Sail-World.com : London Boat Show's curious opening

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Sail-World.com : London Boat Show's curious opening

London Boat Show's curious opening

'London Boat Show' . Click Here to view large photo

'The 2012 Tullett Prebon London Boat Show was opened this morning at 11am by heiress, model and broadcaster, Tamara Ecclestone, with all the glitz and panache that would be expected from this world-class event.'

So said the press release. Said Ms Ecclestone was accompanied by four 50's style bathing beauties for her opening gig, but it quite escapes me what that all had to do with boats or sails of any kind.

Ecclestone and bevy - photo credit: onEdition - .. . Click Here to view large photo

The young lady figured 'heiress, model and broadcaster' among her accomplishments, but nowhere was there the word 'sailor'.

She admitted to remembering being on a yacht at an 'early age' and avows she 'loves the water.'

It obviously means that there were no sailing identities considered to have enough 'glitz and glamour' to deserve a guernsey, or that the marketing department for the show consisted of blokes who didn't have enough ogling opportunities in their daily lives.

However, aside from the 'glitz and glamour', there are some great things to be seen at the show, and some truly inspiring identities:

for instance, reluctant heroes Rachel and Paul Chandler suffered a terrifying ordeal after they were kidnapped and held hostage by Somali pirates for over a year in 2009 whilst sailing from the Seychelles to Tanzania. Bearing their tribulations with dignity, and weathering the publicity storm that accompanied their release with similar fortitude, they are now planning to go sailing again. Hear about their plans to restore their beloved boat, Lynn Rival, and discover why they'll be keeping the bullet holed boom.

Olly Rofix: Both types of Leukaemia survivor Olly, has recently completed an outstanding achievement, not only overcoming a life threatening illness, but also completely restoring and then sailing his beloved 18 foot on a round Britain Sailing Challenge to raise awareness and funds for the Anthony Nolan Trust. Find out more on his successful eight month challenge inspired by his battle with a rare and still undiagnosed Leukaemia.

Jeanne Socrates: In October 21012, Jeanne will launch her third attempt to sail non-stop solo around the world. At almost-70 years, she will be attempting to set a world record as the oldest woman to complete this challenge, in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. Come and meet this incredible and determined lady and learn more about the challenges she faces.

All three of these will able to be seen on the Jeckells Sailmakers stand.

Other events worth noting:

Sunday 8th Jan:

The World Cruising Club will be holding a seminar on the ARC including how to equip your boat, what you should be focusing on. There will be an ex ARC boat at the Show that you can inspect and glean some ideas from – you could also buy the boat. – For more info visit londonboatshow.com/arc

The Sail Handling Demo Rig - Everyday:

Using any coloured sails can be a challenge with a shorthanded crew but the Show has the answers. The Sail Handling Demo rig has teamed up with Yachting Monthly to offer you a free supplement* on how to manage your cruising chute and – new for 2012 – your spinnaker as well. Live at the Show you can see how to tame these powerful sails, pick up some tips and ask the experts. Get more out of your cruising experience visit the Sail handling Demo rig. *Available at the Show whilst stock last

Knowledge Box- check schedule:

Having the knowledge can be the difference between success & failure or simply having more fun. The Knowledge Box is the place for cruising sailors to learn more. Topics of interest to cruisers include weather forecasting, diesel engine maintenance and Yachting Monthly’s very own Paul Gelder will be talking about how to avoid disaster and what you can do if disaster should strike. If you’re looking for a used boat, Yachtworld.com will be sharing their knowledge on how to buy used.

Go sailing at the Show:

Know someone who feels they might like sailing but hasn't tried it yet? You can go dinghy sailing at the Show - FREE. The pool is the place to go dinghy sailing. You can try out kit, test a boat and experiment with things you may learned around the Show. With artificial wind and a fully trained crew why not go have a go?

To learn more about the 2012 Tullett Prebon London Boat Show, click here.

London Boat Show - .. .

by Nancy Knudsen

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12:18 AM Sat 7 Jan 2012 GMT

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