Successful Scotland’s Boat Show
Organisers of Scotland’s Boat Show say exhibitors are already planning on returning in 2019.
Thousands of visitors descended on Kip Marina in Inverclyde for the three-day event on 12-14 October.
Organiser Kevin Blamire said there were ‘really positive signs’ that the biggest boat show in Scotland was ‘a cost effective alternative’ to the London Boat Show, which is not being held in 2019.
“I’m really pleased with the number of first time major exhibitors from the south who are already planning to return next year, despite the poor weather we had on two days this time,” he told PBO.
He said marine trade exhibitors reported buoyant sales throughout the show, even though the high winds of Storm Callum were blowing
First time exhibitor Arcona Yachts is planning on returning next year. Director Alasdair Marshall said: “With the demise of London Boat Show we wanted to see if a regional show would work for Arcona and so we made the journey to Scotland. We have had great numbers of people showing an interest in our boats and, because of this, we are looking forward to returning to Scotland’s Boat Show in 2019.”
One of the most popular features of the show was the taster sessions in sailing, motor cruising and RIB driving put on by RYA Scotland.
James Allan of RYA Scotland said the association had a successful three days, with 150 on-water sessions held over the weekend.
The Cruising Association presented three days of free lectures on subjects ranging from Sailing Around Britain to marine ecology.