OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC ATHLETES TO OPEN THE 2012 psp southampton boat show

The 2012 PSP Southampton Boat Show is aptly set to be a celebration of British ‘on water’ sporting prowess with Olympic and Paralympic athletes officially opening the prestigious 44^th Show. The athletes, who will carry out an Olympian cavalcade around the Show on Friday, 14 September, will then take part in the official ribbon cutting moment to mark the Show open.

The ‘on water’ athletes from both the British sailing and rowing teams, fresh from competing in this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, will come together for only the second time after the victory parade to open the Show at the Mayflower Complex at 11am. The opening, which will comprise grandeur that would be expected for such an assembly will see the official introduction of the Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes by National Boat Shows chairman David Pougher.

National Boat Shows Managing Director, Murray Ellis, comments: “The opening of the show is naturally fitting to this year’s PSP Southampton Boat Show. Great Britain triumphed in the ‘on water’ sports at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games – with the sailors and rowers winning 17 medals. To add to these incredible achievements, history was made within the sailing with Ben Ainslie winning his fourth gold medal and 2.4mR sailor, Helena Lucas winning Great Britain’s first ever full Paralympic Games medal.. This combined with what the Show has to offer highlights the potential for on-water sporting legacy in the UK.”

Sailing yachts, RIBS, motor cruisers, powerboats, racing dinghies, whether it has sails or an engine or requires man power there is a boat of every shape, size and budget to suit all Show visitors. Walk among the array of boats on land or take to the pontoons of the purpose built marina to see them afloat and to watch the daily boat parade which includes historical, innovative and spectacular vessels, Show visitors will be treated to some incredible sights.

Also at the Show on Friday 14 September will be Sydney 2000 Olympic silver medalists Mark Covell and Ian Walker, skipper of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing who will be launching Exposure Marine’s latest innovative products.

With the Show opening its doors this Friday, 14 September, we are set to see an action packed 10 day event. The Sea Kitchen Theatre will find TV chef Mark Sargeant demonstrating top notch seafood recipes. Interactive food attractions will continue with the Great British Oyster Festival with oyster expert Katy Davidson, as well as local chefs who’ll be cooking up a storm.

As always there is ample opportunity for visitors to get out on the water. Kids not only get into the Show for free with a paying adult*, but also have the chance to learn to sail with free 90 minute dinghy sailing sessions thanks to On The Water’s Get Afloat from Rockley Watersports.  Show visitors can also get under the water with Try-A-Dive, or try boating first hand with Try-A-Boat in association with onthewater.co.uk.

Ladies’ Day on Thursday, 20 September sees fascinators at the ready as attendees battle it out to be crowned ‘Best Dressed Lady’ whilst Team GB canoeist Lizzie Neave will be hosting the Ladies’ Day Challenge which will see some familiar faces compete on the water.