SCOTLAND'S Boat Show At Inverkip This Weekend With Attractions On And Off Shore

THOUSANDS of visitors from all over the UK will head to Kip Marina, Inverclyde this weekend as the 33rd annual Scotland’s Boat Show takes to the water and shore with an unrivalled display of boats and attractions that places it in the forefront of the Scottish marine calendar. Opening on Friday (11 October), the three-day show -- the largest of its kind in Scotland and second largest in the UK -- promises something for everyone with an interest in the marine and leisure sectors. There will be displays of new and pre-owned boats to suit every taste and budget including new models making their Scottish debut. Visitors can explore a range of high quality pre-owned boats from Michael Schmidt & Partners. Roseann Sweeney of the brokerage said: “We will have a full display of boats for all budgets at Scotland’s Boat Show this year and there is great demand already from customers." In the new boat area, Inspiration Marine will have the spectacular Hanse yachts on display together with the latest addition to their portfolio, Ballistic RIB’s. These boats will be open to the public and there is the chance to book a demo trip. Sail enthusiasts can enjoy Swedish company Arcona’s cruising and racing offering. There will be a selection of new sail and powerboats from prestigious companies like DDZ Marine, Windermere Aquatic, Sunbird and Redbay. Marine Sales Scotland’s spectacular powerboat display expands again this year and promise boats for all budgets and interests including the latest stunning models from Quicksilver and Bavaria. Managing director Stan Prosser said: “Scotland’s Boat Show at Kip Marina has firmly established itself as the most important show in the North and continues to attract more visitors from all over the UK year on year, with Marine Sales Scotland similarly enjoying increased sales each show.” At the small boat area, Hartley Boats display of award-winning sport dinghies always attracts large numbers of visitors. Meanwhile,the ever popular RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Scotland pavilion showcases the latest marine and leisure products from UK wide companies and, with the aim of encouraging more people to get involved in boats and boating in Scotland for the first time, it’s also the base for free sessions on powerboats and RIBs under the expert eye of RYA Scotland’s instructor partner You and Sea Training. The 60-foot Clipper round-the-world race yacht Taeping will be open to visitors throughout the show and with the opportunity to step on board, get an up-close view of the accommodation and ask the crew questions. Back on shore, the Cruising Association are the new main sponsor of the popular stage and theatre in the RYA Scotland pavilion and they are presenting three days of entertaining and informative free lectures and presentations on topics ranging from expert advice on Sailing Round Britain to sampling fresh Scottish seafood. More under cover exhibition space is added for 2019 with the Inverclyde Pavilion becoming the venue for various marine and leisure exhibitors, sailing clubs and an expanded Kip Marina chandlery and outdoor clothing Store plus The Chartroom café. In the car and motorhome area, visitors can see the latest models from Porsche, Morgan and other prestigious manufacturers, luxury holiday homes from Cloch Caravans, and West Coast Harley Davidson's latest iconic motorbike models. The Caledonian MacBrayne Lifestyle Pavilion will be full of artisan craft and luxury goods exhibitors with everything from fashion to furniture, and there will be food and drink exhibitors in the adjacent West College Scotland Food and Drink Pavilion including seafood, baking and cheese form some of the country’s best producers. The pavilion will also host cookery demonstrations from hospitality students as they show off their skills using fresh Scottish produce. On Sunday, TV chef Nick Nairn presents three live demonstrations. Entertainment will include pipe bands, Inverclyde and Largs Rock Choirs and birds of prey from KG Hawks. There will be a food truck area and youngsters can enjoy the children’s play area. Holt Leisure managing director Gavin McDonagh said: “The Boat Show team have worked tirelessly to build on previous years’ successes and, together with our key partners and sponsors, we are delighted to have established Scotland’s Boat Show as the major event on the Scottish marine calendar for both our visitors and those involved in Scotland’s marine and tourism businesses." Admission is free. Car parking is £5 per vehicle.