The London Boat Show

Above : Tamara Ecclestone opens the Show

It was another successful year for Ocean Village Marina at the London International Boat Show, opened this year by Tamara Ecclestone. Held in London from 6th to the 15th of January 2012 the show brings together sailing enthusiasts from every corner of the marine world – in one day we could speak to not only to a classic yacht owner but then to the owner of one of the world’s most hi-tech catamarans and then to the owner of a superyacht looking for a new berth. Diverse indeed!

We ran a competition to win a luxury weekend in Gibraltar which was won by Mr R Dempster who we now look forward to welcoming to Gibraltar.

Above : Michael Kent meets a classic sailor

There was widespread interest in the new facilities available in Ocean Village Marina and this year we especially noticed a trend for owners wishing to bring their boats to Gibraltar, not only for the tax and cost benefits, but also to enjoy the sunny climes which enable sailing throughout the year.

Above : Karl Bisset chats with a member of the Accomplish More team

We exhibited on the Gibraltar Tourism stand and over the course of the show spoke to hundreds of people to tell them about the advantages of berthing in Gibraltar and also to give general tourism advice about Gibraltar.

Highlights of the show included entertaining a member of the House of Lords on the stand who has decided to base his yacht in Gibraltar, a visit from a former Miss World, meeting with numerous ex-servicemen and hearing their stories about times gone by in Gibraltar (including one gentleman who first travelled here by car from the UK in 1929!) but perhaps the most exciting news was of aother world record attempt beginning in Ocean Village Marina Gibraltar.

Above : Former Miss World popped by to wish Gibraltar well

Accomplish More – is the name of a unique British project which aims to smash the world circumnavigation record. This hi tech aluminium wave breaking boat will set off from Ocean Village and attempt to travel around the world in around 30 days. This is possible due to the revolutionary design, the lightweight materials and the remarkable drive of the team involved. Headed by Alan Priddy (himself the holder of 38 sailing records) the team includes numerous leaders in their fields from fuel specialists, navigators and even a psychiatrist to keep them all in fine fettle! We’ll be covering their progress on the blog over the next few months. The first outing for the vessel looks like being part of the Queen’s Jubilee Flotilla down the Thames in June. For more information see their website here : http://www.company85globalchallenge.com Their moto : British from Start to Finish!

And of course it was Karl’s birthday!

Above : Nice hat Karl!