The Royal Engineers will make history by appearing at the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show for the first time since the Show began in 1954.
The Corps of Royal Engineers will bring an impressive collection of military boats that will be displayed both on the water and on land outside ExCeL, London, where the Show will run for 10 days from Friday 8 – Sunday 17 January.
Visitors will be treated to dramatic demonstrations of the military craft in action three times a day on the Royal Victoria dock for the duration of the Show. A Support Boat and Rigid Raider will wow crowds on the water as The Royal Engineers give insight into their lives as British soldiers who play a vital role in the effectiveness of the British Army as well as the Navy and RAF.
Used exclusively by the Royal Engineers, the Combat Support Boat (CSB) is a powerful, versatile craft whose major role is to support both bridging and amphibious operations.
The CSB can also be used as a general purpose working boat in support of diving operations, ship-to-shore re-supply and inland water patrols.
The Rigid Raider is a fast patrol craft with a glass reinforced plastic hull and single 115 hp Mariner Optimax outboard motor.
The Rigid Raider comes in two variants, the MK1 and the MK2 and is used for patrolling inland and coastal waterways.
Andrew Williams, Managing Director, National Boat Shows said: “We’re very excited to host the Royal Engineers for the first time at the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show. The Corps’ military expertise is sure to inspire our visitors; we are expecting a highly charged atmosphere out on the marina during the demonstrations!”
About the Royal Engineers
The Corps of Royal Engineers is a unique Corps, active all over the world in conflict and in peacetime. All Sappers are multi-skilled as soldiers, combat engineers and tradesmen. From fighting alongside the Combat Arms to purifying water, making maps and building accommodation, the Royal Engineers play a vital role in the effectiveness of the British Army as well as the Navy and the RAF. In peacetime, the skills and the resources of the Corps are used to help the civilian population cope and recover from conflict and natural disaster.
Plan your day at the Show
The Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show is London’s leading and most established annual event showcasing boating, marine products and lifestyle. The Show will feature hundreds of boats and with over 500 exhibitors showcasing power and sail boats, dinghies, engines, electronics, deck equipment, charter holidays, sailing courses and more, there’s no better way to discover the thrills of getting on the water.
As well as a great day out the Show is the perfect venue for visitors who are considering a summer sailing holiday or looking for inspiration, planning to invest in or upgrade their boat or just fancy browsing the thousands of products on display.
Show attractions not to be missed this year include:
Boats ranging in size from a canoe to luxury power boats priced from £500 to £10million
The Show Stage powered by Fairline, hosting a daily rendition of ‘Rock the Boat’, an explosive dance fashion show performance
Inspiring sailing stories from a selection of Boating Heroes
The ever popular interactive Deck Games zone, featuring an indoor pool for visitors to try their hand at model yacht racing, rowing and kayaking and more. Also advice from On The Water experts on how to get into boating
Classic Boat in association with Classic Boat magazine, International Paint and Old Pulteney, which will recreate a working boatyard
The new inland waterways feature, Discover Inland Waterways: Brought to you by River Thames or go scuba diving for free with Andark’s Try-a-Dive
Win a boat with the MTA’s Boating on a Budget project. All proceeds go to the RNLI Burnham on Crouch. Or gather information on best purchase practices from experts at the BRBA and ABYA with the Yachtworld.com Brokers Village
The crowning of the annual Design a Sail competition winners, unveiled on Sunday 9 January
The new Yamaha Powerboat and RIB Marina featuring single largest collection of small power craft ever seen on one stand at the Show
Getting to the Show could not be easier, as ExCeL is just 25 minutes from London Waterloo and Liverpool Street stations. And with over 2,500 car parking spaces on site, those visitors coming by car will be comfortably accommodated.
Tickets and Show information
For all the latest information on the Show itself, including opening times, ticket prices and sales, news, feature information and exhibitors, log on and check out the Show’s website at www.londonboatshow.com. Visitors purchasing tickets in advance will enjoy a discounted rate, which is available through the Show’s website, or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 209 0333.
The Show is excellent value for money when it comes to a great day out in the capital as kids aged 15 and under go free, with each adult ticket admitting one adult and two children.
For those looking to spoil themselves and really make a day out of the Show is the all new London Platinum Experience. For £85, Platinum Experience ticket holders get a free parking space, delicious buffet lunch, VIP area to enjoy the Show Stage powered by Fairline, use of the exclusive Tullett Prebon Platinum Lounge providing a sanctuary with the Show and a free Show guide.