Anyone going to the boatshow at Earls Crt

Originally posted by Lionheart I agree - it's great there and there's LOADS going on so don't understand why so many people have been rubbishing it here - I went yesterday and there were hundreds of people and they're buying stuff too! Get off your soapboxes and go and see what all the fuss is about.

Who do you work for, if you don't mind me asking? EC&O Venues? The organisers? An exhibitor?

Apologies if I'm just being too cynical here...

I agree - it's great there and there's LOADS going on so don't understand
why so many people have been rubbishing it here - I went yesterday and
there were hundreds of people and they're buying stuff too! Get off your
soapboxes and go and see what all the fuss is about.

There are things to do, one of them has to be a visit to the Stormforce Stand where they are doing a rigging challenge. You aim is to beat Dan Jaspers of RS 24sec rigging the Vision.

Unfortunately I can't make it as I am sailing (oh what a shame) but wold be interested to see pictures.

Thanks, that is my Phantom!

As for the controls, it is five! had you already been to the Guiness stand? Forestay, lowers, outhaul, cunno, kicker.

Well I went along yesterday after work and found that the show has actually contracted and is now all on one floor rather than the 2 shown on the show website. Obviously a number of exhibitors have pulled out which is perhaps not surprising given the current financial situation.

There were a few dinghy exhibitors including Hartley Laminates, Vandercraft and Ovington Boats. Also Hobie had a cat there and the chap on the stand was very helpful and friendly. Hartley had a nice selection of boats including Wayfarers, a Wanderer and a very tasty Supernova that took my eye before my wallet had a siezure.

The Phantom on the Vandercraft/Ovington stand was very impressive looking but the number of control lines (7 or 8 per side) would have had me wanting a crew to look after them for me!

There was a slightly insane looking Bladerunner foiling skiff. Not sure how they stay up on those tiny blades but they convinced me once and for all that they are way beyond my taste and abilities.

There was a decent selection of small yachts, a good selection of ribs and a few clothing and equipment suppliers. Some decent show offers depending on what you are after.

I got there at about 6pm and having looked round the whole show and chatted to a few people left about 7.15pm. I felt like I had seen all I was interested in and left slightly underwhelmed by the show and looking forward to a much more interesting Dinghy Show in March where hopefully there will be a lot more to see and hopefully some good deals on kit to be had.

Hope this is of help to those who are undecided about going or not..