Sir Ben Ainslie to showcase racing at the London Boat Show

Laura Hodgetts

Sir Ben Ainslie and his America's Cup challenger team will be one of the star attractions at the 2015 London Boat Show.

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Sir Ben Ainslie and his Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) team will be one of the star attractions at the 2015 London Boat Show.

It is hoped the attendance of Sir Ben and the British Challenger for the 35th America’s Cup will reinforce the event theme ‘where adventure starts, pioneers meet and innovation shines’.

BAR’s foiling Nacra used in training and the new Scorpion support chase boat will be among the 400 boats on display at the show.

The America’s Cup World Series team will also be on hand with a display on the event in Portsmouth next summer. This will give show visitors the opportunity to quiz the team about the best dates and vantage points to view the racing.

Other show attractions include a new 4D Experience, which aims to challenge visitors’ senses by simulating the heat of the tropics, the cold icy blow of the arctic and the beauty of the northern lights, along with sampled sounds and sea breezes via computer-controlled fans.

Visitors will enter through a ‘rain curtain‘ – a downpour with super-sensitive sensors that turns off on approach, while The Lab attraction will showcase Solent University’s new Whisper catamaran, which boasts a revolutionary new hydrofoil system and along with an affordable projected purchase price, has the potential to offer America’s Cup-style sailing to the masses.

The craft’s easy and stable sailing style also means it could prove popular and accessible for disabled sailors. Solent Whisper can comfortably reach speeds of more than 25 knots and it can ‘fly’ on its foils in as little as five knots of wind.

London Boat Show’s usual attractions of canoeing and kayaking oppportunitites on the Watersports Pool and practical boating workshops with RYA Active Marina will also be on offer.

Ben Ainslie Racing

Jo Grindley, spokesperson for Ben Ainslie Racing, said: ‘Ben Ainslie Racing is very much looking forward to the CWM FX London Boat Show and sharing the news and progress on the team’s America’s Cup campaign.

‘BAR has plenty of activities going on during the event; an interactive stand, which offers a real taste on what will be on offer at the visitor centre at our new HQ when it opens in Portsmouth in June 2015, the launch of our new team merchandise range and chase boat plus specialised talks from some of the sailors and designers.

‘It’s a great opportunity to meet some of the team and find out more about our British Challenge.’

Murray Ellis, managing director of National Boat Shows said: ‘It’s great news to have Sir Ben Ainslie and his Ben Ainslie Racing team joining us at the 2015 CWM FX London Boat Show.  Their support confirms the show as an event which truly reflects the world-leading and dynamic UK marine industry.’

He added: ‘The BAR stand will capture the imagination of sailing enthusiasts and general visitors alike, showcasing the latest innovations from Britain’s bid to dominate the world of sailing.”

Taking place at ExCeL London from 9-18 January 2015, the forthcoming CWM FX London Boat Show has a focus on technology and innovation. Visitors can listen to inspiring talks, see the latest cutting-edge products, explore world debut boats and meet their sailing heroes.

So far, almost 300 companies have confirmed to exhibit including British boat brands Sunseeker International, Fairline Boats, Princess Yachts, Cornish Crabbers and Broom; technology companies Garmin, Raymarine and Ocean Safety, and international exhibitors such as Beneteau and Jeanneau.

Two partner shows are also running at the ExCeL London at the same time: the Telegraph Cruise Showand The London Classic Car Show, although a ticket upgrade may be required to attend.

The official charity partner for CWM FX London Boat Show 2015 is the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. www.andrewsimpsonfoundation.co.uk

Ticket prices

Public preview day (Friday 9 January 2015) tickets cost £20 for adults in advance, or £25 on the gate. Concessions are available for £15 in advance on £20 on the gate.

Standard day tickets (Saturday 10 – Sunday 18 January 2015) cost £15 in advance or £20 on the gate for adults. With concessions of £12 in advance or £17 on the gate.

Two children aged 15 years and younger can get in for free with each adult entry.

Other ticket options include family standard day tickets – (£30 in advance) and group tickets.

Opening hours

Friday 9 – Wednesday 14 January 2015: 10am – 6pm

Thursday 15 January 2015: 10am – 8pm

Friday 16 – Sunday 18 January 2015: 10am – 6pm

Location: South Hall, ExCeL London – One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL

Find out more at: www.londonboatshow.com

 

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