RIBEX 2007 - The International Boat Show for RIBs - Set to Sell Out!
11-13th May 2007 - Cowes - Isle of Wight - UK

"We are delighted to be associated with this key maritime event, one which represents the most successful sector of the powerboat market not only here in the UK, but in many territories around the world", so said Richard Whittaker, Suzuki Marine Sales and Marketing Manager, concerning RIBEX - the show dedicated to the ever expanding international RIB market.

The sponsoring of RIBEX 2007 and the subsequent two years up to 2009 by Suzuki Marine, has provided a very positive uplift and a tremendous vote of confidence to an already successful show which is now in its 9th year. A show which has more than stayed the test of time along with the market sector it represents. Indeed, the RIB market in general continues to be the envy of the British and European boating industry thanks to the sustained growth it has enjoyed now for some 12 years or so.

The success of RIBEX, not only is attributable to the strength of the market itself but also the fact that the show remains unique on several important counts. Firstly, it truly is a show, not just a static exhibition. 'A county show on water' is how some have described it - with its engaging displays and interactive content, it remains the only show in the world dedicated entirely to the RIB market. And whilst it has been suggested by some that the introducing of non-RIB related products might be an interesting option to pursue, the show's organisers have resisted such a move on the basis that the show's purist, 'non-diluted' nature is arguably one of its greatest attributes.

The facility to fully sea trial any one of the 70 or more craft afloat in the event marina again remains another unique characteristic of RIBEX. "No other show in the UK offers its visitors a genuine seaway in which to trial boats back to back", explains RIB Exhibitions MD, Hugo Montgomery-Swan. "If you are to sea trial an offshore craft effectively this simply cannot be done on a lake, estuary or some other land protected waterway; it can only be accomplished at sea, in open water, and that's exactly what RIBEX's location in Cowes affords - genuine sea trialling"

There is no doubt about it, the show's profile has been considerably raised this year and the response from the industry has been outstanding. "Besides water space in the event marina being booked out by the boat builders almost completely by mid February 2007, the landside exhibitors too are raising their game," states Gareth Welton, the show's manager. "Virtually all the engine manufacturers are bringing seriously sized exhibition units with several coming armed with 18 metre artic event trucks!

Besides engine suppliers, the 2007 tented village on the Cowes Yacht Haven site is literally packed this year with every conceivable product from chandlery, RIB branded clothing, electronics, headgear, 4x4s, MTVs, static RIB exhibits, specialist services and parts suppliers, tenders, wakeboards and essential RIB kit for professional and private owners alike. "In past years we have been accused of not having sufficient variety ashore", states Welton, "but it's difficult as show organisers because the show has traditionally been centred very much around the boats - particularly those afloat. It sounds obvious I know, but that's the key reason why people come.

We are trying hard to build on the excellent reports we got back from the likes of chandlery suppliers KM Marine, Kings Range Rover and helmet specialist, Gecko of Cornwall.

These guys, and others like them, did a very good amount of trade in 2006, so hence our desire to build on that and increase the variety of products on sale within the 'Tented Village' this year.

This year too, the likes of RIB Shop and Icom, both landside exhibitors, are organising some very generous daily prizes, and that's a really nice way in my view of giving something back to the visitor."

In addition to title sponsor Suzuki Marine, RIBEX 2007 is working in association with key organisations to bring exciting new features to the 2007 show. These include the RNLI and the introduction for the first time of the 'RNLI Sea Safety Dock', where visitors to the show who come by RIB can moor alongside their own designated pontoon within the event marina and at no charge, can benefit from having an RNLI Sea Safety analysis of their RIB undertaken. Those who participate will be provided with formal RNLI certification.

This year too, the RYA, in association with BIBOA, are running both the 'Race RIB Experience' and the 'Public RIB Rides'. Both these features provide great opportunities for show visitors to experience the thrill of 'ribbing', with the former affording folk the chance to play navigator and go ripping up the waters of the Solent aboard a full blown race RIB with a championship driver at the helm!

The KNRM, (Royal Dutch Lifeboat Service,) are to be the 2007 Special Guest of Honour, and besides formally opening the show, will also be bringing the largest RIB lifeboat in the world to the show for the public to experience. "It truly is a great privilege to have the KNRM come all the way from Holland to RIBEX this year," says Welton. "Their giant 62ft, 28 tonne, 2000hp lifesaving RIB is legendary all around the world, and this we believe will be the very first time the public will have had the opportunity of actually meeting the crews and being given such special access to one of these KNRM Arie Visser Class Lifeboats.

2007 is also the very first year to feature an air display at RIBEX. In conjunction with the Cowes Inshore Lifeboat, the MCA will be undertaking a daily flypast drill with their Sirkorsky S61N Coastguard helicopter - their chief lifesaver workhorse and a machine which boasts, a total single rotor downdraft thrust of some eight tonnes! So hang on to your hats! In addition, this year's daily program also includes MOB drills and even a RIB jumping demonstration and a 'walking on water' display.

RIBEX 2007 will see a number of important launches from many of the leading RIB manufacturers. RIBs from 4 metres to 13 metres will be on display ashore and afloat with some featuring design initiatives that will not have been seen by the public prior to the show. Welton continues; "The RIB builders this year have some really fantastic new designs up their sleeves to unveil to the visiting public. Plus, of course, several models that have been launched over the course of the last few months and seen as static displays perhaps at the London or Paris boat shows will be on the water at RIBEX, available for sea trialling for the very time."

Red Funnel will once again be offering substantial discounts for all those that use their ferries to visit the show, for info see www.ribexhibitions.co.uk. Likewise, for anyone seeking accommodation and planning to make a weekend of the festival atmosphere, then via the same site, accommodation listings and discounted rates are likewise available.

The industry's vote of support for this unique show is clear and hence the organisers are confident that similar enthusiasm will be seen by the degree of footfall and level of business that's done at RIBEX over the course of the 11th to 13th of May this year.

Feb 2007