Seawork and no play...

Well Tracey did manage to persuade me to go along to the Seawork Exhibition and I'm glad she did. We managed to find some useful products that will definitely be heading your way soon. Unlike the national boat shows, the atmosphere was quite relaxed with lots of industry people getting the chance to chat and explore new ideas and products. I think Tracey may have mentioned the magic liquid in her blog, but trust me it really is ... magic!!!!

On the subject of Boat Shows there's obviously been a lot of talk about the new Earls Court Boat Show coming up in December this year, but what does it mean for the boat owner/sailor? We have 2 shows currently both organised by National Boat Shows from money paid to the BMF (British Marine Federation) by its members. Do we need a third? I think the Southampton Boat Show is at the right time of year and when the weather is good there's nothing like wandering the pontoons. You really feel connected to the outside and the water.

I did enjoy the London Boat Show this year also but I must be honest and say at times I felt very self-conscious about stepping aboard some of the higher end product. It sometimes felt like the guys at the stand were equivalent to the secretary who tells you the boss is always at a meeting and can he call you back. Now, I went to a briefing by the National Boat Shows and they want all their exhibitors to address this very point so watch out at Southampton and London for Oyster et al welcoming you onboard with open arms...

So, onto Earls Court. It's hard to say at the moment what kind of product they may feature but I can only hope that they really work hard at making people feel included and welcome. My gut feeling (and this is only a guess so far) is that it may look at smaller boats rather than the high end motor yachts. We'll be catching up with both parties as the year goes on and trying to help you decide whether we'll see an increase in value for the visitors or just a duplication of boats and gear across London.

For those of you who read the last blog I thought I'd better tell you that Joshua Slocum has now navigated the Magellan Strait for the second time. His story gets more impressive by each page.

Happy sailing....


Steve