4 highlights from the London Boat Show 2016

The 62nd annual London Boat Show started on January 8 and runs until January 17 at London's ExCeL.

The show was opened by Made In Chelsea actress Lucy Watson in what is billed as the biggest event in the show's history.

Lucy Watson said: “I’m thrilled to open the London Boat Show 2016 and can’t believe how much there is for people to see and do here. There are close to 400 boats to try out as well as other experiences and demonstrations throughout the ten day event.

"I’ve manned the winch of a sail boat and watched a Seabob demonstration at the huge indoor pool! Whether visitors are boating beginners or sailing experts, there’s definitely something for everyone to enjoy.”

The Sunseeker stand was opened by Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville, along with company founder Robert Braithwaite.

Sunseeker launched its new Sunseeker 131 yacht at their stand at the ExCeL after she was seen travelling up the Thames to attend the London Boat Show. At 40 metres the Sunseeker 131 is the largest yacht at the show and the Poole-based company has already taken orders for the first five.

Sunseeker reportedly took more than £14 million of orders in the first three days of the London Boat Show as customers ordered a range of yachts including two 26 metre superyachts.

Sunseeker has also been in the news recently as they look to hire new staff to help boost the introduction of new models in 2016.

The Princess 75 is the largest entry by the Plymouth based yacht builder at the London Boat Show. Designs were revealed last October but visitors to the boat show can now see the yacht in the flesh at the Princess stand.

Princess plans to reveal its new 30 metre M Class at the  Dusseldorf Boat Show at the end of January.

Land Rover BAR is well represented at the show, offering interactive sailing experiences and power grinder competitions to help spark interest. Sailors Nick Hutton and David 'Freddie' Carr spoke to visitors about the progress at Ben Ainslie Racing, with visitors able to gain a unique insight into the world of the  America's Cup.

The British team continues in its preparation for the challenge with racing in the Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series. For British fans who missed the racing at the Portsmouth event last summer, a second event in July will provide a second chance to enjoy the action.