Model and sportswoman Jodie Kidd officially marked the opening of the 2011 Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show at ExCeL today, Friday 7 January.  A stunning, high adrenaline watersports display on the Show’s new indoor pool was followed by sports enthusiast Jodie cutting a ribbon and declaring London’s biggest annual boating event open.

Jodie Kidd officially opens the Tullet Prebon London International Boat Show 2011 Photo © onEdition

Jodie Kidd officially opens the Tullet Prebon London International Boat Show 2011 Photo © onEdition

Spectators were dazzled with a dramatic sequence of stunts by the Show’s team of watersports stars, who combined kayaking, wakeboarding and stand up paddleboarding. The impressive 70m x 24m Watersports Action Pool is the Show’s new centrepiece and will be in use throughout the 10 day event, mixing live demos with ‘have a go’ sessions for Show visitors.

Jodie is well known for her love of polo, motor racing, golf and horse riding and is a regular face at Cowes Week. After the watersports action, Jodie posed for photographs at the pool edge and gave an interview with the Show compère.

Jodie said: “It’s a real pleasure to be here opening the Show today. I’ve grown up with a passion for sport and the outdoors; sailing is a fantastic combination of the two and I’ve always enjoyed the opportunities I’ve had to get out on the water. There is so much to see and do at the Show this year and I encourage everyone to make the journey to ExCeL over the coming 10 days.”

Andrew Williams, Managing Director of National Boat Shows said: “The new-look 2011 Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show promises to be an action-packed 10 days and Jodie and our host of watersports professionals have kicked it off in style. The Show returns this year with an array of brand new features, attractions and regular favourites, around 1,000 boats and more than 540 exhibitors, making it an unmissable day out.”

In addition to the Watersports Action Pool, new features for 2011 include a used boats marina in association with Yachtworld.com, where a variety of used boats of all shapes and sizes will be on sale; the Knowledge Box, an informal theatre where boating experts will give talks and presentations; an enlarged Boardwalk (dry marina) hosting sail and power boats; a model boat pool with a family picnic area and a hands-on cruising chute.

Among the Show favourites returning this year is Classic Boat, where visitors can watch craftsmen at work and see beautifully crafted boats including Swallow from the 1974 film Swallows & Amazons. Visitors can also get involved with BrushBoarding, a cross between snowboarding and surfing on dry land.

With boats of every shape and size, ranging from dinghies to powerboats, sailing cruisers to catamarans and inflatables to kayaks, there is no better place to experience the sheer variety and scope of boating.  This year, 13 boats make their world debut and 23 make their UK debut at the Show. Many marine companies have also chosen the Show to launch a vast range of new products, accessories and services, making it the perfect shop window browsing the latest clothing ranges, chandlery, electronics, engines and more, discovering your local sailing club, enrolling on a course or gathering inspiration for your next holiday.

Jodie Kidd officially opens the Tullet Prebon London International Boat Show 2011 Photo © onEdition