henryf
Well-Known Member
I thought I would start a new thread having visited the show.
Firstly a massive thank you to all 3 manufacturers and also Landau Uk who all contributed to what was a fantastic event. Ok, so the weather was magnificent which didn't harm the cause but building on last years show we had a chance to wander freely on a great selection of boats, have a drink or two with friends and also break bread with some of the movers and shakers who influence the industry.
Unlike London or Southampton this show is generally only attended by boat owners so numbers are small. There is no queuing to get onto boats and the army of crowd control girls are left back at the office. Whilst London and Southampton always attract a number of moans from people prevented from boarding craft all 3 manufactures here were fantastic. Sales staff were there if you needed them but popping from one boat to another was as simple a stepping off one bathing platform onto another.
The ease with which you could get onto boats made back to back comparisons easy and for me that is the value of this show. I'm not going to pass judgement here although I will write a thread on Princess at the show elsewhere.
There were a few complimentary exhibitors. I've already mentioned Landau who kindly watered myself and another forumite once the Swanwick marina wine ran out, but there were a few motor cars to peruse.
Sunseeker have a relationship with Porsche who brought the new Targa along amongst other things, Range Rover, Aston Martin & McLaren were there as were marine engine suppliers and shippers if you fancied moving to cruising grounds further afield.
I must also give Swanwick marina a mention. I'd had a bit of difficulty getting in touch with them in the run up to the show. It transpires they are in the middle of extensive building works and currently operate out of a portakabin. We stayed at the show and Swanwick were very accommodating. They came down and personally invited to have a drink with them at their soiree on saturday night. They also ensured we were able to have a late departure on Sunday.
So all in all a really excellent weekend. In only its second year I am sure it will grow from strength to strength. It won't take too many more boats before this becomes an international event.
Good to see so many people from the forum, oh and a final mention to the Ferry Restaurant across the water at the Elephant boatyard who fed and watered many of us not once but twice or even 3 times in some cases !!
Until next year......
Henry
Firstly a massive thank you to all 3 manufacturers and also Landau Uk who all contributed to what was a fantastic event. Ok, so the weather was magnificent which didn't harm the cause but building on last years show we had a chance to wander freely on a great selection of boats, have a drink or two with friends and also break bread with some of the movers and shakers who influence the industry.
Unlike London or Southampton this show is generally only attended by boat owners so numbers are small. There is no queuing to get onto boats and the army of crowd control girls are left back at the office. Whilst London and Southampton always attract a number of moans from people prevented from boarding craft all 3 manufactures here were fantastic. Sales staff were there if you needed them but popping from one boat to another was as simple a stepping off one bathing platform onto another.
The ease with which you could get onto boats made back to back comparisons easy and for me that is the value of this show. I'm not going to pass judgement here although I will write a thread on Princess at the show elsewhere.
There were a few complimentary exhibitors. I've already mentioned Landau who kindly watered myself and another forumite once the Swanwick marina wine ran out, but there were a few motor cars to peruse.
Sunseeker have a relationship with Porsche who brought the new Targa along amongst other things, Range Rover, Aston Martin & McLaren were there as were marine engine suppliers and shippers if you fancied moving to cruising grounds further afield.
I must also give Swanwick marina a mention. I'd had a bit of difficulty getting in touch with them in the run up to the show. It transpires they are in the middle of extensive building works and currently operate out of a portakabin. We stayed at the show and Swanwick were very accommodating. They came down and personally invited to have a drink with them at their soiree on saturday night. They also ensured we were able to have a late departure on Sunday.
So all in all a really excellent weekend. In only its second year I am sure it will grow from strength to strength. It won't take too many more boats before this becomes an international event.
Good to see so many people from the forum, oh and a final mention to the Ferry Restaurant across the water at the Elephant boatyard who fed and watered many of us not once but twice or even 3 times in some cases !!
Until next year......
Henry
