2007 Earls Court Boat Show

---

---

 

This was the official website for the 2007 Earls Court Boat Show.
Content is from the site's original pages and other outside sources.

1st - 9th DECEMBER 2007

 

 

Dec 24, 2007
Our first report from Earls Cour, Whyte & Mackay Boat Show, 2007

 

 

 

~~~~~

Some observations:
I am nostalgic fas I take a stroll down memory lane remembering the Whyte and Mackay Boat Show. I had enjoyed going to London Boat Shows when they were at Earls Court. For a refresher, the London Boat Show started out in Olympia in 1955, but its success meant that it moved to the Earls Court Exhibition Centre in 1957. It remained there from 1957-2004 when it moved to the London Excel Centre in the Docklands. Sadly, the London Boat Show came to an end in 2018. London Boat Show is now a trade show that is held in Southampton. For those of us who can remember, the Earls Court was an amazing venue.

After a year, 2020 marked by the global pandemic and the cancellation of many London boat shows, the year 2021 started under the same auspices with the shows at the beginning of the year also being cancelled. In fact The UK's Southampton International Boat Show 2020 (BOATS2020) was cancelled the day before the event was due to begin. The show, BOATS2020, had been set to run 11-20 September. Organizers British Marine said they received the news that the city council had cancelled the event, at 6:34pm on Thursday 10 September.

My nephew who lives in the US came over to attend the show. He was as disappointed as I one evening I wandered into his room to ask if he wanted some tea and found him frustrated that he wasn't able to go to his favorite online casino gambling site. He likes to play slots. I suggested he look at a slots review of the casino which he promptly did by going to an online casino affiliate site called Online-Casino-Party.co. It turned out that Miami Club Casino where he always plays in the states has the UK as a restricted country. He was surprised that New Jersey, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Kentucky, Washington State, Maryland in the US also are restricted. I surmise that since he lives in a non restricted state, he hadn't realized that if he were living in New York for instance he would not be able to play slots or any other casino game for real money on Miami Club Casino. I checked with a friend whom I know plays at online casinos. He suggested Mansion Casino for my nephew while he was in the UK.

Tentatively I am hoping my nephew will return in September 2022 when the London Boat Show is supposedly taking place from 16 September 2022 to 25 September 2022. But it is 9 months off and who knows if another variant of Covid 19 will be sweeping through the UK or if the pandemic has slowly wound down to no longer being a pandemic. We can only hope.

~~~~~

 

Getting Here.

London Underground For Earls Court One, exit at the Warwick Road exit of Earls Court station and the entrance to the venue is directly opposite the station. Earls Court station is on the District and Piccadilly lines only 10 minutes from the West End, and with easy access to a few mainline stations. For Earls Court Two, Brompton Hall and Earls Court Conference Centre, exit either at Earls Court station or at West Brompton station. West Brompton Station is on the District line on the Wimbledon Branch from Earls Court. The entrance to the venue is directly opposite the tube station exit.   By Rail Silverlink and Southern trains run direct services to West Brompton station for Earls Court and Kensington Olympia. Direct services run from Clapham Junction, Gatwick Airport, East Croydon, Watford Junction, Willesden Junction and Stratford. For National Rail enquiries please visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 08457 48 49 50. You can also purchase rail tickets online at thetrainline.com. Earls Court - West Brompton station. The entrance to the venue is directly opposite the exit at West Brompton station.   Eurostar  For the quickest route from Waterloo International Station to the venues, take the Jubilee line to Westminster and change onto the District Line to Earls Court. For information about Eurostar, visit www.eurostar.com Buy Bus  Earls Court Earls Court is served by the following bus routes Warwick Road (Earls Court One): 74, 328, C1, C3 Lillie Road (Earls Court Two): 190 By Car  Please be advised that it is quicker and easier to travel to the venues by public transport. Directions to Earls Court. From M1/A1/M11/A10 take the A406 westbound to A4. Continue on A4 over Hammersmith Flyover until A4 becomes West Cromwell Road and follow signs. From M4/A4 follow directions as above. From A3/M3 follow signs for central London, take Wandsworth or Putney Bridges. From Wandsworth Bridge, turn left onto New Kings Road, turn right onto Fulham High Street, which becomes Fulham Palace Road, turn right onto Lillie Road and follow signs. From Putney Bridge, turn left onto Fulham Palace Road and follow directions as above. From M2/M20/A2 follow signs to central London, take Blackfriars, London, Waterloo, Vauxhall, Southwark, Chelsea or Battersea Bridges, turn left along Embankment and follow signs. From A12/A13 follow signs for central London towards Tower or London Bridge. Do not cross bridge, instead continue along Embankment and follow signs.   National Express With over 1,000 departure points across the UK, National Express offer round the clock services to the heart of London via London Victoria Coach station giving easy, affordable access to Earls Court and Olympia. Some routes also stop on Earls Court Road, a stone’s throw away from Earls Court. You can buy tickets online at www.nationalexpress.com or call 08750 808080 or visit your local National Express outlet. By Air  Getting here from London airports Earls Court and Olympia are easily accessible from London’s three main airports – Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted – via underground and mainline rail services.  Heathrow Airport  Take the Piccadilly line to Earls Court. For Olympia, change onto the District Line to Kensington Olympia. Alternatively take the Heathrow Express to Paddington and change onto the District Line to Earls Court. General enquiries 0870 0000 123  Gatwick Airport  You can take the Gatwick Express to Victoria and change onto the District Line to Earls Court and Olympia. Alternatively train services run through Clapham Junction where you can change onto a direct train to Earls Court or Kensington Olympia. General enquiries 0870 000 2468 www.baa.com/gatwick  Stansted Airport  You can take the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street and either take the central line to Holborn and change onto the Piccadilly line, or the Circle Line to Edgware Road and change onto the District Line to Earls Court. General enquiries 0870 0000 303 www.baa.com/stansted   Congestion Charging The Western extension to the London congestion charging zone will come into effect on 19 February 2007. Whilst Earls Court and Olympia are not situated within the charging zone, the venues are now on the edge of the zone and customers are advised to take care when navigating through the surrounding roads.

