The British Marine Federation & National Boat Shows are keen to avoid confusion and confirm that they are NOT in any way connected with the idea of a start-up show. They say the London Boat Show goes from strength to strength and will take place at ExCeL between the 11th & 20th January 2008.

The BMF say that exhibitors are consistently expressing their belief that there is no need for an extra show in London, especially given its closeness to the ExCeL show and what would be a clash with the Paris Boat Show.

They say the marine industry has always shown support for its own show over privately owned exhibitions that pop up from time to time. This was evident with the Portsmouth Boat Shows in 2006 and the other Earls Court start up show in 2004, said the BMF. The industries opinion was that Earls Court as a venue was also failing to support them with dwindling attendances and logistical problems that lead to an overwhelming vote by exhibitors to move the show to ExCeL in 2004, the BMF added.