Windermere Boat Show set to be largest yet with more test models unveiled

The Lake District’s only boat show is returning to Windermere for the third year running.

Building on the success of the past two years, the lake will be awash with boats and the shores will host a hive of watersports and outdoor adventure activities when the north of England’s largest and free annual boat show gets underway in May.

More than 150 vessels from small motor boats to large luxury yachts – including Beneteau Yachts, Jeanneau, Greenline, Hanse, Sealine Motor Boats, Four Winns, Brig and MasterCraft – will make an appearance at the Windermere Boat Show 2018.

And, it is fast becoming a show for unveiling prototypes, so visitors can expect to try out more products this year too.

There will be family-friendly activities on and off the water, including lifejacket clinics and specialist retail outlets on hand to offer advice and discounts.

Plus, charity organisations, including RNLI and Sea Shepherd –a marine conservation charity with a mission to end the destruction of habitat around the UK’s coastlines – will be on hand to talk about the valuable work they do.

And, since the Lake District is renowned for its out and about lifestyle, there will be an outdoor adventure zone new to this year’s show between May 18-20.

“There’s so much to do in the Lake District and Windermere is a beautiful and perfect location for boating and water sports, and so having a festival which brings marine suppliers, boat clubs and enthusiasts together – while celebrating life on the lake – is great,” says event organiser Joe Beaumont.

“But, it not only brings the boating community together – whether recreational sailors, luxury boat lovers, wake boarding or kayaking fans – but it also gives people a chance to experience boating and water-based activities if they haven’t before.

“The beauty of our boat show is that it is for everyone.”

Returning to the 2018 event is Habitent, whose initial prototype for their readymade and adjustable cockpit enclosure was conceived, proved and tested on Windermere.

“With the support of many Lake District sailing professionals, we decided to develop the design. Some time and several prototypes later the Habitent was born to meet all the high standards that are now demanded by boat owners,” says Christine Hamilton, whose Habitent product range has now been extended to three distinct models.

“We feel that Windermere Boat Show offers a unique venue with a wide range of relevant marine products, skills and entertainment on offer.”

Dad’s Boats, who now has its first pedal boat on the lake – based on a design which has been in the family for generations, will also make a return to the unique boat show.

“The show is small but ideal for us because we can have a boat in the water and take people out for trials on the lake,” says Stephen Pitkethly of Norfolk-based Dad’s Boat.

“As a result of last year’s show we now have our first Pedal Boat on Windermere and several people in the area have our unique hand-made ornamental wooden propellers adorning their homes.

“Our Pedal Boat is perfect for the Lake District.”

And, Bod-Jet, who brought a prototype of its electrically propelled body board to 2017’s show to gauge public opinion will be back again with their final test models to offer on-the- water demonstrations – great news for watersport-lovers.

Maiden Marine, one of the main North of England Dealers for Beneteau – the largest boat builders in the world – which also has a large Chandlery Shop, believed the be the last of its type in the North, will also be making a return.

Managing Director Karen Schwerdt called the Windermere Boat Show an “important date” in their calendar.

Alongside Lake District artisan food stalls, Bowness Bay Brewery will be offering up their specially-brewed Boat Show beer for the event too.

“We will also be promoting environment awareness too in an effort to help people cut down on environmentally harmful plastic waste – so you’ll find plates and cutlery made from 100% plant materials and even eco-friendly boat cleaning- It’s something we are passionate about to preserve our precious lakes and landscapes.

“So, put all this together and Windermere Boat Show 2018 promises to be yet another fantastic event”, adds Mr Beaumont.

The boat show will take place between May 18-20.

Story courtesy of the Cumbria Crack

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