2nd August 2008

Multi Million Pound Investment for Earls Court Show backed by new Media Partners ITV Local and London's Evening Standard

At a press conference in Cowes on the first day of Skandia Cowes Week, organisers of the Sail, Power and Watersports Show made several major announcements, including the multi million pound investment and key media partnerships with ITV Local and London's Evening Standard.

The investment, headed up by 2007 show backer Robert Court, will complement existing sponsorship and allows organisers to focus on delivering a show that will entertain families and inspire the next generation of mariner.

Robert Court said, "Like many sailors, I am passionate about my sport. The 2007 show at Earls Court was a real success and a credit to the team that worked so hard to deliver the biggest consumer launch show of the year with just 9 months preparation. The 2008 Sail, Power & Watersports Show will be a show not to miss, delivering real family entertainment as well as displaying hundreds of different boats in a venue that sailors love. I'm looking forward to bringing my family to Earls Court again in November."

Also announced were new partnerships with ITV Local and London's Evening Standard. Gary Robinson, recently appointed Marketing Director of the show said, "These major partnerships with such large media owners enable us to reach a new audience of boating enthusiast and to focus on London. We have generated a foundation of support for the show within boating communities at events and regattas throughout the year such as Skandia Cowes Week, and now our focus will be on communicating to a new wave of visitors that will result in new sales for our exhibitors. It's going to be a great show, and a fantastic day out for families."

A new Boat Auction Partnership with Boatshed was also launched to the press. Boatbid will feature a 'Top 100' boats for sale throughout the show, which will include classic yachts, powerboats, dinghies and superyachts. James Brooke, MD of the show said, "This partnership with Boatshed will create an exciting atmosphere at the show as we see serious buyers with cash to spend descend upon Earls Court at a time when many owners are keen to sell. When visitors come to the show I think they will be surprised to see how affordable many new boats are, and this will be a great opportunity for our exhibitors to market their boats to a key audience of buyers while lucky bidders will no doubt pick up great deals through the auction."