A sail through time at London Boat Show 2016

Laura Hodgetts
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The London Boat Show 2016 is inviting visitors to celebrate more than 50 years of boating, from the ground-breaking innovations of the 1960’s to the sailing champions of tomorrow.

Held at ExCeL London from Friday 8 January to Sunday 17 January, new attractions this year will include a dedicated stage for stars and experts from the sailing world to share their inspiring stories and knowledge. Visitors to ‘The London Boat Show Theatre’ can expect a mixture of ‘A Question of Sport’, ‘Mock the Week’ and ‘Mastermind’with interactive talks and panel shows.

London Boat Show 2016 - The Mediterranean Bay (artist impression)Also new for 2016, the ‘Mediterranean Bay’ purpose-built pool will put boating skills to the test with seminars on close quarters boat handling, sail reefing and capsize drills. Plus the chance for visitors to try an array of watersports, from water-walking and kayaking to the Seabob underwater scooter. With more than 500,000 litres of water surrounded by faux villas and cafes, organisers say this attraction will be a destination in its own right.

Alongside today’s cutting-edge technology, the show will celebrate the innovations of yesteryear with its ‘60’s Revival’ attraction. Showcasing the best of the 1960’s, both boating and culturally, visitors will be transported back to an era which saw the first man walk on the moon, The Beatles, the arrival of the Mirror Dinghy and Sir Francis Chichester becoming the first person to sail singlehanded around the world.

London Boat Show 2016 - The 60's Revival (artist impression)
This year’s show will have a new layout, showcasing more than 300 of the leading British and international companies, including more than 70 boats and products debuts. The new and returning brands for 2016 include Landau UK, Suzuki GB, Four Winns, Arthur Beale and Lewmar.

Murray Ellis, managing director of British Marine Boat Shows, said: ‘At the heart of Europe’s most pioneering city, we are celebrating the rich heritage of British boating at this iconic event. Visitors will be taken on a journey of discovery, from reliving the great moments of our time to technologies of the future which will revolutionise the way we get out on the water.’

Advance tickets to London Boat Show start from £10, with two children under the age of 15 going free with each adult.