mjf
Well-Known Member
Got there yesterday at 1045 after a swift trip(for a change) on Tube /DLR.
First issue is that only entrance to the Boat show is half way along the dividing hall between the N/S Show Areas.
So you have to walk past the sandwich bars, pasty shops etc before getting in - in former years the entrance was at either end and you were in the show as soon as you pitched up. Once 'in' the show is over the entire length without the sunseeker split up of last year. It feels much better as a result.
I still don't like the shutters being down on most entry/exit points - you feel herded in place.
Whilst there I whizzed over to the Telegraph Holiday show and Telegraph Cruise show on the other side of Excel and wished I had not bothered frankly.. Last year they had the car show there which was excellent and like the Telegraph shows the baot show ticket got me in OK
main points that stuck me yesterday were
Finance Houses returned
Very few Sail Boats on show
Insurance Co's seem to have avoided the show
smaller chandlers area
reduced No of holiday companies / marina / ports exhibitors
Avon are back with Seasport range of RIBS - welcome news for such a brand name IMHO
That said the hall had a nice buzz and was quite busy - all the big guys around the walls as usual and the French makers have sort of taken over the space left by Fairline and although Sealine there is was a shadow of its former self for obvious reasons. I saw the Sunseeker stand opening with Hugh B and Overtones and it was well done and enjoyable.
Throughout the day there was always something being opened.
Princess 75 I thought was fab - saloon glass is massive as is the F/B - the Princess hospitality 'inner sanctum' has had a make over in the style of the Project 31 boat and looked very fresh - Thanks Princess for the refreshment as usual!
The only other boat I looked over was the P68 which I discovered is a pontoon neighbours new boat that was spec'd at the Brits at Swanwick. Again terrific lights and great design with aft stairs to master suite. I liked the interior a lot although not a fan of galley aft which the 75 avoids.
The Project 31 boat is wonderful to look at with the initial Princess boat brought right up to date with high gloss, matt surfaces and modern fabrics, just Brill.
The Riva is worth a look
On the MBY stand which is just W of sunseeker it was nice to say Cheerio to Richard who it has to be said will be missed at this venue.
I intend to return Thursday so will catch up with forum group than but saw quite a few friends yesterday from here and from my pontoon, nice day out = I enjoyed it and looking forward to a return trip
First issue is that only entrance to the Boat show is half way along the dividing hall between the N/S Show Areas.
So you have to walk past the sandwich bars, pasty shops etc before getting in - in former years the entrance was at either end and you were in the show as soon as you pitched up. Once 'in' the show is over the entire length without the sunseeker split up of last year. It feels much better as a result.
I still don't like the shutters being down on most entry/exit points - you feel herded in place.
Whilst there I whizzed over to the Telegraph Holiday show and Telegraph Cruise show on the other side of Excel and wished I had not bothered frankly.. Last year they had the car show there which was excellent and like the Telegraph shows the baot show ticket got me in OK
main points that stuck me yesterday were
Finance Houses returned
Very few Sail Boats on show
Insurance Co's seem to have avoided the show
smaller chandlers area
reduced No of holiday companies / marina / ports exhibitors
Avon are back with Seasport range of RIBS - welcome news for such a brand name IMHO
That said the hall had a nice buzz and was quite busy - all the big guys around the walls as usual and the French makers have sort of taken over the space left by Fairline and although Sealine there is was a shadow of its former self for obvious reasons. I saw the Sunseeker stand opening with Hugh B and Overtones and it was well done and enjoyable.
Throughout the day there was always something being opened.
Princess 75 I thought was fab - saloon glass is massive as is the F/B - the Princess hospitality 'inner sanctum' has had a make over in the style of the Project 31 boat and looked very fresh - Thanks Princess for the refreshment as usual!
The only other boat I looked over was the P68 which I discovered is a pontoon neighbours new boat that was spec'd at the Brits at Swanwick. Again terrific lights and great design with aft stairs to master suite. I liked the interior a lot although not a fan of galley aft which the 75 avoids.
The Project 31 boat is wonderful to look at with the initial Princess boat brought right up to date with high gloss, matt surfaces and modern fabrics, just Brill.
The Riva is worth a look
On the MBY stand which is just W of sunseeker it was nice to say Cheerio to Richard who it has to be said will be missed at this venue.
I intend to return Thursday so will catch up with forum group than but saw quite a few friends yesterday from here and from my pontoon, nice day out = I enjoyed it and looking forward to a return trip