The Whyte & Mackay Earls Court Boat Show is in partnership with the Princes Trust

The Sales Team.
Earls Court Boat Show Ltd, 1st Floor, Newcourt House, New Street, Lymington, Hampshire. SO41 9BQ.
Tel: +44 (0)1590 679338
Email:sales @ earlscourtboatshow.com

 

---

---

 

More Background on The Earls Court Boat Show

The Earls Court Boat Show, held at London’s renowned Earls Court Exhibition Centre, has long been a significant event in the UK’s maritime and leisure calendar. With a storied past and a unique place in the boating community, the show has attracted industry professionals, enthusiasts, and families alike. This in-depth article examines the history, reviews, press coverage, audience, cultural significance, and enduring legacy of the Earls Court Boat Show, drawing on a broad range of sources beyond the official website.

History and Origins

The tradition of boat shows at Earls Court dates back to 1957, when the London Boat Show moved from Olympia to the larger and more versatile Earls Court Exhibition Centre. For nearly half a century, Earls Court was synonymous with the London Boat Show, which became one of the world’s most prominent marine exhibitions. The venue’s central London location, spacious halls, and unique features (such as an indoor pool for floating boat displays) made it an ideal setting for showcasing everything from luxury yachts to dinghies and marine accessories.

After 2004, the main London Boat Show relocated to the ExCeL Centre, but the spirit of the event remained strong among boating enthusiasts. In 2007, the Earls Court Boat Show was revived as a distinct event, aiming to recapture the magic and community spirit of the original shows. This new incarnation quickly garnered attention, thanks in part to substantial sponsorship deals and a renewed focus on engaging both industry insiders and the general public.

Event Features and Format

The Earls Court Boat Show was celebrated for its diverse range of exhibits and activities:

• Exhibitor Diversity: The show attracted exhibitors from across the marine industry, including boat builders, equipment suppliers, and service providers. Both established brands and smaller, boutique companies were represented, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the latest innovations and trends.

• Interactive Displays: One of the hallmarks of the show was its interactive displays, such as the “Powerboat Village,” which recreated the atmosphere of a racing pit and allowed visitors to meet world-class racers and see historic boats up close.

• Product Launches: The event often served as a platform for major product debuts, such as the exclusive unveiling of the PRINZ 54 sportscruiser, which featured cutting-edge technology and design.

• Ambassadors and Special Guests: Notable figures from the boating world, including single-handed yachtswoman Dee Caffari and powerboat champions Steve Curtis and Shelley Jory, participated as ambassadors, sharing their experiences and engaging with attendees.

• Family and Community Focus: Beyond the commercial aspects, the show fostered a sense of community, with activities for children, educational workshops, and opportunities for families to explore the world of boating together.

Press and Media Coverage

The Earls Court Boat Show received extensive coverage from both boating industry publications and mainstream media:

• Industry Journals: Magazines such as Motor Boat & Yachting and Boat International regularly reported on the show, highlighting its role in bringing together industry leaders and enthusiasts. Reviews often praised the event’s atmosphere, organization, and the quality of its exhibits.

• Mainstream Media: National newspapers and broadcasters covered the show’s major announcements, celebrity appearances, and economic impact. The event was frequently cited as a barometer for the health of the UK’s marine industry and a showcase for British innovation.

