The decision to move the show looks to be a very good one.
With 3 great shows under their belt the decision to move from the Weymouth Harbour side to Osprey Quay was a difficult one to make for the organisers but with stand bookings up by 50% on 2009 it looks like being the right one.
Show organiser for Osprey Marketing John Moyce said ” In some ways it was a difficult decision in others it was really something that had to be done if the show was going to continue to grow and offer our exhibitors and visitors the event they all wanted.
As we had great support from the Harbour team in Weymouth and with the Seafood Festival & the Maritime Modelling Festival on the same weekend we knew we would attract a good audience.
Moving to Osprey Quay the doubt was if the exhibitors would still book and could we get the visitors there. Well the exhibitors have certainly voted with their commitment on stand bookings along with the number of activities we will have both on land and on the water.”
Moving MarineEx to the first week of “Spirit of the Sea” which combined with the festival organisers making this, the first weekend of Spirit a Portland Events Weekend gives the opportunity to deliver two great weekends of family entertainment to the area’s residents and visitors and an ideal platform to promote the events on during the week.
With the new show area taking in Portland Marina & The Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy there is ample space to develop the show into a major event building up to 2012 and beyond.
By having a large free parking area available and with free admission it will be a great day out for all the family with plenty to do and see so a healthy number of visitors are expected but with such a large area it will not become too crowded that it spoils the enjoyment.
A key feature and one that is attracting a lot of interest and one of the core reasons for the move is “Try-A-Boat” something the organisers could not do in the harbour. Thanks to Dean & Redyhoff the Portland Marina owners making a large pontoon area available keen boaters will have the chance to try variety of different craft and those wondering if “boating” is something for them the ideal opportunity of trying the many options and finding out all about it in a very friendly relaxed atmosphere.
With July being a quiet time in the International sailing calendar many competitors are expected to take this time for some practise at the Sailing Academy. This will be a great way for visitors to understand a lot more about the different classes that will be racing in 2012 and may even be able to get to see who will be likely to be in “our team”
Dates for your diary are July 3rd & 4th Portland Marina & WPNSA, Osprey Quay, Portland, Dorset.
More information on stand availability and sponsorship opportunities can be found on the website. Check the website regularly for the latest information.
MarineEx is organised for Weymouth & Portland Marine Directory and Dorset Marine Network by Osprey Marketing Ltd and is part of Weymouth & Portland’s Spirit of the Sea Maritime Festival