The Earls Court Boat Show is the first ever Boat Show to host the Sailing and Cruising Association, one of Europe’s largest gay sailing clubs.

Earlier this year the club, which is Royal Yacht Association-affiliated, hosted Euro Gay Cup international keelboat racing championship at Brighton.

Members crew on each other’s boats for association rallies on the south and east coasts, and club together to share charters in UK waters and overseas.

The club, which has more than 350 members, is open to gays and lesbians and their families and friends, and encourages members to take appropriate training to increase their enjoyment and safety at sea.

The Sailing and Cruising Association can be found at stand 1 M 60 at the Earls Court Boat show, and also meets at monthly club nights at Kudos Bar in central London on the second Tuesday of each month, and the Ship Launch Inn, Ipswich on the first Thursday of the month.