IT’S ALL LOOKING SHIP SHAPE FOR THE 2008 SAIL, POWER & WATERSPORTS SHOW

Record exhibitor take-up
Over 50% more exhibitors than in September 2007

Many new exhibitors have identified the opportunity for sales at Earls Court in November 2008 following the success of the 2007 event, after which many reported record sales. New brands to be represented at the Sail, Power & Watersports Show include Grand Soleil Yachts, Alerion Yachts, Santa Cruz Yachts, Nimbus Motor Boats, Pursuit Motor Boats, Pedro Motor Boats, Animal RIBs, Goldfish RIBs, Bladerider Dinghies and Reeds Online.

Commenting on the take-up, M.D. James Brooke said, “We created this show to be a marriage between exhibitors and visitors. We’re delivering a new audience, and providing an alternative platform for companies that are focused on increasing their sales. I’m delighted to see commitment from exhibitors that value the show as an opportunity. Any company could exhibit at our show and market their product to a new audience from as little as £800. It is what I’d describe as a ‘no-brainer’.”

Advance ticket sales are strong
A clear indicator of support

Following the launch of ticket sales during Skandia Cowes Week in August, figures have been released revealing that over 6,000 tickets to the Sail, Power & Watersports Show at Earls Court were purchased within the first three weeks of becoming available. This represents more than a 300% increase on last year’s figures.

Following the popularity of last year’s inaugural show, 95% of visitors surveyed in 2007 said they plan to visit the show again and a London-targeted marketing campaign in association with the Show’s 2008 media partners, ITV Local and the London Evening Standard, will be attracting a whole new audience of boating enthusiasts to the event.

Commenting on the massive take up, the Show’s Marketing Director Gary Robinson, said, “We’re delighted to have seen such a positive response to our launch of ticket sales, and I think this says much about the quality of last year’s show. Visitors told us they particularly enjoyed the venue, the pre-Christmas timing of the event, and the unique content. We’ll be attracting a new audience of Londoners this year and it’s a great opportunity for our exhibitors to make sales at a time when people are spending money before Christmas.”

RYA Sailability announced as Official Sailing Charity
Centre stage for disabled sailors

At the Royal Yacht Squadron on Thursday 11th September, it was announced that RYA Sailability will be the Official Sailing Charity of the 2008 Sail, Power & Watersports Show at Earls Court. Founder of the charity, Geoff Holt, will also be an Ambassador to the show with the aim of encouraging more people with disabilities to participate in the sport, and to raise awareness of the charity.

James Brooke commented, “Anything we can do to be a positive force for individuals who need support must be a good thing, and behind inspirational people like Geoff Holt and Hilary Lister lie teams of individuals who are prepared to invest their own time to support others. The training required for this needs to be funded, so we would like to support this charity at the show and encourage more people to act as volunteers, and also to encourage more people with disabilities to learn how to sail.”

Spectacular opening ceremony planned
It’s not to be missed, say organisers

Meanwhile, plans for the Show’s spectacular opening ceremony on Wednesday 26 November are taking shape with the news that it will be hosted by broadcaster and journalist Katie Derham.

Fresh from appearing on the BBC’s ‘Maestro’, Katie will start proceedings at 11:00. The Royal Marines Commando Display Team will be performing a spectacular display for visitors and Her Majesty’s Band of the Royal Marines will be on hand to help provide pomp and ceremony all the way. Show tickets can be purchased now via the official Show website at: www.earlscourt2008.com.

James Brooke is delighted, commenting: “Katie was a fantastic ambassador for the show last year, and she is a very keen sailor herself. The opening of the 2008 show will be an event ‘not to be missed’ and we’re thrilled that she is able to host the opening.”

New name, new look, new website
A shiny new internet shop front is launched to entice visitors

The Show’s official website has now gone live and can be visited at www.earlscourt2008.com. The site is currently delivering over 20,000 page impressions per day and features information for visitors, exhibitors and media and is being regularly updated with news and show highlights as plans come on stream. Further news about plans for the opening ceremony and the line-up of show Ambassadors will be published shortly.