London’s biggest boating experience, the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show, returns to ExCeL London tomorrow and continues until Sunday 16 January. This year brings a host of brand new features and attractions as well as regular show favourites.

CLICK HERE to play the interactive floorplan.


Throughout the 10-day event, hundreds of exhibitors will showcase the marine industry’s finest products, services and equipment and roughly 1000 boats ranging from kayaks and dinghies to sail boats and motor yachts will be on show to climb aboard, explore and trial.

With a new Show layout for 2011, that divides equipment and fittings, marine services, a retail village and holiday and watersports zone into the North Hall and boats of every description into the South Hall, it should be easy to navigate around. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a new beginner or somewhere in between, there’s every reason to pay the Show a visit.

NEW FEATURES FOR 2011

USED BOATS
In response to overwhelming feedback from visitors, the 2011 Boat Show will feature a used boats marina for the very first time. In association with Yachtworld.com, this used boats marina will berth up to 70 used boats of all shapes and sizes. Visitors can see just how far their money can go on the used boat market, or see how much their current boat may be worth if they’re thinking of upgrading.

WATERSPORTS
The Show has sharpened its watersports focus this year to ensure an unmissable experience for watersports fans of all ages and abilities. The North Hall will feature a dedicated watersports zone with its own distinct look and feel, packed full of products, equipment, training and services to meet all watersports interests and needs.

Another addition is the brand new Watersports Action Pool, managed by Neilson Active Holidays and Rockley Watersports. Measuring 70m x 24m the pool is set to be a big attraction. Visitors can try a range of activities such as stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), wakeboarding, windsurfing, dinghy sailing, canoeing and kayaking, as well as model yacht racing.

The pool will combine ‘Try It’ sessions and live demos by watersports experts, including a canoe polo championship and Invitational SUP Sprint championship. World champions and record breakers including pro-wakeboarder Matt Crowhurst, SUP distance champion John Hibbard and indoor windsurfing world champion Nik Baker are lined up to share their skills with visitors and to showcase the full range of watersports on offer.

THE KNOWLEDGE BOX
The Knowledge Box gives visitors the chance to listen and learn directly from the best in the boating business. The informal theatre has free daily presentations with topics ranging from buying or selling a boat to wakeboarding tips and tricks. There’ll be guest appearances from some well known faces as well as top experts to talk through the topics. Among these will be jet ski racer Anya Colley, freestyle and white water kayaker Ed Smith and around the world racer Mike Golding OBE.

THE BOARDWALK
Designed to look like a marina (without the water!) the new, enlarged boardwalk allows you to view sail and power boats from the same aspect as if they were floating on water. Visitors can see the yachts inside and out, complete with their masts and the boardwalk even allows for inspection of the underside of crafts.

CRUSING CHUTE
In association with Yachting Monthly, the cruising chute shows how a shorthanded couple can confidently fly the Cruising Chute to get a lot more fun out of light wind sailing. As well as showing how to hoist, gybe and lower a cruising chute in easy-to-follow stages, there will be lots of other useful tips and advice given out, including how to avoid trouble when the wind picks up unexpectedly.

MODEL BOAT POOL
Get competitive and race friends and family on the new model boat pool. The area also includes a family friendly picnic area.

EXHIBITOR ATTRACTIONS
Some of the activities to have a go at whilst wandering around the Show:

The Harken stand will present hands on sessions providing advice and guidance on subjects such as winch servicing and hardware maintenance
C-Map will showcase its Interactive Virtual Reality kiosk where visitors can attempt to navigate the globe after selecting a specific port or location. The tool helps to teach how to read and use electronic charts in addition to understanding the importance of keeping their electronic charts up-to-date.
Lewmar will show daily demonstrations on how to maintain and service winches on a boat and the technical team will be on hand for any tricky questions
The RS Sailingmaker Simulator allows visitors to learn the basic techniques of boat balance, steering and handling the sail, all under the guidance of a qualified instructor from Rockley Watersports and all without getting wet.
Tacktick Wireless Cosworth is organising daily winch grinding challenges to measure contestants’ winch grinding speed, torque and power. Results are displayed for all to see and prizes will be given for the best score of the day
ASAP Supplies Ltd will have interactive, educational presentations running on the stand daily, with topics including marine cathodic protection, low pressure filtration systems and raw water cooling systems
SECUMAR will be demonstrating how inflatable lifejackets work. Visitors will be able to try on and inflate lifejackets, before learning how to inspect and repack after use

SHOW FAVOURITES RETURNING IN 2011

CLASSIC BOAT
Visitors can watch craftsmen at work on the Classic Boat attraction in association with International Paint, Old Pulteney and Classic Boat and learn about the time honoured skills and practises involved in the restoration and maintenance of traditional boats. See beautifully crafted boats including Swallow from the 1974 film Swallows & Amazons, plus dress up in clothes from Victorian naval times and have your photo taken as a memento of the day.

BRUSHBOARDING
Following the popularity of this feature in 2009, BrushBoarding is back for 2011. Have a go at this revolutionary craze, a cross between snowboarding and surfing on dry land and a ‘must-do’ for any visitor to the Show.

EATING AND DRINKING
As well as the favourite watering holes of previous shows, the 2011 Show also has some new eating and drinking options:

Black & White Bar: Enjoy a pint of the black stuff at the Show’s most famous bar
Clubs & Associations Bar: Relax with a drink whilst overlooking the classic boats and craftsman showcasing restoration skills
Sunseeker Champagne Bar serving Piper Heidsieck: Indulge in a little glamour or a sparkling treat at the end the day!
New! Family area: Head to the Family Area to take the weight off your feet and relax in the café while the kids enjoy themselves playing and colouring
New! Sunset Rum Beach Bar: Kick back and relax beach bar style whilst watching the experts performing tricks on the Watersports Action Pool – or maybe friends and family having a go themselves!

THE OUTDOORS SHOW
Visitors to the 2011 Show on the final four days (13 – 16 January) will be able to enjoy three shows for the price of one. The Outdoors Show and The London Bike Show will take place in the new, larger ExCeL London and boat show tickets will allow visitors entry into all shows.

Tickets can be booked through the website or via the ticket hotline on 0871 230 7140. Tickets booked in advance are priced at £13, while tickets bought on the door will be £18. Each ticket admits one adult and two children under the age of 15.