Powerboat & RIB Show comes to Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth - May 2012

by Michaela Montgomery-Swan on 9 Dec 2011
With excitement we announce that the Powerboat & RIB Show will take place at the UK’s premier luxury retail development, Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth from the 11-13 May 2012.

All the boulevards, waterfront, plazas, plus Cenral Square and the marina itself, will be filled with exhibits, all open and on display to the public. With no closed fencing and no ticketed/restricted public entry, The Powerboat & RIB Show will be an open show, a show designed to capture the interest of not only those with an existing love of powerboats, RIBs and water sports, but also the 90,000 or so members of the public that frequent Gunwharf over the course of a spring weekend. This then achieves our goal of taking the show to the people as opposed to simply expecting the people to come to the show.

The Powerboat & RIB Show at Gunwharf Quays will be the means by which the industry can take advantage of the biggest public ‘shop window’ opportunity yet in the history of UK boat shows.

Another feather in Gunwharf’s cap is its accessibility. Whether it’s via mainline rail, ferries, bus services or the direct motorway link from London, getting to the show is straightforward and direct. Furthermore, upon arrival by car, visitors are directed to extensive underground car parking right beneath the complex, to then emerge in Central Square, where the electronics, chandlers and gear suppliers will be located. From here, the other areas with their displays and exhibits will follow on right around the complex. Overlooking the marina and harbour entrance beyond are the waterfront restaurants and cafés – and in front of these, the waterfront landside exhibits and special features.

The marina itself will be filled with craft all available and ready for sea trial. The open waters of the Solent are just a few minutes away and therefore the new location holds true to the Powerboat & RIB Show requirement of ensuring that genuine sea trialling can be offered within close vicinity of the event marina. Public RIB rides will also be in operation throughout the course of each day and will be provided by Powerboats and Yachts with their fleet of Ribeye RIBs. The Canal Side and Plaza areas of the site will also feature a variety of exhibits, including those displayed by the leading engine manufacturers. In this latter zone there will be additional features and attractions that will be staged throughout each day.

Gunwharf Quays makes for a great day out with masses to see and do. The Powerboat & RIB Show at Gunwharf will make a superb place to meet with friends, enjoy a meal, soak up the atmosphere, check out all the latest products and get out on the water aboard some of the most exciting boats afloat. We will be working very hard to deliver the finest show we can for you and look forward to greeting you to the show’s brand-new home next May. In the meantime, we’ll keep you abreast of developments but can confirm already that there are some very special launches and debuts being planned. It promises to be a great event!

Powerboat & RIB Show website