According to James Gower, director of marketing for the British Marine Federation (BMF) and National Boat Shows (NBS), visitors to the 2007 show will get a completely revitalised visitor experience with the theme of "Island Nation".

"We have listened to feedback from exhibitors, media and visitors and have taken all of this on board, " said Gower.

"As a result, we believe we've created one of the most exciting London Boat Shows visitors will have ever seen."

The show will appeal to all marine enthusiasts, Gower added, as well as offering an unforgettable experience to new visitors.

The plans revolve around a series of interactive exhibits devised by consultant creative director Tim Pyne. These include "master classes" in knot tying, sail trimming, all the latest on antifouling and even cooking on board a moving boat, all under the guidance of marine experts.

There will also be interactive challenges, where visitors can test their boating skills in tasks such as who can change a boat's oil the quickest, or who can anchor their vessel correctly.

By popular demand, there will be sections for fishing and canoeing and the organisers say they hope to attract new audiences as well as boosting the profile of these important sections of the industry.

Special effects will be used to help enhance features.

Currently under discussion is the introduction of a special fog tunnel to help visitors learn about radar and navigation technology, providing real-life solutions, tips and advice.

Children and families alike will love the proposed Olympic hopefuls feature, which will offer help and advice on how to get out on the water, together with words of wisdom from the experts on how to become the next Ben Ainslie or Sarah Ayton.

The accent is heavily on what NBS calls "educainment".

The "usual" features also benefit from a heavy re-think, with the Guinness Bar now in the centre of the North Hall and surrounded by boats. And the Inland Waterways feature will take over the entire east end of the North Hall. There won't be a typical waterways pub, but reed beds are currently being grown to help bring the feature to life and bring the real feeling of the rural countryside to the heart of ExCeL.

"The vision behind the 2007 show was simply to reflect our impressive marine heritage, " said Pyne. "The show is a celebration of everything from seafaring skills to boat design and the sea. There will be something for everyone who has a passion for water, inland or coastal."

One thing missing next year will the East Hall. Its departure is a precursor to the longawaited development of ExCeL's Phase 2, which involves adding another few thousand square feet in a new hall.

To get all the marine exhibits from the East Hall into the main halls - and to make extra space for the special features - the exhbitors have agreed to an 8% cut in space. However, NBS has put space costs up by just under 5%.

Admission remains at £14 for adults, but the good news is children under 16 go free. And the catalogue will also be free.

"Where in the past the London Boat Show has been a great shop window for boat manufacturers, the 2007 show will offer an entire experience, reflecting our love of the water and our Island Nation heritage, " said Pyne.