Beale Park 2010

[Julian Swindell]

Did anyone else go to Beale Park last weekend? I was there on Saturday and was very impressed by the hull of the new Bayraider 17. I think it will be a lovely boat, very popular with families and single handers. I also thought the Nigel Irens designed BJ17 from Holland was glorious, but it would be a bit scary in a blow.

I wasn't so impressed by the show itself. It just hasn't changed in the last three years. I love Newfoundland dogs, but I don't really want to see them perform yet again. The novelty of a small submarine with dog on the deck wears thin after a few repetitions. They need to renew it somehow.

[Jeremy]

I was there on Saturday, too, but similarly was not too impressed with some aspects of the show.  It seems to be a show that lacks a strong theme, that does not really know whether it is a boat show or a tourist attraction.  Certainly it seemed that the manufacturers were tucked away as a bit of an afterthought, rather than the core of the show.

I found the rest of the show layout a little odd and the lack of real boat related exhibitors a bit annoying, as I was hoping to buy a few bits and pieces.  However, the lake was always busy and there was a good range of interesting boats on the water.

Having said that, my wife enjoyed some of the non-boaty exhibitors stands, and the basic amenities were OK.  It was a good opportunity to chat with Nick and Matt about matters electric as well, especially as my electric Winsome hull is almost ready to collect..............

Jeremy