Socialite and reality TV star, Tamara Ecclestone opened the 2012 Tullett Prebon London Boat Show at The Excel, going barefoot to pose on the teak deck of a superyacht.
Tamara said: 'I’m thrilled to have been involved in this fantastic event. I have fond memories of being taken out on yachts from an early age and so I’ve always loved being out on the water. I really enjoyed seeing all the action live at the show as well as being given a tour of all the new boats that were launched this year – I’d definitely recommend it as being a fun day out for all.'
London's International Boat Show, one of the biggest in Europe, is looking to tap into other high-end markets to attract new customers during a recession that has priced out mid-range sailors.
'It's like any industry -- it's looking to diversify,' said Michael Enser, head of marketing at the British Marine Federation, which represents businesses from makers of canoes to super yachts.
'It is bringing in high-net worths, and they are reasonably insulated from the economy. If we invite those people into the show who have not been exposed to boats in the past it is a new audience for manufacturers to engage in, to sell their products, and eventually a new boater.'
Numbers of people passing through the turnstiles at London's Boat Show have not recovered from pre-GFC levels, while exhibitor numbers are down by about 10 percent.
Among the biggest absentees are French boat builder Beneteau along with Dufour and Elan.
'It's still a very sizeable show,' said Murray Ellis, managing director of National Boat Shows. 'It is not a reflection of the show, that is purely a reflection of the UK economy and the UK marine market.'
Taking space in 2012 are luxury cars, watches, a contemporary fine art gallery, jewellry and a home cinema. A rare diamonds investment company has also slotted in alongside the champagne bars.
Photographs are copyright by law. If you wish to use or buy a photograph you must contact the photographer directly (there is a hyperlink in most cases to their website, or do a Google search.) with your request.
Please do not contact
Sail-World.com
as we cannot give permission for use of other photographer’s images.
Customised news feeds -Marine Industry companies, Clubs and Associations have their own customised version of our news feed on their website. Look_here_to_see_examples
