The Show was officially launched at 11am today by actor, writer and self-professed boat lover Griff Rhys Jones, along with boating legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, on the Main Stage powered by Fairline.

Griff recently starred in the BBC programme Three Men in Another Boat, which saw him sail his beloved Udina around the South English Coast with celebrity friends, to race another classic yacht in the waters off the Isle of Wight.  

Sir Robin is a world famous sailor with a world-class reputation, most notably as being the first man to circumnavigate singlehandedly around the world. Both stars will bring their own special passion for boating to the first day of the Show.

On opening the Show, Griff said: “I certainly don’t make a secret of my passion for boats and sailing which is why I am so pleased to be here today to officially open the Collins Stewart London Boat Show. Since renovating a boat of my own I can empathise and sympathise with the dedication and hard work it takes.”

With the Show officially opened, visitors now have a marine extravaganza to explore.  In its 54th year, the Collins Stewart London Boat Show is the place to check out all the latest boating gear or to discover a new hobby in 2008 – and there really is something for everyone.

The Main Stage powered by Fairline hosts some fantastic features including the aerial spectacular Sea Queen Stage Show and fashion show, the debut of Boat Review 2007 and masterclasses from modern boating heroes such as Mike Golding, Geoff Holt and Adrian Flanagan.
 
In addition, exhibitors and sponsors will be hosting numerous events throughout the Show.  Many new boats and products will be making their World, European or UK debuts while others will be announcing new initiatives or making presentations. 

The Collins Stewart London Boat Show, organised by National Boat Shows, has a wealth of features and attractions to entertain visitors. There are over 500 exhibitors at the Show and over a thousand boats and products on display – making it the largest annual event in London.

The Marina in association with Cowes Online plays host to more than 30 boats and vessels including – for the first time – inland waterway craft. The biggest vessel on display is HMS Exeter, a Royal Navy Destroyer stretching 125m in length, and the most expensive is Sunseeker’s 37m Tri-deck Motor Yacht worth £11.5 million.

Other exciting features include:
• HMS Exeter – explore the very first Royal Navy Destroyer to be at the Show
• Watersports Zone – test out your kite-surfing skills
• Start Boating in association with All At Sea – get the very best impartial advice on how to take up boating
• Classic Boats sponsored by Classic Boats magazine – watch the Cutty Sark Trust in action as they work on selected artefacts from the conservation project
• On water activity – witness Thundercats and Sunseeker P1s exciting on water demos of this new high speed racing
• Anchor Watch sponsored by Blue Water Supplies and Jersey.com in association with Practical Boat Owner and Yachting Monthly – enjoy a Masterclass on practical anchoring
• Deck Games supported by Marine Leisure Association and in association with Dinghy Sailing – take part in interactive games and competitions designed to encourage people of all ages to participate in boating

Andrew Williams, Managing Director of National Boat Shows, comments: “A lot of hard work, imagination and creativity has gone into the planning of this year’s Show and it’s great to have two such passionate sailors here today to launch what promises to be a fantastic event.  There really is a huge variety of experiences, activities and products for visitors to take in – whatever their level of interest in boating – and just goes to show what the marine industry has to offer. We wish all our exhibitors and visitors an enjoyable and successful Show.”

To book tickets simply call the ticket hotline on 0870 060 0246 or visit the Show’s website www.londonboatshow.com.  Also log on for more information about the Show to help plan your day.
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Notes to Editors
• High resolution pictures are available upon request.
• The 2008 Collins Stewart London Boat Show in association with the Daily Mail is organised by National Boat Shows Ltd (NBS). NBS, which also organises the Southampton Boat Show in association with ITV Meridian, is a subsidiary of the British Marine Federation (BMF), the trade association for the UK boating industry.
• Collins Stewart has offices in London, New York, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Dublin, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Tokyo and Mumbai. Collins Stewart is the largest private client stock broking and portfolio management business in the Channel Islands and is one of the UK's leading wealth managers for private clients, trusts, charities and private companies and private companies
• Publications can offer readers £3 off the normal day door price.  To give away tickets in a competition or to arrange the discount, please call the Boat Show team on 020 7632 2432.
• The 2007 Collins Stewart London Boat Show was awarded ‘Exhibition of the Year’ Award at the Trade Association Forum Awards.
• Please be advised that press registration is now available on link www.londonboatshow.com/press-area/press-registration/

Getting to ExCeL
• Travelling by road and rail  – ExCeL is located just a stone's throw away from Canary Wharf and with easy access to the Jubilee line
• Travelling by boat – 100 acres of dockland frontage gives easy access. The Thames Clipper service links Central London piers with ExCeL
• Travelling by Air – visitors can travel to London City Airport which is a 5 minute taxi ride from ExCeL
• Parking – with over 4,000 parking spaces, visitors will benefit from the introduction of a flat rate parking fee, charged at £9, as opposed to a prepaid hourly rate

Attention: RADIO STATIONS
o Keep up to date with the latest news from the 2008 Collins Stewart London Boat Show - Breaking boating news; Celebrity visits; key Marine Industry news; business updates from the regions. Regular News Feeds will be available via ISDN (G722), e-mail (MP3 or wav)
o Coming to the Show - why not book a broadcast from our live facility (available from 11-20 January 2008).
o For more information, contact: Tracey Clarke,
Before event 01329 238857 fax: 01329 827728 Email: tc@eventbroadcast.org During Show - mobile: 07768 806699