London Luxury Afloat boat show heralded a great success

The first London Luxury Afloat boat show drew to a close on Sunday 24 April and has been heralded a great success by organisers and exhibitors.

The boat show held at St. Katharine Docks, London, from 21-24 April included luxury craft from Sunseeker, Oyster, Fairline, Hallberg-Rassy, Pearl Yachts, Azimut, Falcon, and Ryck, plus Float8’s eco-conscious luxurious floating home.

Speaking about the boutique-style, four-day event, Chris Head, group sales director, Sunseeker London said: “We’ve had great weather; we’ve done business and we hope the show gets bigger and bigger. We need a London on-water show and St. Katharine Docks could be a great venue.”

“St. Katharine’s show is completely different, it has a completely different vibe, in a completely different environment. It’s great being in a marina like this, perfect for the boats on show here and brings in a new wealth of customers,” added Richard Bates of Bates Wharf.

“We are absolutely delighted with how well the debut London Luxury Afloat has gone”, says Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine. “We have been working closely with the luxury sail and motor yacht market to develop an event tailored to their respective buyers and to see it all come to fruition has been fantastic.

“We are also extremely pleased to have a partnership in place with St. Katharine Docks for London Luxury Afloat, from which we can develop and grow this fantastic event and be able to provide the luxury yacht market with a platform to showcase their brands to prospective buyers.”

The show played host to the official launch of the new Oyster 495, attended by F1 legend Eddie Jordan and double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robinson, before departing on the first leg of its world tour.

“It’s been a fantastic four days at London Luxury Afloat, it’s just fantastic to feel the buzz in a post-covid world and for lots of people interested in yachting to come down and see the Oysters here on display at St. Katharine Docks,” comments Paul Hadcraft, Oyster.

Shoreside there were a number of displays featuring smaller craft, products and services including Helm Yachting Holidays, Raymarine, Ultimate Stream, Waterlodge UK and Fliteboard. 

Bentley Motors also showcased three models from the Bentley range: the Continental GTC Speed, Continental GT Mulliner and the Bentayga Hybrid.

“We were delighted to host the inaugural London Luxury Afloat and it certainly surpassed our expectations,” says Paul Tetlow, marina general manager, St. Katharine Docks. “The stunning selection of high-quality motor and sailing yachts, coupled with the picturesque, historic scenery made for an impressive display. St. Katharine Docks was the perfect venue for such an event, and we look forward hosting future editions.”

British Marine’s Robinson concludes: “What a fabulous four days, the weather was amazing and the yachts were stunning. I would like to extend my thanks to all our visitors, exhibitors and dealers, our wonderful show sponsors, Bentley Motors, Motorboat & Yachting and Yachting World and of course our spectacular venue hosts, St. Katharine Docks for helping make the inaugural London Luxury Afloat a success.”