Alongside the gleaming cars and loud engines, young sailors and fast motorboats took to the water at the British International Motor Show at ExCeL.

The Marine Experience, a new venture organised by National Boat Shows, debuted on Tuesday 22 July in blazing sunshine. Alongside 20 global car launches from the likes of Vauxhall, Renault, Ford, Honda, SEAT, Lotus, Bentley and Alfa Romeo, the on-water demonstrations throughout the day gave the gathering international media a glimpse of the action that will continue throughout the show.

Marine exhibitors proudly displayed their craft of varying shapes and sizes from personal watercraft, RIBs, dinghies and sail boats through to Sunseekers.

Exhibitors include Moody Yachts, Sunseeker London, Pearl Motor Yachts, Glastron UK, Gibbs Marine Sales, Bates Wharf Marine Sales, Walton Marine, Cranchi, Ribeye, Honda Marine, Yamaha, Wittey Marine and the RYA.

Andrew Williams, Managing Director of National Boat Shows said: “The Marine Experience, and our partnership with the organisers of the British International Motor Show, is a great opportunity for the marine industry to showcase itself in an amazing on-water location at a great time of the year.The show runs until Sunday 3 August 2008 at ExCeL London.

“It gives us the chance to bring boating at all its many levels, to a whole new audience.

“We’re delighted with the offering we, together with the industry, has put on here at the Motor Show and we look forward to welcoming many visitors down to the dockside over the next 12 days and encouraging them to get out on the water with Try-a-Boat and RYA’s OnBoard.”

The doors open to the public on Thursday 24 July and the Show runs until Sunday 3 August 2008 at ExCeL London.

To book your ticket visit the Marine Experience website