All the info you need here
Here is the full press release from the organisers of the Southampton Boat Show:
The 2007 Southampton Boat Show, in association with ITV Meridian, opens on Friday for its 39th year. Taking place in Mayflower Park, it’s simply the place to be to check out all the latest boating gear or to discover a new hobby.
Tall ship, HMS Bounty will sail past the Show at 09.30 to kick off the action at the Show and will dock at 10.00. Visitors are able to climb on board this historic vessel and learn more about the most infamous mutiny of all time, which saw Fletcher Christian take control of HMS Bounty more than 200 years ago. HMS Bounty is fresh from a role in the latest film from the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, The World’s End.
The 2007 Southampton Boat Show will be officially opened at 11.00 by Sir Keith Mills and Mike Sanderson of TEAMORIGIN. During the launch, they will exclusively reveal TEAMORIGIN – the talented team behind Britain’s forthcoming America’s Cup bid. They will also present the team’s newly branded race training boat, set to help them on their way to victory in the oldest sporting trophy in the world.
Sir Keith Mills is one of Britain’s most successful businessmen and sports administrators and launched the ground-breaking British bid for the America’s Cup in January this year. Mike Sanderson, the record-breaking ISAF World Sailor of the Year and winning skipper of the 2005-06 Volvo Ocean Race, is Team Director for TEAMORIGIN.
After the launch, at 12pm, the entertainment in the Chinese Quarter will begin with a martial arts and weapons display to celebrate Beijing 2008.
Nominations for the prestigious Raymarine/YJA Yachtsman of the Year and Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year awards open at 12.30pm. Dee Caffari (current Raymarine/ YJA Yachtsman of the Year) and Katie Miller (current Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year) will be among those opening the nominations.
At 13.00pm OnBoard/ TEAMORIGIN youth sailors and TEAMORIGIN crew will swap places while Mike Golding OBE will be presented with a Royal Humane Society’s Silver Medal Award at 13.15pm. Dee Caffari will then launch The Green Blue’s Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Auction at 14.15pm.
In addition exhibitors and sponsors will be holding numerous press events throughout the day, with over 30 currently planned for Press & Preview Day. Many new boats and products will be making their World, European or UK debuts at the Show while others will be announcing new initiatives or making presentations.
The Southampton Boat Show also has a wealth of features and attractions to entertain the visitors and enhance their experience at the Show.
Features and attractions include:
? Hydropool Marina – explore over 3km of purpose-built marina with all the latest models on display from super yachts to yachts to tenders and RIBs. This year the Hydropool Marina has over 370 boats afloat – the largest number of boats afloat at the Southampton Boat Show
? Chinese Quarter celebrating Beijing 2008 – a taste of Qingdao, Southampton’s “Sister City”
? Hydrazorbing – walk on water with Goodyear, the Show’s safety and innovation partner. Those wishing to participate will be asked to make a £10 donation to the RNLI in exchange for this once-in-a-life opportunity.
? See the exciting feature boat line up, consisting of TEAMORIGIN (Fri 14 – Mon 17), Gipsy Moth IV (Sat 15), Mike Golding’s ECOVER (Sun 16 – Tues 18), Alex Bennett’s FUJIFILM (Wed 19), Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s yacht sponsored by Lombard (Thurs 20 – Sun 23) and exhibits from the Ocean Rowing Society
? Try-a-Boat and Try-a-Dive – get out onto the water, whether you’re a beginner or a professional
? Try-Sailing with OnBoard – organised by the RYA, supported by the British Marine Federation and sponsored by Henri-Lloyd and Sunsail, kids will be able to try-a-dinghy for free at the show
? Low Carbon Lifestyle – Mukti Mitchell, fresh from his low carbon sailing tour of the UK will be showcasing his innovative yacht “Chance”
? Join the Adventure – celebrating the centenary of the Scouting Movement
? Search & Rescue – see the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and RNLI’s real-life heroes show how it’s done throughout the Show
?plus Miss Southampton Boat Show, Concept Boat, and over 600 exhibitors.
To book tickets simply call the ticket hotline on 0870 060 0246 or visit the show’s website www.southamptonboatshow.com
Also log on for more information about the Show to help plan your day.
