It’s Show Time

Looking forward 2008 it would be nice to think we are blessed with constant wind blue skies and plenty of opportunities to get in the boat and enjoy the water, lets just hope we get a better summer than last year.

One thing you can look forward to that the weather can’t spoil is two great sailing shows namely the London Boat show and dinghy show. Both of these shows are at the beginning of the year and give you the time to dream and equip your self ready for the coming season.

The London Boat show 11th to the 20th January 2008

This is the largest of its kind with every thing from chandlery to ocean going power boats. For us based here in Essex we are blessed with it being on our door step at the Excel centre Docklands. If you have not been to this venue before it is really a terrific venue which can be a great day out even if you’re not really into boats.

By Car there is ample parking right on the door step (no long hikes) or by Train and tube go to Stratford and change onto the Dockland light railway.

When you arrive there is a main atrium with halls either side inc restaurants and bars, being such a large show it takes up the whole site so both sides are full. On one side there is the big and expensive stuff, ocean going power boats great to dream about lovely to look at. In the opposite hall you have every thing from dinghies to canal boats, clothing to holidays.

It’s a real family days out with lots to see the other year they had sailing on the Thames and wind surfing in a hall with a big fan(sounds a bit naff but it was quite incredible)

WEB SITE http://www.londonboatshow.com/home/

 The Dinghy Sailing Show 1st & 2nd March 2008

Unlike the boat show the dinghy show is a smaller venue and as you would expect just about dinghy sailing, you will find that it is well supported by the clubs and manufactures and is a better show if you want to pick up bits & pieces or just use it as an opportunity to look at some of the boats available

Held at Alexandra Palace, it is easy to get to from the Colchester area. By car there is 2000 free car parking spaces or by train & tube take the Piccadilly line to Wood Green, there is a free shuttle bus service to the venue which I would suggest you take unless you are feeling incredibly fit as Ali Pali is at the top of one of the biggest hills in London, Great view when you get there.

WEB SITE http://www.dinghysailingshow.org.uk/