The UK’s best 'indoor' outdoor show

For those who can remember that far back, the event was often known simply as the Birmingham Show. However, diversification added extra syllables to the name, and by last year it had become the National Boat, Caravan & Outdoor Show - so September saw it rebranded simply as the Boat & Caravan Show.

This year’s event consists of over 560 exhibiting companies offering visitors’ the first opportunity to see the latest 2010 products from leading outdoor manufacturers.

Talk of doom, gloom and the recession were sidelined last year, when over 96,384 (84,423 visitors and 11,961 exhibitors) walked through the doors. Further, this year’s show may have timing on its side: Ms Dodd says ‘Fortunately, the recession hasn’t affected us as much as other sectors although the outdoor sector was the first one to be hit – it also looks like being the first one to come out the other side.’

The show has possibly even gained something from the economic troubles. It seems that the weaker pound has put off those people who would normally be heading for Spain. ‘Much of the outdoor market has found it to be a blessing in disguise’ adds Ms Dodd.

So, the downturn has meant that there seems to be more determination to make something of the Great British family holiday: we can’t count on the sunshine of Greece after all. But it’s possibly also gained from the many people who are working that bit harder to keep afloat, making family time more of a premium activity. All of which plays into the show’s aim to both inspire people as well as giving them a good day out – even though the weather’s still pretty chilly outside.

Boats & Marine Products (Hall 1) is once again sponsored by Motor Boats Monthly. This section of the show features the biggest UK indoor boat display, covering 14,010 square metres of floor space – and is pretty much filled up with exhibitors even at time of writing.

Latest craft
Highlights include over 250 of the latest craft of all kinds, from narrowboats to jet bikes and kyaks. The indoor marina will feature the latest 35 – 50ft luxury motor yachts and of course there will be the usual celebrity appearances. This year they include celeb chef James Martin who will be at the show on Thursday 25 February to offer tips and demonstrations from the new Cooking Theatre (I am reliably informed that some of the women may come over all pink and flushed without even being close to the stove). Julia Bradbury - the non-fluffy presenter from the Beeb’s country programmes - is also going to make an appearance.

As last year, the marina inside the boat hall has been reserved for the bigger yachts, which means visitors can get up close and personal with the luxury end of the market.

Despite the heavy costs of transport and insurance it seems that it is a strategy that still works for some, with one company selling a luxury yacht on the first day of the show last year. As to how many exactly will be at the event, Ms Dodd says that although more boats are going to be on show than in previous years, you never know how many will actually make it, citing moving costs as something the exhibitors will factor in against the possible sales.

One important element in its favour is at least that it is UK central – and not just one more south-centric show, while still keeping within an M1 hop of London.

There are a few new vessel launches planned too, and while not as many as its rivals in Southampton or London, at least the NEC event holds up its end as far as diversity is concerned. For example the new Haines 35 Sedan Offshore with its twin Yanmar 180hp engines is coming to the show, while not too far away the New Boat Company, specialist builders of waterway boats and Dutch barges, will be launching its brand new Mark 2 Manhatten narrowboat at the event, along with the new Canterbury model.

J & MW Yachts will be exhibiting the S-700. This is an elegant yacht with a 23ft lifting keel which helps to give the vessel versatility in coastal waters. In addition, it boasts great handling properties and a really comfortable interior.

Also with coast sailing in mind, Botanote will be bringing the Interboat 22 Xplorer, a sloop with the comfort of a small cabin cruiser that has been approved for coastal waters. Fitted with a full galley sit also has a chemical head (which can be upgraded to a full flush toilet) and waste tank. This entire area becomes private with the additional bulkhead and canopy in position.

Packable end
At the smaller, packable end of the market, the PortaBote from Intra More is a take-anywhere boat which folds flat to just 4 inches, making it ideal for the mobile sportsman. The boat folds out almost like origami for use, while its neatly folded size and light weight means it gets to those hard-to-reach places without a slipway or trailer.

Further, if it is fun you want (although a bit scary in my book) Blokart’s affordable, mini land-yachts definitely have it – although not strictly boats as they are more like a three wheeled racing go-cart with a sail. These also stow away into very little space and can be taken and run on the beach, given enough space. They are being marketed as ‘one of the most interactive adrenalin sports on the planet’. Well, they can reach 50mph so I guess you would have to make sure of your environment – and the local hospital.

Gaining in presence is the growing environmental side of the market: Goodchild Marine will be showing two exciting new boats from its ‘green’ range: The Aqua X-Plore 870 electric-driven launch is designed for quiet exploration of broads, lakes, rivers and shallow waters that are difficult to access in any other sort of craft – ideal for bird-watching, wildlife photography or fishing. Mixing traditional style with innovation, the Otter 26 Classic has been fitted out in varnished mahogany while also being powered by a modern, quiet electric motor.

For those who want to get the most from other water-sports, Midlands Nautique will be launching the groundbreaking Ski Nautique 200, available with an open or closed bow. The company are marketing it as the ultimate three-event tournament ski boat: however, it is just as suitable for slalom and trick skiers.

Helping UK holidays along, MDL Marinas has a couple of recession-beating offers, and the company will be offering information about its extensive facilities including the benefits of MDL’s ‘Club Outlook’ at the show. This runs to 50% off boatyard services and up to 30 night’s visitor berthing at any other UK MDL marina. The company reckons that taking advantage of these benefits could mean savings of £800 to £1,500 per year.

There are a range of boating holidays available for those who can’t quite afford or don’t want the bother of owning a boat themselves but still like the idea of messing about on the water. A host of companies are offering boat hire and skippered holidays across the UK and Europe, which span all the way from the Norfolk Broads to the Lagoon of Venice. These holidays have been carved out to cater for various niche markets – from romantic weekenders to whole-family summer vacations.

Competitions
Backing this up, the Norfolk Broads Trust has a couple of competitions on offer. The prizes are short breaks – either for two, (this includes a romantic dinner so you don’t really have to come out of the cabin unless you want to) or for the whole family – which more pragmatically includes lunch, a very good idea indeed for families with kids.

On the activities side, there is to be free canoe and kayaking lessons on a special indoor pool. Ms Dodd tells me that this copes happily with four or five boats at a time, and apparently it is deep enough to try a roll (if you can face the rest of the show in wet clothes in February).

Another show activity that should be really popular is the offer of free 20 minute scuba sessions: fully PADI trained instructors will fit you out with a wet suit and take you through a taster session, which might be just enough to get a few people hooked.

Lastly, the Inland Waterways Association has its 60th birthday celebration. Realising that if you reach the coming generation, you get a convert for life, (well, a longer life than present company anyway) the IWA is looking at raising its profile, especially for families and children.

All in all, the show looks like being a lot of fun, as well as being the best indoor outdoor exhibition that side of the M25.