The sailing season officially started with the successful three-day Hamble Point Boat Show, welcoming over 1,200 visitors and bringing together boaters, exhibitors as well as families, along with hundreds of new and second hand yachts, specialist marine products and a large number of activities for visitors.
Hamble Point Boat Show 2012 a Great Success
These included a tug of war competition, RIB rides, kayak water polo, a special flyover from the coastguard helicopter, and sea safety demonstrations from the RNLI.
Fiona Williams, Communications Supervisor at Plymouth-based Pantaenius Yacht Insurance, said: “We were very impressed with the turnout given that this was the first big show on Hamble Point marina, and it compared really well to others we have attended in other parts of the country. We had some quality leads and are looking forward to next year’s show.”
Peter Thomas, Sales Director at Inspiration Marine Group, which had a number of boats on display, said: “We were really delighted with the turnout and the level of interest from potential customers. It was also good to see so many of the big boating names there. What really struck me and my colleagues was how well the event was put together and what a good showcase it is for Hamble Point marina.”
Hamble Point Boat Show presented plenty of activities of visitors
Leading brands at the show included Dehler, Hanse, Nordhavn Yachts, Azimut and Beneteau, with visitors enjoying accompanied viewings, sea trials and boat maintenance workshops.
Andy Cunningham, Group Brokerage Manager at yacht brokers Michael Schmidt & Partners, said: “The organisers put in their all, and the boat show did what it set out to do – people were inspired and business was done.”
Neil Salter, Hamble Point Marina Manager, said: “We were delighted to attract so many people, with some travelling as far as Wales to join us. The feedback from visitors, exhibitors and tenants of the marina has been really positive, and we have lots of ideas to build on this success for next year’s show. The event is fast becoming a key feature of the boat show calendar and a great family day out on the south coast.”
