PBO editor Sarah Norbury attended press day and sent this report:

‘For old-time yachting journalists it was like coming home. As you walk in you see chandlery stands and sailing dinghies. Further along the central boulevard you find the pool where Hanse Yachts, J-Boats, Cornish Crabbers and Catamarans bob under the spotlights.

‘For Christmas shopping it’s great – lots of clothes and stocking fillers.

‘Don’t miss the the Raymarine education zone where you can sit at one of many chart plotters to play or get tuition from experts.

‘There’s atmosphere, beautiful classic yachts, and lots of small motorboats.

‘It’s not like the old Earls Court show. There are fewer stands, the upstairs gallery has only a photo and cartoon exhibition, and you’ll get round much quicker than you used to. But it’s the first year, and as one visitor said: ‘I admire the balls of the organisers to get this off the ground’

‘PBO’s verdict: we like it, well worth going ot have a look.’

Click here for more information on Earls Court Boat Show at www.earlscourtboatshow.com