Ellen at LIBS

[tomg]

WhenI visited the Boat Show on Tuesday I told my friend that we were bound to see a large screen with latest video of Ellen's progress and also exciting footage of the Vendee. They are both the hottest current sailing news and timed just right for one of Europe's premier boat shows. Nothing. Hardly a mention anywhere. Imagine a Frenchman looking like breaking a record at the time of the Paris Boat Show - or even Ellen for that matter. The French seem to have more regard for her than the Brits.Dissapointing or what?

 

[claymore]

Don't worry - me and Parahandy are going to hijack the audio/video system and show the peeps our summer cruise dvd. It'll be such fun that no-one will be disappointed that Day Melon is not on.

 

[kds]

Very disappointing.
I have supported LIBS on this forum, but after my visit Tuesday, I no longer do.
What do we get for the entrance fee ?
What possible excuse do they have for not showing footage from the South Atlantic ? Even if it costs money.
There was no entertainment at all in the main hall - just large stands, presumably paid for by the proprietors.
Don't know what the turn-out figures will be - but there were very few people around on Tuesday afternoon. I was the only punter at most of the electronics and rigging stands I visited.
Think I will stick to Southampton, where there are at least loads of small businesses on display.
Pity !
Ken

 

[Stingo]

Was nattering to a stand holder and they said that attendence is down 30% on last year.

 

[milltech]

Yes, but it may be because of the problems which I was told had caused mayhem on the M25 on the first weekend, these things tend to even themselves out and whilst it may not be as busy as last year, where novelty played a part, it may in the end come up to normal expectations.

Although Earls Court was a very unfriendly place to work, full of theives and jobs worths, and no real desire shown to solve the problem, it was nevertheless when set up a real "show". The view from the balcony as always spectacular.

 

[Barry777]

I was there yesterday....not that busy...even the Guiness "tent" was relatively quiet....no queing at 1900. I was also told by a sailmaker that the numbers were around 30% down - worse over the first weekend. It will be interesting to see the final numbers...assuming there is no spin on them