First London Yacht Show takes shape

Sunseeker, Azimut and Princess are three of 12 yacht exhibitors confirmed to attend the relaunched London Yacht Show this May. The five-day event, which replaces the London On Water Boat Show, will take place at St Katharine Docks from May 8 -12.

It comes after the London On Water Boat Show was cancelled and subsequently acquired by Informa last year. It is now being organised in partnership with St Katharine Docks and British Marine.

The relaunched show has been rebranded a “boutique luxury show”, with a focus on high-end quality. A total of 60 boats will be on display on the water, with each brand restricted to exhibiting only three models.

President of Informa’s maritime portfolio, Andrew Williams, admitted this was not “the scale of the European boat shows” but this is due to “the focus on high-end that we agreed on.”

“This will be a significantly different show to previous years and follows on from extensive research to ensure we are delivering the right audience to the exhibitors,” he added.

The layout of the show will include two floating villages with accompanying marquees. The 'Platinum Pavilion' will exhibit luxury yachting and lifestyle products, while the 'Monument Marquee' will feature boating accessories and toys.

The show will open on Wednesday May 8 to host a 'VIP elite' guest list and press day. Tickets to the consequent days will have a starting price of £30.