Yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnson, right, together with the Leader of Liverpool City Council, Cllr Warren Bradley, on board the Zebu for the launch of The International Boat Show, which will be held in Liverpool _300
Dozens of would-be exhibitors were flown from Southampton and ferried by train from London to enjoy the city’s waterfront.
Sir Robin said: “The boat show will be staged in the very heart of Liverpool, in the magnificent surroundings of the Albert, Salthouse and Canning docks, the largest collection of Grade 1 listed buildings in Britain.
“It’s one of the most architecturally stunning waterfronts in the world. It’s all here, it’s just a matter of telling the world about it.”
Almost 2m people live within a half-hour drive of the Albert Dock and delegates were told how three attractions alone – the Maritime Museum, Tate Gallery and International Slavery Museum – already attract more than 2.5m visitors a year.
The first Liverpool Boat Show also has funding support from key agencies and cash from the European Regional Development Fund.
Organisers are expected to spend £750,000 on marketing.
Council leader Cllr Warren Bradley said: “We will all ensure the marketing, logistical and business support for this project is second to none.”
