WORLD'S LARGEST YACHT AUCTION

The irresistible attraction of life on board a yacht may have scuppered some politicians recently but it is an attraction clearly felt by many English men. As an island nation, the sea is said to be in our blood– and there’s certainly plenty of our blood in the sea, from the many sailors who have been lost in its waters. But it continues to have allure, even for landlocked enthusiasts, and for those many men who harbour a secret dream of sailing off on their own craft, a London boat sale at the end of November provided a chance to make that dream a reality.

The world’s largest auction of boats took place at the Sail, Power and Watersports Show, staged at Earls Court. Over 100 boats, of all types and sizes, were featured, from 10ft sailing boats to 110ft ocean-going yachts, and this stunning racing beauty was just one of the stars .

The sale was organised by Boatbid.com, a subsidiary of Boatshed.com of the Yacht Brokerage Group, which has seen its system for the sale of secondhand boats develope successfully since it was trialed at last year’s Earls Court show.

“There are more second hand boats on the market than ever before,” reports Neil Chapman, md of Boatshed, “and BoatBid.com offers an exciting addition to the traditional yacht brokerage service we have been offering for 9 years.”

BoatBid.com provides pictures and details of every aspect of the boats for sale, with a gallery of up to 70 photos for each posted online for prospective buyers to check out prior to bidding.  All boats are offered subject to survey to make buying safe and easy –whether online or at the show.

At top, GBR, an America's Cup yacht, left the Alan Pape ketch,with a starting bid of £42,000, and below Birchwood, starting bid £2,900.

Also featured was the Yachtworld Brokers Village with a host of brokers offering boats at every level. Displays of classic and traditional wooden boats, including a replica of Sir Ernest Shackleton's James Caird, and an impressive collection of power boats, plus a Dinghy Zone, were just some of the many boating aspects to an event that aims to be enjoyable as well as comprehensive

It has grown considerably since last year's launch show, with many additions to its programme.  Check out www.earlscourt2008.com

FLOATING STAR AT CAR SHOW

Yachts captured the limelight at this year's Motor Show, where Sunseeker lined up an impressive array of floating treasures on the Thames, outside the Excel event. Visitors to the car show streamed out to dream over the gleaming vessels - and to place considerable orders.

“Customers considering buying the finest super cars are clearly also willing to invest in the opportunity to travel in luxury on water as well as by road." said David Lewis, director at Sunseeker London. "We were expecting interest but have been delighted that demand particularly in the current financial climes has not showed any sign of diminishing.”

The company is now processing orders worth over £4 million, including the '86 Yacht, which is the largest vessel pictured here, capable of 30 knots and sleeping 8. www.sunseekerlondon.com