Having listened to and taken into account feedback from exhibitors, visitors and the media both from the shows and at a series of nationwide road shows, NBS fully intends to make the boat show experience better than ever for all.  As well as fantastic features and displays, NBS has responded to visitor feedback and is working with exhibitors to ensure greater access to all exhibits. Visitors will be able to literally get onboard and experience some of the biggest and best boats and yachts in the country.

NBS is excited to announce the launch of a special, impartial feature area, planned for Collins Stewart London Boat Show 2008 dedicated to getting people boating.  Potential and existing boating enthusiasts can learn about all aspects of boating - choosing a boat, training, insurance and mooring - from independent experts offering objective advice and information.  It's all aimed at encouraging participation and promoting the marine industry to a wider audience.

Southampton
The 39th Southampton Boat Show takes place in Mayflower Park from 14-23 September. The event will see boating industry experts sell and promote their products and services to over 140,000 sailing, boating and water sports enthusiasts from around the UK.

The recently announced media partnership for Southampton Boat Show with Ocean FM - newcomers to the Boat Show - will help deliver a memorable show, along with the continued partnership with ITV Meridian.

Experience the rare opportunity to step aboard one of the most famous boats to date, the HMS Bounty, famous for appearances in Mutiny on the Bounty and, more recently, Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End.

Southampton has also become 'the' place to be this summer as Sea City 2007, the city's annual festival celebrating Southampton's connection with the sea, attracts thousands of tourists and visitors each year.

London
Since the move to ExCeL, the Collins Stewart London Boat Show has cemented its position as the largest annual London event. Now in its 54th year, the Show will once again take place at ExCeL - the heart of London's new entertainment district - from 11-20 January 2008. Taking into account the feedback NBS received, the event will see the return of a variety of popular features, including classic boats, deck games, anchor watch and the Show's enhanced Guinness Bar, complete with its well-received wider offering. 

Taking advantage of ExCeL's fabulous waterside setting, the Show will once again host a Navy war ship as well as the largest exhibitor boats in production. NBS is looking at getting as many visitors out on the waters as possible to enjoy the experience of boating, as well as showcasing spectacular boats, such as Ellen MacArthur's Extreme 40 seen in 2007.

The London Boat Show also expects exciting new attractions such as a water-sports area, working boats and narrow boats outside on the dock, and the impartial area dedicated to getting people boating.  There will also be a main focal point, which will hold all sorts of entertainment from educational shows to celebrity interviews.

As well as the features for both shows, NBS has been working on creating added value for visitors. 'Kids Go Free' will continue for London and has been extended to Southampton, as will the various existing ticket schemes for exhibitors. NBS is also launching a new 'Two Show Ticket', allowing visitors to enjoy both shows in NBS's portfolio at a discounted rate. 

Andrew Williams, Managing Director at National Boat Shows, comments: "The Southampton and London Boat Shows offer a chance for everyone and anyone to get involved in water-based activities.  We're adding some extra special features, exhibits and fun-factor elements that are sure to make the shows bigger and better than ever before.  Most importantly, all profits from the London and Southampton Shows are invested back into the industry through the services and representation provided by the British Marine Federation."

For more information please visit www.nationalboatshows.co.uk

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For more information, please contact the NBS Press Office team at Publicasity on 020 7632 2432 or boatshow@publicasity.co.uk

Notes to Editors:
· High resolution pictures are available upon request.
· The Southampton Boat Show and the London Boat Show are organised by National Boat Shows Ltd (NBS). NBS is a subsidiary of the British Marine Federation (BMF), the trade association for the UK boating industry.