London Boat Show 2018 attracts record numbers of exhibitors

The 2018 London Boat Show opened on Wednesday (10^th January) to a host of celebrities, global launches, stunning boats and sporting silverware to wow the show’s visitors. The five-day event, running until Sunday 14^th January, celebrates everything you can do and enjoy on the water.

Bringing a world of inspiration and free on-the-water experiences, visitors are being treated to an exciting 2018 edition of the event.

On its opening day, England World Cup legend Sir Geoff Hurst made a special guest appearance alongside the Jules Rimet Trophy, on loan from the FIFA World Football Museum, as he officially opened the Sunseeker International stand alongside BT Sport personality Jake Humphrey. 

The Emirates FA Cup completes the line-up of sporting paraphernalia on display at the show, with visitors able to get up close and personal to it throughout the five-day event. 

The show welcomes 347 exhibitors this year—the most ever at London Boat Show—with 70 of those new for 2018. With 94 boat and product launches, including 11 global debuts, 5 European, 29 UK and 49 show launches, as well as fantastic new attractions for 2018, the show is packing a lot into its five days of trade. 

Among the exciting new attractions for the 2018 show include the “ultimate urban beach experience” at the Beach Club. Visitors can chill out on the sand or take a free ‘chalk and talk’ beach class. The show’s large activity pool offers the chance to try out some of the latest watersport trends, including kayaking, dinghy sailing and stand-up paddleboarding. 

Sky Sports Presenter Alec Wilkinson is on hand to deliver a terrific programme of live speakers on the show’s Legend Theatre. Heroes of the sailing world appearing on stage include Mike Golding, one of the world’s most successful offshore sailors; Dee Carrari, the first woman to sail single-handedly around the world in both directions; Alex Thompson, the fastest Brit to sail solo round the world in a monohull, and Tracy Edwards MBE, British Sailing legend and the first woman to receive the Yachtsman of the Year Trophy.

British Marine CEO, Howard Pridding, commented, “We have enjoyed a fantastic start to the 2018 London Boat Show. There has been a great buzz around the Show and some fantastic first day sales being reported by our exhibitors. 

“The buoyant atmosphere is certainly reflected in the recent statistics launched today by British Marine which shows revenue from the UK’s leisure marine industry has achieved its sixth consecutive year of growth. We’re thrilled to have seen it rise 3.4% to £3.12bn, the highest level since the financial crisis of 2007/2008.

Pridding concluded, “With a fantastic line up of events taking place [this week], and with some brilliant activities available for the whole family, the show is one not to be missed.”

The event continues until Sunday 14^th January.

For more information, visit London Boat Show.