Boats debut at British Motor Show

'Fascinated 'petrol heads' migrated from the exhibition centre to the Royal Vic Docks to take in the boats.' .

The Marine Experience's debut at the British International Motor Show sponsored by Zurich Connect has exceeded all expectations.

The event, organised by National Boat Shows (NBS), has successfully generated a number of sales and valuable leads for exhibitors, whilst taking advantage of a potential new audience.

The biannual event, which took place between 22 July and 3 August at London's ExCeL, featured in glorious sunshine with crowds of visitors all eager to indulge in the latest motor and boating activities and models.

Andrew Williams, Managing Director at National Boat Shows (NBS) said: "Our reason for branching into this new market was to exploit the obvious links between motor and boating enthusiasts. We were excited by the opportunity to introduce a high quality audience to our industry, and are thrilled at the positive comments our exhibitors have fed back to us.

'The event also provides an excellent shop window for our upcoming PSP Southampton Boat Show, where we hope to see the new relationships we have developed continue to flourish."

The Royal Victoria Dock played host to over 35 boats of all shapes and sizes, with the impressive Sunseeker Ultimate Fleet and on-water activity attracting the masses down to the dock edge. Crowds observed a spectacle of activity, with Viper Jet Boats and Thundercats zipping around the marina, rivalling the high speed and power displayed in the abundance of car premiers in the Motor Show halls.

Paul Potguster, Marketing Consultant at Rib Eye said on the event: "This really is an opportunity to monopolise the petrol heads. I've sold a boat to someone who made the visit to the Show to buy a car. We want to do more next Show, come back with more berths and a wider variety of vessels.

'We have had three sales, but mostly this has acted as an excellent PR activity. What a great idea, it's just a shame it's not on every year!"

Intrigued visitors headed down to the marina to explore a little of what boating has to offer. Welcoming visitors on board allowed further inspection of vessels, with exhibitors encouraging those with questions to get familiar with their new surroundings.

"It is great to be talking to visitors who are completely new to boating - asking basic questions, and making relevant enquiries. We will certainly look to come again in two years time, enhancing our offering for visitors" Adrian Hart, Cranchi.

Both ends of the scale have reaped in the success. David Lewis of Sunseeker London reported: "Our expectations have been exceeded. We feel Sunseeker London's presence has added value to the exhibition, and we are able to boast an impressive number of sales, prospective enquiries and high level leads.

Customers from the UK and abroad have purchased motor boats totalling in excess of ?4 million. We believe this is just the beginning for the marine industry at the Motor Show, and Sunseeker London remains in full support of NBS in attendance of their entire portfolio of events."

The Try-a-Boat incentive allowed the every day customer to get afloat, whilst the RYA OnBoard scheme offered children aged 8 to16 the opportunity to get out on the dock in Laser Pico's, providing an attractive backdrop for on-lookers.

Darren Pilbeam of Essex Boatyards said: "The event has certainly surpassed our expectations and the quality is definitely out there. We have had three sales and lots of promising leads."

Iain Smallridge of Pearl Motor Yachts added: "We have really seen the benefit of exhibiting towards the end of the Show. We have booked several sea trials and got some good leads during traditionally quieter office months.

'The sun has been shining on the marina, bringing people down to the dock edge and encouraging networking opportunities to arise."

More at www.marineexperience.com/news.html