Just back from Excel...

StellaGirl

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Just got back from first day of the boat show.....am knackered and only walked around a third of it. Back again on Sunday....!

Lovely and quiet for most of the day and no queues at the Guinness bar which was great.

Saw Richard Hammond from Top Gear a few times.... he was a little shorter than I imagined!


Now I have a show guide I can plan what to go back and see next...
 

ShipsWoofy

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Yes, but for some reason (information from Jimi) they have removed the pilot house steering position, which is (to me) their biggest selling point.
 

AlexL

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I went yesterday evening - about the only advantage of working in Dagenham is that I can drive to ExCel in about 15 mins from work /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif. It was nice and quiet - I got alot of my boring electronics shopping done - and managed to look at the Oyster and HR - which are usually fully booked on weekends. Anyone lend me £3 million for an oyster 72?
I'm going back Sat and Sun with Family and friends in tow. My personal view is that it is alot, ALOT better than Earls court, easier to get to, easier to park, and much better laid out.
 

Colin_S

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Just looked at the opening times / ticket prices after reading AlexL's post and realised it's only £6 to get in for the last 3 hours after 4pm. Think I'll nip across tonight as I'm only about 20 mins away /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 

whisper

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Agree with all your stated advantages except for the "easier to get to". It certainly isn't for those using public transport from stations such as Paddington, Euston, St.P. and Kings Cross. It's a bleedin pain getting from those to ExCel in comparison with getting to Earls Court. You would have thought that with a modern centre like this it would be possible to get there from these mainline stations without having to do atleast 2 changes en-route.
Why on earth can't trains from Bank regularly go to Becton when shows are on ?
However, I think that the other attributes do outweigh this problem.
 

StellaGirl

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Well I noticed Richard Hammond but didnt notice Ben Ainslie and I walked straight past him in the Guinness bar.....
My mind was on the Marten 49 that I had just spent an age talking about with the salesman. Stunning and I want one. Opposite the Oyster stand - only a small stand run by Ancasta.
Also liked the X46 for some long distance cruising. And the Swan 46......
The show was well laid out, blissfully quiet and I prefer it to Earls Court. Am going again this Sunday and then Thursday - Saturday next week. Hopefully will get a chance to see everything with all that time there!
 

Viking

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Re: Not ....Just back from Excel...

I wish I could get to Excel...... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif But maybe Southhampton.. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 

jimi

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Re: Southerly...

I saw it at Southampton and asked specifically about it. We were told that the only internal steering available was by fitting the autopilot inside and using that. ... which you could do for any boat
 

Goodge

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Just thought I'd say hello from Excel.

I'm on the YBW stand using their PC having just entered the competition.

Best value at LIBS......cup of coffee on Artemis just £1.00 !

See you all soon....byeee...!!!!
 

whisper

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Mmm!! That is two changes and it took us 40 mins from St.P to the show door. Actually took 55mins cos of ludicrous queues to get tube tickets at Kings Cross. Never took longer than 25mins to Earl's Court.
Coming back on Thursday pm it took 35mins to The Angel and on DLR we were packed like sardines. God help those that have to endure that every day. Interestingly the tube was less busy at 6.30pm than at 11am, which I didn't expect.
 
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