Southampton Boat Show Boring?

[Paragon]

I don't know about anyone else but having gone to the SBS for many years now, this year seemed rather flat and lacking in the "buzz" that has always been so appealing about this show.

There seemed to be fewer people than normal (too easy to walk around) especially foriegners, and the people on the stands seemed to be people from other stands talking to their mates.

Perhaps it was the day I went (last Thursday) and all the other days were "buzzing" but considering the weather was so good I was really surpirsed not to have seen many others, it was even easy to park!

Anyway, that's my two penn'ith!

 

[nicho]

I went preview day, and it was fairly quiet as you might expect. However the following day (Saturday) it was manic, with Park & Ride queues backing up to the M27. I didn't find it boring, but then I was buying a new boat......

 

[davel]

Local TV report today said this years show set a new attendance record so perhaps you just got lucky (or unlucky) on the day.

Dave L.

 

[SloopJohnB]

Yes I suppose it was boring. If youve been year after year and everything is pretty much the same.
I had a small shopping list inc fenders (SWMBO usually loses 2 or 3 a year when she ties them on the pushpit - but my fault cos they fall off through my bad steering! If anyone finds any in the Solent, they are MINE and can I have them back please). Couldnt find any white fenders though (what sort of a boat show was it with no white fenders for sale?) so got some natty ones with a bit of blue at each end.
Resisted all the useless gadgets this year (for once) but couldnt resist a signed copy of Ellen Macarthurs book.
Had a lay down for a rest on the big double bed on the Moody 38 till miserable salesman asked me to move (just like a hotel isnt it?).
Nearly bought a brand new Maxi from a nice salesman who offered to buy mine in part ex, but remembered I had no money just in time.
Lost the shopping list so saved even more money.
Went on Saturday and so found it wall to wall with visitors.
Biggest laugh? Some guy walking round in all the gear as if he'd just stepped of a yacht (sorry if it was you!)
Roll on Earls Court (or is it somewhere else this year)

 

[Steve101]

Get off of my bed you cretin!!!!

 

[SloopJohnB]

Cretin?
Not me. I didn't buy it!

 

[Karlvw]

We went on the first Sunday. Wasn't overcrowded, spent less time than usual in queues but I wasn't bored. Perhaps we struck lucky. As usual the dreams were bigger than the money available to spend. Maybe next year.............

 

[Twister_Ken]

Not so much boring, just same as usual

I was particularly interested in sailmakers, and they all claimed to be doing OK - at least in terms of the number of quotes issued.

 

[steveh]

Went on the Friday - busy as usual but must admit found the boats on show rather boring. Lack of easy access to look at the boats past the blazer brigade main reason, whereas went to the used boat shows at moodys etc - lot more fun being able to poke around whatever you like. It would be different if I was looking a buy a new boat I guess.