Sports Listings: Plan Ahead: London International Boat Show

AS THE London International Boat Show reaches its 40th birthday next month, the emphasis remains as much on colour and entertainment as well as on a sales platform for the British marine industry. The show is not just for potential customers and serious sailors, but has plenty to offer the family and casual visitor. The 1994 show will be at Earls Court from 6 to 16 January.

This year's central feature is 'Sail Scotland' and the Olympic- sized pool will be transformed into the West Coast of Scotland from the Firth of Clyde to Argyll and the Islands with its working ferry. For the second year the Boating Information Stand will incorporate 'Start Boating', a service to encourage newcomers to sailing and watersports, and the expert advice is free.

Among the attractions the Royal National Lifeboat Institution will demonstrate its inshore rescue boat; there will be daily talks on a variety of boating topics and giant video screens will relay pictures from the third leg of the Whitbread Round the World Race.

The London Show is one the largest boat shows in the world. More than 600 exhibitors will show 800 craft and windsurfers. The latest electronic equipment, chandlery, holidays afloat, traditional wooden boatbuilding and crafts from our marine heritage are just part of the comprehensive display.

The show will also have two late evening openings, on Thursdays 6 and 13 January, to allow vistors time to view after work. Advance ticket prices at the reduced rate of pounds 6.95 per adult are available up to 20 December.

London International Boat Show, Earls Court, 6-16th January.

Earls Court, Warwick Road, London SW5 (Tel: 071-370 8311) is opposite Earls Court tube station (District and Piccadilly lines).

Opening times: 10am-7pm except for Thursday 6 and 13 January when the show remains open until 9.30pm. Sunday 16 January 10am-6pm.

Admission: pounds 7.50 adults daily. Two accompanied children under-16 admitted free, additional children pounds 4.95. OAPs pounds 4.95. Entry after 4pm pounds 4.95.

Advance bookings by credit card: Tel: 0483-418798.