The 60th London Boat Show, Europe’s first boat show of the year, drew to a close yesterday with a gate down by 4,000 plus on last year. A total of 88,593 visited the ExCeL-held show across the nine days. Last year the figure was 93,000.
 
However the latest research from the British Marine Federation indicates that the domestic market is set to build on the latest 1.7% industry growth, with current performance indicators recording levels not seen since before the recession. Sales from the show confirm this, with some exhibitors experiencing record-breaking sales figures.
 
Over 400 exhibitors used the show as a platform to display their products, with nine world debuts and 19 European and UK launches took place throughout, culminating in a total of 76 launches in total.
 
Murray Ellis, Managing Director of National Boat Shows, said: ‘We are delighted with the high quality of visitors who came to this year’s show and the number of exhibitors who have signed up to exhibit in 2015.’
 
Peter Gordon, Chairman, National Boat Shows, said: ‘The research revealed by the British Marine Federation at the Show, which highlights the marine industry’s significant contribution to the UK economy, emphasises the fundamental purpose of our event to showcase the best brands in this sector. Business conducted at the Show, the first in the European calendar, demonstrates the confidence in the market and the turning point for the UK leisure marine industry.’
 
Exhibitors, to date, signing up to return to the Show next year include: Navionics, Cobra Ribs, Learn 2 Sail, Cruising Association, Cornish Crabbers, Mersea Trailers, Sail Ionian, Hobo Yachting, Volvo, Rolly Tasker Sails, Furuno, EP Barrus, Gibbs Boat Sales, Nisos Yacht Charter, Cambrian Boat Centre, Aura Yachting, Pure Latitude, R&D Marine, The Boat Crew, and Flexisail.
 
The 2014 PSP Southampton Boat Show will take place from 12-21 September www.southamptonboatshow.com, while next year’s London Boat Show runs from 10-18 January 2015 at ExCeL London.