The London International Boat Show drew to a close today, Sunday 18 January, concluding 10 of the busiest days in the capital’s boating calendar.

The Show, which is the largest marine exhibition in London, hosted more than 500 exhibitors and showcased hundreds of boats, ranging from 1.4 metre sailing dinghies to 37 metre tri-deck motor yachts. The Show provided a vital platform for the industry to showcase its quality, with exhibitors spanning power and sail boats, dinghies, deck equipment, charter holidays, sailing courses, chandlery and more.

Model, actress and TV presenter Kelly Brook ensured a sparkling start by officially opening the Show on Friday 9 January. Kelly was joined on the Main Stage – Powered by Fairline by crew members of attending Navy frigate, HMS Westminster. Kelly was one of many famous faces to be seen at the Show; among them HRH Princess Royal enjoyed an official tour of the Show on Wednesday 14 January and Bee Gees star Robin Gibb also paid a visit.

Stars of the boating world were present throughout the Show. Dame Ellen MacArthur and Mike Golding on his return to the country were joined by members of Skandia Team GBR, including Olympic gold medallists Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and flatwater canoer Tim Brabants, all of whom were recently decorated in the New Year’s Honours list.

Overall attendance at the Show was 112,000*, 12% below that of 2008, which is a fantastic result considering the challenging economic conditions. The Show’s success has been attributed to the excellent features, improved layouts and enormous range of exhibitors who have helped create a rich industry showcase.

On the whole, exhibitors have reported more interest and business than expected, with the majority cautiously optimistic about the results achieved. Some exhibitors had excellent Shows, while others have done very well – International Paints and Navigators & General, for example, were up on last year’s Show performance. In general, Show exhibitors reported that business is definitely there, only harder to secure. Greater marketing and sales innovations are being used to attract customer interest, a development illustrated by the 1000 sq. meter Suzuki Indoor Harbour.

Andrew Williams, Managing Director, National Boat Shows (NBS) commented: “We’re delighted by the success of the Show. Over the past 10 days we’ve enjoyed plentiful media interest, positive feedback from both our visitors and exhibitors and a healthy flow of visitors, with an increase in the North Hall which was our aim. The results show the benefits of a succeeding Show during difficult times to showcase products of all ranges to buyers in the market.”

Several exhibitors chose the London International Boat Show to unveil exciting new additions to their fleet. Sunseeker International’s display of 14 vessels was boosted by the world launch of a 30 metre yacht, Fairline revealed their Squadron 70 to assembled press and public, while Princess Yachts premiered its Princess V42.

Of the 500 plus exhibitors at the Show, 80 were new this year. One of these, Becci Eplett, J-UK, said: “After a year out from the London International Boat Show we’re glad to be back. It’s definitely worth being here. Everyone is aware of the struggles in the market, but there are definitely people buying boats here – even if you have to work a little bit harder. We are very pleased with the Show layout, and feel that grouping the sail boats and electronics was a very logical move. The lead time on sail boats is short, and so we can point buyers directly over to suppliers – all in one area.”

Andrew Williams concluded: “The London International Boat Show is a celebration of all things marine; designed to illustrate the diversity and accessibility of boating, the Show proves there’s an on-water hobby for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re an amateur or a professional.

“NBS would like to thank all exhibitors for the support they have given in developing our features and their marketing efforts with ticket sales.  We look forward to working closely to build on this success and to focus on an ever more impressive Show in 2010.”