LBS16 just 2 days to go now @LoveBoatShows @AfloatMagazine pic.twitter.com/GwWDG5OdfD

— MGM Boats (@mgmboats) January 5, 2016

The 10-day event – spread over the equivalent of six full-sized football pitches – will kick-start the 2016 boating calendar by hosting over 300 marine brands and showcasing thousands of products, services and boats 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.

London Boat Show opens Friday,featuring the UK Debut of the Swift Trawler 30!! We'll be there! @AfloatMagazine pic.twitter.com/PywAb9P6ni

— BJ Marine (@bjmarinesales1) January 6, 2016

New features for this year’s event include the ‘60s Revival’ attraction which will transport visitors back to the Swinging Sixties – an era that saw the first man to walk on the moon, The Beatles, the arrival of the Mirror Dinghy, and Sir Francis Chichester becoming the first person to sail singlehanded around the world by the clipper route.

Also new for 2016 is the ‘Mediterranean Bay’, a purpose built pool featuring water sports demonstrations, opportunities to get out on the water, and the chance to learn how to moor a boat in a typically tight Mediterranean-style berth; and ‘The London Boat Show Theatre’ which will feature some of the world’s boating experts talking on topics ranging from technology and innovations, to engine maintenance and around the world expeditions.

Exhibitors include: Bavaria, Beneteau, Hobo Yachting, Sealine, Princess Yachts, Sunsail, Sunseeker International

Tickets: Advance tickets start from £10, with two children under the age of 15 going free with each adult. Additional concessions are also available.

For more information visit: www.londonboatshow.com

#londonboatshow – Strong opening weekend visitor numbers are a positive feature of the London Boat Show that has already produced some early sales results for two Irish yacht brokers at the Xcel–based event in East London.

Last year's event pulled in around 90,000 visitors. This year – the 61st show – organisers are hoping numbers will top 100,000.

'There is a definite sense of confidence around the place and the public are very upbeat about the year ahead', Irish broker Martin Salmon of MGM Boats told Afloat.ie from the firm's dedicated brokerage stand in Xcel.

For the Irish marine trade London has traditonally been a calendar highlight. 2015 is no exception with at least three Irish based deals done on the opening weekend.

Along with Boot Dussledorf, where attendance is expected to top 250,000 later this month, the London boat show is a key player in the global leisure boating industry, generating annual revenue of £3bn, and the show is the home base for a number of world-renowned UK brands, including Fairline Boats and Sunseeker.

Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger (pictured below) drew the biggest crowd of the opening day by far last Friday when she sang on the Sunseeker International stand. Sunseeker's Predator 57 (starting price £815,000) is launching at the show.

'The overall attendance is up 7% on last year and on our stand we are up 20% in enquiries and boats to list', Salmon told Afloat.ie

Salmon says the second hand market is still thriving in Europe. 'Boat shoppers are putting value for money at the top of the list and the demand for quality used boats is still growing' he said.

This year MGM has installed interactive screens on their purpose built stand located next to the Guinness stand so visitors can help themselves and browse through boat technical specs and photo/video galleries and it is proving to be a big hit. 

A new attraction to the MGM Boats stand at London boat show 2015 are our interactive screens. Stand FO51 pic.twitter.com/X4Ju2vlEoS

— John McDonald (@John_MGMBoats) January 10, 2015

BJ Marine's Group Sales Manager James Kirwan (left) and Mike Caplan of BJ Marine Pwllheli on the Beneteau stand, with an Oceanis 35 bound for Ireland in the background

James Kirwan of County Wicklow firm BJ Marine of Greystones is reporting 'massive' interest at the French Beneteau stand, a brand his company represents in Ireland. 'Both the new Beneteau Oceanis 35 and 55 have been of particular interest given their 'unique layout and the finish quality' says Kirwan.

Kirwan is reporting two deals done in just the first few days of the ten day show.

On the motorboat side, BJ Marine has excellent Antares Outboard model deals and the MC5 is making its London debut and is 'turning heads in a big way', according to Kirwan.

{youtube}AgDotjn89ZQ{/youtube}

'Our new BJ Marine Welsh office in Pwllheli is giving us an increased brokerage offering too for those talking to us about second hand boats'.

Likewise for MGM with their French brand, Jeanneau. The new Sun Odyssey 349 is attracting a lot of interest (at €122,000.00 Inc Vat on the water).

The new Velacso 37 is the star of the motorboat stand and is now the new entry level flybridge in the range.

Packed stand here this evening for the late night opening. The Guinness is flowing. @LoveBoatShows #LBS15 pic.twitter.com/YNghdEv4K9

— MGM Boats (@mgmboats) January 15, 2015

{youtube}osDnqYfppLM{/youtube}

MGM also handle Aquador in Ireland and this stand is always busy at this show due to the popularity of the brand in the UK and the 22C and 28C has gone down very well again, according to Salmon. 'The 28C was sold yesterday and we are working on some very strong leads and we should see some further orders throughout the week' he said.

77 debut boats confirmed

Another sale completed at the London Boat Show. The Aquador 28 is going down well this week. @LoveBoatShows #LBS15 pic.twitter.com/AvYU5bspvc

— MGM Boats (@mgmboats) January 15, 2015

The Show will host world firsts from across the marine industry. The Ribeye PRIME, Bavaria Sport 400, Williams Sportjet 520 and Haines 360 will dazzle power enthusiasts whilst the sailing industry will witness the launch of the Dauntless Oyster 500.

For those looking for the latest in luxury yachts aswell as the world launch of the Sunseeker Predator 57 there will be Fairline's unveiling of the Shadow S, the first of its eight new models to be launched over the next three years. 

#londonobatshow – A first for tomorrow's London Boat Show is the real-time build of a 5.9m sailing catamaran with a cutting-edge hydrofoil system developed by Southampton Solent University. Afloat first reported on the new British foiling cat last September when she made her UK debut.

The first production model of the 'Solent Whisper', which has already turned heads at both the PSP Southampton Boat Show and the Paris International Boat Show, will take shape before the eyes of the media and the public. The retail version of the craft, which comfortably achieves over 25 knots and incorporates a revolutionary new hydrofoil system, is being manufactured by White Formula UK Ltd.

Helena Lucas, Paralympic Gold medallist and graduate of Southampton Solent University, has sailed the prototype boat and will be on hand at The Datatag Lab to help 'launch' the catamaran building activities on Friday 9 January at 1.45pm.

Visitors will be able to watch all the stages of production from the preparation of the moulds, to the final infusion of resin into the carbon fibre of the boat.

The new hydrofoil technology is the brainchild of Ron Price, a Southampton Solent University yacht and powercraft design graduate who is now Senior Lecturer in Naval Architecture at the University's Warsash Maritime Academy.