De Boer supplies to the 2007 Southampton Boat Show

De Boer has provided a wide range of facilities to the 2007 Southampton Boat Show – the biggest event of its kind in Europe – which was officially opened on Friday, September 14.

Up to 150,000 visitors are expected to visit the show in Southampton, during the ten-day-long event with nearly a thousand boats of all shapes and sizes for sailing fanatics to view or even try out.

The show, worth an estimated £500 million to the UK economy, includes multi-million-pound super yachts, cruisers and state-of-the art power boats down to single-sail dinghies.

HMS Bounty, the legendary tall ship which had a starring role in the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, completed a sail-past along Southampton Water beside the show ground to signal the start of the 39th annual boat show.

Brackley-based De Boer provided two of the giant exhibition areas on the site, the 3,000 sq metres Ocean Hall and 2,250 sq metres Windward Hall. The temporary halls are situated near three kilometres of purpose-built marina stretching out into Southampton Water where more than 370 boats are moored.

De Boer also supplied lounge and kitchen facilities for the Royal Southampton Yacht Club and a range of structures to form Hospitality units on the marina to First Aid stations. In addition the company also provided numerous structures for some of the 600 private exhibitors taking part in this year’s event.

UK Sales Director John Cochrane said: “The Southampton Boat show is the most prestigious event of its kind in Europe and De Boer is delighted to be part of such a world-famous event. This is the fifteenth successive year we have worked as a supplier to the show, reflecting our excellent working relationship with the event’s organisers.”

Murray Ellis, Director of Operations of National Boat Shows Ltd, agrees with the excellent working relationship. He said: “It is the understanding of the event and what is required by De Boer that contributes to the success of the Show.”


PHOTO NOTE: A digital image of one of De Boer’s structures in use at the Southampton Boat Show is attached. The image shows a temporary exhibition hall in position beside the Southampton waterfront.