A third major UK boat show is planned for Earls Court, to run from 1-9 December this year, organised by a Lymington-based sea school proprietor. Earls Court Exhibitions confirmed the dates to YM.

James Brooke, 34, founder of Advanced Yachting wants to ‘bring back the magic’ he experienced as a young teenager when his father took him to Earls Court in London’s West End. The former Royal Marine coxswain and RNLI crew member claims to have major financial backing and has booked both of the Earls Court exhibition halls to show sailing boats, power boats and also construct a water sports section.

He claims to have conducted major market research and says he is ‘overwhelmed’ with industry support for the new show. He also said the new Earls Court will host the ‘best ever’ end of show party for exhibitors. ‘My reason for organising a new Earls Court Boat Show is that quite simply I miss the old venue. I have two sons, one three -years-old the other five months – and I want them to experience the magic I did because it drew me into the marine world,’ James said.

He and his family are Lymington-based sailors and until recently owned a Moody 29, now sold so that he can concentrate on his new venture.