London Boat show real time thread!!

I've had a look round the website and can't find out if it's cheaper after 3pm to get in.

Anyone know if that's the case??

Thanks!
 
I went on Saturday. I met a sailing friend who is working on the Perfect Sailing stand, had a chat with Tom Cunliffe (mainly about his Bentley) and bought a new Cruising Association burgee, and a PLB plus a few odds and ends. An enjoyable day but what really annoys me about Excel is the £15 cost of parking.
 
I went on Sat. But had a plan and knew what I wanted to find out. It was quiet ish, but not empty, then after 4pm it was pretty dead, place looked empty, but that was good for me as meant people were happy to chat about their products without feeling stressed...
 
I went on Saturday. I met a sailing friend who is working on the Perfect Sailing stand, had a chat with Tom Cunliffe (mainly about his Bentley) and bought a new Cruising Association burgee, and a PLB plus a few odds and ends. An enjoyable day but what really annoys me about Excel is the £15 cost of parking.

I know this is an age old debate, but if you book in advance the parking is £10. SIBS cost us £15 last year. We usually drive, but this year we took the DLR as we have moved really close to Excel. But even with our Oyster cards it was about the same price as the parking and if there'd been more than 2 of us it would definitely be worth parking. It's so convenient - especially if you have shopping - we struggled to carry all our purchases back on the DLR. I'd have happily paid a tenner.
 
The weather was bad for the second year preventing a good look at the heritage boats outside. Maybe they should wait until April/May to run this show in London. Not many yachts on display. £15 flat rate for the car park. Fish and chips on a plastic plate for £7-50 with no extra cost for the screaming kids. Pint of Guinness £5-30. No sign of the RNLI this year ? Basically the whole show is pricing itself out of the market and that is why so few attend and exhibit these days. But I would miss it if it folded as I live on a 20 minute ride away. Still have golden memories of real yachts afloat at Earls Court - why can't this be done at Excel ? A water pool for children to try out a kayak whilst mummy and daddy video the experience with their mobiles is hardly a substitute.

On the plus side. A few bargains on last years end of the line clothing. No crowds blocking the aisles. All in one hall. A good experience for focusing your mind on the forthcoming season. Friendly bunch at the Greenwich Sailing Club. Lots of freebie merchandise.
 
I've just learned, via Twitter, that some firm is launching a pink fender. My daughter might be interested I know I won't.
 
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