THE 2008 London Boat Show was given a star-studded send-off when it was launched by TV star and self-professed boat lover Griff Rhys Jones and sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

Griff recently starred in the BBC programme Three Men In Another Boat, which saw him sail his beloved Udina around the South English coast with celebrity friends, to race another classic yacht in the waters off the Isle of Wight. Sir Robin was the first man to circumnavigate single-handedly around the world.

On opening the show (January 11-20), Griff said: “I certainly don’t make a secret of my passion for boats and sailing which is why I am so pleased to be here today. Since renovating a boat of my own I can empathise and sympathise with the dedication and hard work it takes.”

Visitors certainly had a marine extravaganza to explore at ExCel in London‘s Docklands, with something for everyone.

Features on the schedule included the aerial spectacular Sea Queen Stage Show and fashion show, the debut of Boat Review 2007 and masterclasses from modern boating heroes such as Mike Golding, Geoff Holt and Adrian Flanagan.

Many new boats and products were making their world, European or UK debuts while others announced new initiatives or made presentations.

There were more than 500 exhibitors and over 1,000 boats and products on display – making it the largest annual event in London.

The Marina in association with Cowes Online played host to more than 30 boats and vessels including – for the first time – inland waterway craft.
There was a Watersports Zone where people could test their kite-surfing skills, and Start Boating in association with All At Sea offered the best impartial advice on how to take up boating.

On-water activity included Thundercats and Sunseeker P1s giving demos of high speed racing, and Anchor Watch, sponsored by Blue Water Supplies and Jersey.com in association with Practical Boat Owner and Yachting Monthly, gave a masterclass on practical anchoring.

At the show opening, Andrew Williams, Managing Director of National Boat Shows, said: “A lot of hard work, imagination and creativity has gone into the planning of this year’s show. There really is a huge variety of experiences, activities and products for visitors to take in – whatever their level of interest in boating – and just goes to show what the marine industry has to offer.”