On-water activity set to thrill crowds at British Motor Show

For the first time, National Boat Shows (NBS), organiser of the PSP Southampton Boat Show, and the London Boat Show, is showcasing action on the water at The British International Motor Show sponsored by Zurich Connect. The Marine Experience promises to thrill, excite and entertain with some stunning on-water displays to compliment the attractive line-up of boats on the marina. The event runs from the 23 July to 3 August at ExCeL London.

The spectacular entertainment will include a variety of activity all day, every day, throughout the event; from Racing Powerboats to Viper Jet Boats, alongside Head to Head Racing including Thundercats, Jet Skis, Offshore Circuit Race Boats, Wakeboarding, and RIBs.

NBS is also delighted to be welcoming Earthrace, the wave-piercing trimaran to English waters, following her attempted record-breaking circumnavigation of the globe. The boat, which runs on 100% biodiesel, is promoting the use of greener fuel in the boating industry, and will be gracing the marina for the entirety of the Show.

The first weekend of the Show will play host to the third leg of the National Thundercats Championship. This highly competitive, adrenaline-fuelled race will include the final six teams of the competition battling it out on a challenging ‘M’ circuit, including turn buoys and chicanes.

Thundercats are designed to plane quickly through the water, and can easily out-manoeuvre any other motor boat of a similar size. Reaching extreme speeds, and competing for ultimate glory, this dramatic race is sure to get the crowd going.

The newly-designed Viper Jet Boat brings rallying to the water. With a top speed of 60 mph, this demanding activity really tests the two-man crew’s agility, accuracy and bravado. Viper Jet Boats will be powering around the Victoria Dock throughout the duration of the Show, giving visitors the chance to gain a real insight into the sport which has brought a new dimension to powerboat design and affordable powerboat racing.

More high-speed action will come from the phenomenal Racing Powerboats, including the Hustler P1 Race Boat, F1 Circuit Boat and an Offshore Circuit Race Boat. Bringing state-of-the-art boats and deafening noise to the dockside, these are not for the faint-hearted!

After watching the experts in action, visitors will have the opportunity to get out on the water themselves with NBS’ signature feature, Try-a-Boat. A selection of the latest RIBs, powerboats and sailing boats will be on offer, under professional supervision. Everyone from beginners to self-proclaimed experts will be able to discover a bit of what boating has to offer through the Try-a-Boat experience for free.

The OnBoard programme encourages children aged 8 to 16 to climb on board a dinghy. Organised by the RYA in partnership with TEAMORIGIN, and supported by the British Marine Federation, this popular feature aims to get school kids out on the water and into boating.

Alongside the action, the superb Royal Victoria Dock will offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of boats over two areas. The general marina will host a stunning selection of boats of varying shapes and sizes, while the Ultimate Fleet will represent the pinnacle of luxury vessels.

The Show anticipates attracting over half a million people over its two-week duration. With over 600 cars, 60 marques, plenty of global premieres and interactive features, the Show promises something for everyone from car enthusiasts to families looking for an exciting day out.

Visitors can look forward to a range of exciting new features in addition to The Marine Experience including The Heritage Enclosure and Parade, Land Rover’s Ultimate Experience, Dreamscape: Honda‘s Live Action Arena, The CooperativeInsurance Greener Driving Pavillion & Electric Vehicle Villagein partnership with ACT ON CO2, The Motor Show Music Festival,and the PeugeotKids Driving School.

Tickets for the Show start at just £10 for an adult weekday pass and £6 for a child’s ticket. Tickets are available through the Show’s all-new website at britishmotorshow.co.uk or by calling 0871 230 5588.