The 49th and last London Boat Show to be staged at Earls Court opened its doors this morning for the press and preview day. Typically the quietest day of the Show, press peruse the purpose of the latest hull scrubber, boat hook and oblong fender, whilst the serious boat buyer weighs-up the benefits of the fin keel against the shallower bilge. Seriously though, the first day of the Show is the best opportunity to take stock of the latest news.

The Island Sailing Club has announce d its sponsors for this year’s Round The Island Race. With as many as 1,800 entries each year, the race is the world’s largest. Since Hoya’s sponsorship ended in 2001, the Island Sailing Club has been unable to find a title sponsor. As ybw.com did last year, Haven Knox-Johnston has this year joined Red Funnel and Raymarine along with other related companies as minor sponsors. This year’s race begins on Saturday 21 June. Visit www.roundtheisland.org.uk for more information.

Volvo has announced their sponsorship and support of six of Britain’s top sailors for their Athens 2004 Olympic campaigns. The initiative named ‘Team Volvo for life’ works alongside yet another Volvo scheme, the ‘Volvo RYA Keelboat Sailing programme’. This programme, together with the RYA, aims to help young sailors make the transition from dinghy to keelboat.

More news will follow, along with a look at some of the new motorboats and yachts to make their debut at the Show.