Published on: 27 April 2023
April showers did not dampen spirits at this year’s London Luxury Afloat, which came to a close on Saturday (22 April).
The boutique style show saw some of the finest luxury sail and motor yachts come together at the historic St. Katharine Docks, London for the five-day event (18-22 April) providing discerning boat buyers with a unique opportunity to view a line-up of exquisite luxury yachts right in the heart of the city.
“We were delighted to be back at St Katharine Docks supporting the luxury yacht market with an event tailored to their respective buyers and despite less-than-ideal weather conditions everyone came together to really make the most of this year’s show,” commented Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine. “With visitor numbers up on last year, it shows there is an appetite for a show such as this in London.”
To officially get the show underway F1 aficionado and TV personality Eddie Jordan was joined by Oyster Yachts CEO Ashleigh Highfield, Christopher Head, group sales director of Sunseeker London, Alan Knight, brand ambassador for Princess Yachts, Paul Atkins, St Katharine Docks marina manager and Lesley Robison, CEO and Paul Gullett, president of British Marine, organisers of London Luxury Afloat, to cut the ribbon and mark the show open.
With St. Katharine Docks providing the perfect backdrop for the show, with its many boutique bars and restaurants, visitors and guests were privy to a spectacular line-up of luxury craft from leading yachting brands including Sunseeker, Oyster, Princess, Azimut and Falcon.
While shoreside, to complement the impressive line-up of yachts, were a number of selective displays featuring smaller craft including the Bayliner VR6, Beneteau Antares and the Beneteau Flyer, plus the RAND 28 and RAND Spirit 25. Displays of other products and services included International Yacht Sales and Brokerage company MGM Boats, Shawbury Wine, Talos Vehicles, as well as Bentley Motors, the exclusive Luxury Automotive Partner for the event.
Visitors were also able to take advantage of the show’s floating bar, where they could sit back and enjoy a glass of champagne and contemplate which yacht they would like to buy.
“It was fantastic to welcome London Luxury Afloat and the British Marine team back to St Katharine Docks, an IGY Destination, for a second year. We understand that this year’s show was a huge success and we look forward to hosting the 2024 event. St Katharine Docks situated in the heart of London provides a superb backdrop for luxurious sail and motor yachts and it is an honour to partner with large event organisers, British Marine, and its stakeholders,” commented Paul Atkins, St. Katharine Docks marina general manager.
“I would like to extend my thanks to all our visitors, exhibitors and dealers, our wonderful show sponsors, Bentley Motors, Motorboat and Yachting, Yachting World and of course our spectacular venue hosts, St. Katharine Docks for their help and support in bringing the show together, without whom there is no show,” British Marine CEO Lesley Robinson concluded.
What the exhibitors said:
Christopher Head, sales director, Sunseeker London Group – “As the second London Luxury Afloat draws to a close, we will reflect on a great few days where we have seen many familiar faces and new prospects. We had a fantastic line up of Sunseeker boats, partnership with Whispering Angel and our brilliant team which always put on a great show.”
Richard Gibson, Oyster Yachts sales director, UK and Ireland – “Oyster had another successful London Luxury Afloat, with the Oyster 495, 565 and 595 on show. With a full visitor book, excellent attendance and strong interest across the fleet, visitors experienced first-hand Oyster Yachts at its best, with their meticulous finish and attention to detail.”
Alan Knight, Princess Motor Yacht Sales – “It was a pleasure to be part of the London Luxury Afloat boat show and to be able to bring Princess Yachts to the heart of London against the beautiful backdrop of St Katharine Docks. We enjoyed welcoming customers and press on board and in particular hosting the live Sky News interview with British Marine’s CEO, Lesley Robinson, from the cockpit of our sleek Princess S62.”
Richard Bates – managing director, Bates Wharf Marine – “London Luxury Afloat in the heart of London, next to the Tower of London, in the magnificent St Katharine Dock, it’s brilliant! It’s been a great show, in an iconic venue.”
Mark Pascoe – CEO and director, Falcon Tenders – “London Luxury Afloat has been another busy show for Falcon Tenders, meeting yacht designers, project managers, brokers, and owner’s representatives here in London. This location in central London is the perfect venue for a high-end brand such a Falcon. We have also taken advantage of the iconic London skyline for a unique photo shoot to reinforce our truly British brand and team of artisans.”
London Luxury Afloat will return to St Katharine Docks in Spring 2024. Look out for more information coming soon!
London Luxury Afloat was brought to you by British Marine, the team behind the hugely popular Southampton International Boat Show.
