A sunny Southampton Boat Show

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I had a great day yesterday at the Southampton Boat Show - and it even stopped raining for a bit!

In the morning, I joined Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Lady Pippa Blake, actress Kate O’Mara (known for her role in the ’80s TV series Howards Way) and powerboat racer Steve Curtis on the main stage to represent boating through the decades since the 1960s. It was really fantastic to see Suhaili, Sir Robin’s teak-hulled ketch on display - what a fine, sturdy-looking boat she is!

It was also nice to see all the Team GB Olympic sailors led onto the stage by Ben Ainslie - they were looking understandably tired - it has been a whirlwind couple of weeks for them - but in very good spirits.

I then had time to visit some of the stands and catch up with our sailing team sponsors, including Paul Honess at Marlow Ropes who has been doing some interesting development work with Yvan Joucla, our rigger on the BT Open 60, in preparation for the Vendée Globe.

I was also really pleased to go to Geoff Holt’s book launch. Geoff gave me a copy of “Walking on Water” when he kindly asked me to write the afterword for it and I have to say I couldn’t put it down. He really is the most amazing man and it’s a really incredible book. You must read it!

Ellen

7 comments have been made

  • Gordon James
  • 13th September, 2008

Much revered Ellen, I am 82 years of age & for the last 30 or so I have been building my version of a Sea Nymph, (which as you probably know was Tucker’s fore-runner to the Corribee, a boat you well know!!).
It has been a spare-time task & i am at the stage of looking for fittings & sailing gear & an inflatable tender. Your Blogg put me in mind of the show and it is only 40 miles away from here, I’m coming too !! All the best in your next venture, Gordon James

  • Zetta
  • 14th September, 2008

Hi Ellen,
I met you briefly at the Southampton boat show (I was the short one in the white t-shirt). I’m thirteen years old and you have helped reintroduce me to a dream I had almost given up on. To circumnavigate the globe by sail and hopefully be the one to beat your outstanding record. I have been sailing on my dad’s contessa 26 since I was four, a beautiful boat with an amazing and by some miracle oceangoing but slightly ropey with old sails and a few to many hundred layers on antifouling left on it has never really been in racing condition.
There was a man stood beside me and you asked if he was my dad who he wasn’t but he was so impressed by my confidence and wish to live the dream he has asked me to apply for a crewing position on a transatlantic voyage next year. It appears that the confidence you inspired in me has given me the opportunity to get a foot on the sailing career ladder.
Everything about you seems to inspire greatness in others. Whether it be the confidence to speak to your hero, inspiration to achieve goals sailing or otherwise or even the prevention of climate change. Keep up the amazing work Ellen.
Thanks for the inspiration,
Zetta.

  • moos moos
  • 15th September, 2008

I went on the Saturday, it was my first Southampton Boat Show. I must admit I loved it. You can really only get a taster in one day though, I reckon I saw about a 3rd of what there was to see.

I was delighted to see Suhaili standing in front of the main stage, a nice surprise. I wonder just how many people recognised her, she’s a real piece of modern maritime history but there was nothing to say what she was unfortunately (unless I missed it). Sounds bonkers but I kind of felt sorry for Suhaili sat high and dry. Most people seemed to ignore her or were just using her to shelter from the Sun (yes I said sun, glorious day it was too).

I hoped I would see an Open 60, never seen one in the flesh. Apparently despite the sleek lines and pretty graphics they are quite workman-like close up. Maybe next time.

Good day and family enjoyed it too, which is a bonus when you are dragging them a long way. Cheers

  • Guido
  • 16th September, 2008

Hi Ellen,

I ordered Geoff Holt’s book immediately but it is not available yet! But let’s not be impatient. :-)
At the moment I am watching the Extreme 40’s being put together over here in Amsterdam. Friday the iShares cup will start in the dock almost in front of my house and I am looking forward to seeing the boats speeding through the water between the buildings.
Sadly I will be abroad during the weekend so I can’t watch the actual racing, bad timing on my side.
Will you be visiting Amsterdam again like last year Ellen? Last year I read about your stay in Amsterdam only afterwards, it would be nice if I could catch a glimpse of you his time.

Cheers, Guido

  • Ellen
  • 16th September, 2008

Hi Guido, Good to hear that you have ordered Geoff’s book! Unfortunately I can’t make it to Amsterdam this time, but I can guarantee that there will be some great action! Ellen

  • Guido
  • 17th September, 2008

Ok, well, at least now I won’t miss both the races AND Ellen Macarthur by being abroad.
I’m sure there will be a lot of action, certainly with some olympic gold and silver medalists joining the crews, fantastic! I already saw the iShares cup commercial on our local television station AT5, great idea! This will guarantee a lot of spectators during the weekend I think.
Good luck with all your activities, especially with the trust!
Guido

Hi Ellen,
I had in mind to come to Southampton but I came back from Hurgada too late. The reason to come was to meet you (at least to see you on stage). I am you fan from the beginning of you carrear. Too bad, I’ll make it some other time. Ciao e buon vento, Roberto

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This is the personal Blog of me, Ellen MacArthur. I will be posting regular updates and news on my life and passions…

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