The event is Ireland's first on the water boat show and also presents the largest showcase of boats ever shown at a Boat Show in Ireland. Up to 180 boats will spread their sails across the marina varying in sizes from 10 foot craft to an 82 foot Sunseeker luxury cruiser and the total value of boats on display will be in excess of an estimated 35 million.

The Lombard On The Water Boat Show follows on the huge success of 2005 Allianz Direct Boat Show, also an IMF event.

The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) is the national organisation representing both commercial and leisure sectors of the marine industry in Ireland. Organising Boat Shows enables the IMF to promote the image of the industry. The 2005 event was the 23rd Irish International Boat Show organised by the Federation.

"There is an increased awareness of the importance of marine leisure by the Irish public and we welcome Lombard, who have made the boating dream a reality for so many of our customers, as title sponsors of this year's On the Water Show", says Brian O'Sullivan, chairman of the Irish Marine Federation.

"Marine activity is one of Ireland's fastest growing leisure sectors and this new show is designed to meet the needs of the large boating public in Ireland. The Lombard On The Water Boat Show will provide a unique opportunity for the boating enthusiast to see for the first time in Ireland the greatest number of large boats in the range 35' to 80' plus on display. The show will compliment the IMF's main Boat Show event held every two years in the RDS."

"As Ireland's leading provider of marine asset finance, Lombard is delighted to be the sponsor of the 2006 On the Water Boat Show. The marine industry is continuing to experience significant growth and the show provides a valuable opportunity to give it the platform and profile it deserves. We look forward to what promises to be an exciting and highly productive event for both participants and visitors alike", says Jimmy Connellan, head of Lombard Ireland.

Lombard is Ireland's largest dedicated asset finance company, arranging finance for marine leisure vessels, from motor cruisers to sailing yachts. Lombard also finances a wide range of other assets, including light aircraft, cars, trucks, plant and machinery . . . with market leading positions in many of these sectors.

Marine activity is one of Ireland's fastest growing leisure sectors and with Ireland's 6,200 km of coastline and 800 km of navigable inland waterways marine activities are easily accessed. More than 50,000 people participate in marine leisure activities on an average summer weekend alone.

The Lombard On The Water Boat Show will appeal to people with new or current interest in boating activities. In addition to the array of boats on display the show will feature a range of ancillary exhibitors covering clothing to chandlery and electronics to training schools and holidays afloat.

Alongside the fantastic selection of more than 170 boats showcased on the water and the 40 land based exhibitors there will also be water based demonstrations taking place daily. From local team-sailing events to water-skiing and wakeboarding demonstrations from European champions as well as RNLI safety demonstrations the daily programme will be very varied. The show will also feature daily water-skiing and wakeboarding demonstrations by Mastercraft and high speed races run by ZapCat on the bank holiday Monday.

To keep updated about the On The Water Boat Show why not join The Boat Show Club? The club is designed to keep boating enthusiasts up to date with all that will be happening at the Irish Marine Federation Boat Shows. First launched at the 2005 Allianz Direct RDS Boat Show, the Boat Show Club is now live in anticipation of the first ever Lombard On the Water Boat Show. Boat Show Club members receive regular e-zines keeping them up-to-date with what is happening at the show, including new exhibitors and special show offers. Members also receive complimentary or discounted admission tickets.

To join the club log on to http: //www. expoevents. com/boatshow/members_registration. htm.

Whether you are a sailing enthusiast, in the market for a boat, would like information on water-based holidays or are dabbling with the idea of getting involved in marine leisure, a visit to The Lombard On The Water Boat Show is a must.