I have had the pleasure of experiencing first-hand the city of Liverpool’s sheer love of yachts and all things connected to the sea through my association with the Clipper Round the World yacht race and as former Patron of the City of Liverpool’s Year of the Sea.

So I am genuinely delighted that the city and – by extension – the whole of the North of the United Kingdom is getting the kind of boat show which it deserves. We have assembled a superb Steering Group of major manufacturers and influential figures from the boating community from all over the North West, Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

We will all use our experience and network of contacts to help guide Liverpool in creating an event with unique appeal to both serious boating enthusiasts and would-be new participants.

The Liverpool Boat Show 2011 will be the first of what promises to be one of the most spectacular events of its kind – not just in the UK but in the whole of Europe. Join me in one of the world’s great maritime cities for an unforgettable experience.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

The Steering Group