Earls Court is gearing up to play host to the world's best known Boat Show for the final time from 2-12 January 2003(the show is moving to ExCeL in January 2004).

The 49th London Boat Show promises to be the best ever and hopes to attract over 170,000 visitors from the UK and abroad to view the ultimate in boating.

As always, the show will feature a spectacular array of world-class boats to cater for watersports enthusiasts of all ages. Visitors will be able to feast their eyes on boats large and small from top of the range luxury dream craft to affordable entry-level dinghies.

The 14.5 acres of exhibition space at Earls Court will once again include the indoor pool which will form the central focus of the show with 19 boats afloat. For those wishing to keep to dry land, there will be over 600 exhibitors offering boating enthusiasts of all levels advice on everything from boating finance to safety gear, boating engines to marine electronics, together with information on boating schools and training courses.

The largest selection of marine clothing will be on display together with the first pick of the new season's boating and water sports holidays for 2003. The famous Guinness bar which this year saw visitors consume over 57,000 pints of Guinness, makes a welcome return together with over 20 bars, cafes and restaurants including high street brands such as Pizza Express, Pret a Manger and Soup Opera.

The show will open from 10 am until 7 pm everyday, except on Thursday 9 January when it will be open until 9.30 pm and Sunday 12 January when the show will close at 6 pm.