London Boat Show 2016

London Boat Show 2016 London ExCeL

The London Boat Show 2016 is about to sail into London’s ExCeL this week.  Starting on Friday 8th January (preview day) and running through until Sunday 17th January, the boat show aims to remind us of the longer warmer days just around the corner and what’s new in the marine industry today.  Visitors to the boat show this weekend (9th and 10th January) also have the added bonus of being allowed entry to the Telegraph Travel Show and the Telegraph Cruise Show included in their ticket.

Of particular interest to Downton Abbey fans will be a visit from Robert, Earl of Granthan himself.  Actor Hugh Bonneville who plays the Earl in the long-running series will be opening the Sunseeker stand on Friday 8th January. He said: “I am really delighted to be joining Sunseeker to celebrate the opening of their stand at the London Boat Show; particularly with the momentous launch of its 131 Yacht.”  The 131 yacht is the largest ever Sunseeker vessel to make its debut at the London Boat Show.

New to the London Boat Show 2016 is Mediterranean Bay, a purpose build pool which will be the focal point for instructional tuition with sailing schools.  On offer will be a variety of on-water seminars looking at, amongst other things, boat handling, sail reefing and capsize drill.

Not to be missed by the traditionalists is SB Melissa.  Built in 1899 SB Melissa was a commercial sailing barge operating out of Essex.  In 1975 she was converted into a houseboat, but has now been lovingly restored into the beautiful sailing barge she once was.

Tickets for the London Boat Show 2016 can be bought online from the official London Boat Show site.  At the time of going to press cheaper tickets are on sale for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, so you can bag a bargain.