THE TULLETT PREBON 2012 LONDON INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
The show was opened by heiress, model and broadcaster, Tamara Ecclestone setting the tone for this year's show which has added more luxury and glamour with the incorporation of a new section titled: Luxury Lifestyle and Supercar Showcase. These exhibits were found nestled amongst the glitzy yachts in the South Hall.

It's always good to see and hear 'Escala' who performed from a balcony on the largest Sunseeker in the show. Their unique electronic orchestral performances of the classics always attract the crowds and add a sparkle of glamour.

The RIBs however, other than inflatables and yacht tenders, I regret to report were unfortunately reduced in number again from last year, but the rib flag was kept flying by several stalwarts of the marque by the likes of Ribeye, C-Fury, Cobra, Piranha, Hydromax and Rib-X. A quick count did regretfully confirm that more cars were on show than RIBs. So perhaps we are just seeing the beginning of a new style of London Show focused on glitz, glamour and lifestyle. Roll on RIBEX and Southampton.

Some of the big boys in outboard engines too were 'awol' but the top end of this market was represented well by Yamaha. For those interested in equipment, training and charter, the North Hall remained its usual mecca for special deals making the show one very good reason to attend.

Some of the interesting bits for Ribsters:

•   Yamaha – Two of the biggest names in the UK marine industry, David Pougher of Yamaha Motor (UK) Ltd and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston from the boat insurance specialist Haven Knox-Johnston jointly announced the launch of a new policy called “Yamaha Marine Cover Insurance”.
  
  Yamaha's latest Y-COP technology has realised new benefits in reducing thefts which has resulted in lower premiums for Yamaha owners. For more detail of this innovative cost saving insurance scheme read more of their announcement here.
  
  
•   Icom – Introduced an impressive world’s first GPS Marine VHF/DSC. Handheld, the IC-M91 incorporates a Man Over Board (MOB) feature. This piece of kit along with its back-up GPS is a genuine bargain, every RIB should aspire to have one. Read full details and check-out the price.
  
  Icom UK also support a two man team doing an 'Atlantic Dash' -
  follow the link to read more about it.
  
  
• World Record Attempt - Alan Priddy (honorary ribster) announced his team's title sponsor for the record attempt "Company85" at the last session of pre-view day from the Knowledge Box podium. Currently in build and intended to be the fastest and most efficient powerboat, part rib, part sailboat, part wave-piercing, to circumnavigate the globe for the much coveted UIM world record. This unique vessel is now named "Accomplish More" the strap line of the title sponsors.
  
  To catch-up with the current status of this exciting project visit our pages on the team's recently released information and photographs: Accomplish More
  
  
•  Junior RIBsters – Previously a north-west ribster group focused on introducing under 16's to powerboats, in particular ribs. From originally encouraging qualifying trials for the RYA Youth Championship scheme it has now developed to a point which can reach out to all young people under 21 years old. This group is to offer low cost tuition by young qualified national instructors delivered in a young person's modern style and manner. The intention is also to develop personal on-water confidence and participation in benign rib events.
  
  To register an interest visit their website at:
  www.juniorribsters.com

For the last four days of the Show, you will also be able to enjoy the London Bike Show, Outdoors Show and Active Travel Show* at ExCeL with your Tullett Prebon London Boat Show ticket. Late night Thursday.

Jan 2012