• Sponsorship Announcements: The show’s high-profile sponsorship deals, such as the multi-million pound partnership with Whyte & Mackay, attracted significant attention. These deals underscored the commercial appeal of the event and its importance within the leisure sector.

Audience and Demographics

The Earls Court Boat Show drew a broad and diverse audience:

• Industry Professionals: Boat manufacturers, dealers, and marine service providers attended to network, launch new products, and secure business deals.

• Boating Enthusiasts: Amateur sailors, powerboaters, and water sports fans flocked to the show to see the latest boats and gear, meet their heroes, and participate in hands-on activities.

• Families and General Public: The event’s inclusive programming and central location made it accessible to families and newcomers, helping to demystify boating and encourage wider participation in water-based recreation.

• International Visitors: Thanks to London’s global status and the show’s reputation, international visitors were a common sight, further enhancing the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the event.

Known For: Signature Elements and Innovations

The Earls Court Boat Show became known for several distinctive features:

• Indoor Pool Displays: The exhibition centre’s indoor pool allowed for live demonstrations of boats and water sports, a feature that set the show apart from many competitors.

• Heritage and Nostalgia: Many attendees and exhibitors fondly recalled the show’s long history at Earls Court, with some describing it as a “homecoming” for the UK’s boating community.

• Product Premieres: The event’s reputation for hosting major product launches made it a must-attend for anyone interested in the latest marine technology and design.

• Celebrity Engagement: The presence of boating celebrities and champions added excitement and drew media attention, helping to inspire the next generation of sailors and racers.

• Community Spirit: The show was lauded for its welcoming atmosphere and emphasis on fun, learning, and shared passion for the water.

Cultural and Social Significance

The Earls Court Boat Show’s impact extended beyond commerce:

• Reviving a Tradition: By returning to Earls Court after the London Boat Show’s move to ExCeL, the event tapped into a deep well of nostalgia and community pride. Many saw it as a revival of a cherished tradition and a celebration of British maritime heritage.

• Supporting Charities: The show often partnered with organizations such as the Prince’s Trust, using its platform to raise awareness and funds for good causes.

• Boosting the Local Economy: The influx of visitors and exhibitors provided a significant boost to local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to transport providers.

• Inspiring Participation: By making boating accessible and appealing to a wider audience, the show played a role in growing the UK’s marine leisure sector and fostering a lifelong love of the water.

Reviews and Public Reception

Feedback from attendees and industry observers was generally positive:

• Atmosphere: Many praised the show’s vibrant, friendly atmosphere, noting the sense of excitement and camaraderie among visitors and exhibitors alike.

• Exhibitor Mix: The diversity of exhibitors, from luxury yacht builders to small equipment suppliers, was seen as a major strength, offering something for everyone.

• Event Organization: Reviews highlighted the professionalism of the event’s management, the quality of the displays, and the ease of access provided by the central London location.

• Room for Growth: Some observers noted that, while the show was successful in attracting smaller companies and enthusiasts, it faced challenges in securing the participation of some major manufacturers, who preferred other venues or formats.

Notable Examples and Highlights

• Powerboat Village: This interactive area allowed visitors to experience the excitement of powerboat racing, meet top racers, and see historic and modern race boats up close.

• PRINZ 54 Launch: The exclusive debut of the PRINZ 54 sportscruiser, featuring the revolutionary Volvo Penta IPS system, was a highlight for many attendees and received coverage in industry publications.

• Ambassador Appearances: The involvement of figures like Dee Caffari and Steve Curtis, both celebrated for their achievements in sailing and powerboating, added star power and educational value to the event.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Although the Earls Court Boat Show is no longer held, its legacy endures:

• Venue Closure: The closure and subsequent demolition of the Earls Court Exhibition Centre in the mid-2010s marked the end of an era for London’s events scene. The loss of this iconic venue was widely mourned by the boating community and event organizers alike.

• Nostalgia and Community: The show remains a touchstone for many in the UK’s boating world, symbolizing a time when the community gathered under one roof to celebrate their shared passion.

• Influence on Other Events: The success and spirit of the Earls Court Boat Show have influenced other marine events in the UK, encouraging organizers to prioritize inclusivity, interactivity, and community engagement.

 

The Earls Court Boat Show stands as a landmark in the history of British boating. Its blend of tradition, innovation, and community spirit made it much more than a trade exhibition-it was a celebration of maritime culture and a catalyst for the growth of the UK’s leisure marine industry. Though the show and its iconic venue are now part of history, their influence continues to be felt in the ongoing evolution of boating events and the enduring enthusiasm of the UK’s boating community.

 

---

---