Bloody February

for International TV Online: International TV Online !!

http://internationaltvonline.com/

Hehehe!

The Royal Marines' band played Rule Britannia on the first day of the London International Boat Show, though Britain is far from dominating the modern seas as hundreds of London-based, credit-crunched financiers no longer have a spare £11m to buy a yacht.

The Tullett Prebon boat show in Docklands featured fewer people than in previous years, as well as a smaller number of boats exhibiting in the water nearby, insiders said. “I've come here for the past 50 years and there are less people although the credit crunch doesn't stop people from window shopping,” said a retired solicitor, who owns and part-owns four boats.

Queues to see a £7.2m yacht painted in an £800,000 champagne metallic finish were rather short. The few viewers, however, were stunned at the vintage car kept inside the boat, the luxury en-suite bathrooms and the wooden deck bar area, with ample sofas and chairs.

Financiers whose bonuses have been cut or heavily-taxed, or those reliant on credit or quick money, didn't seem to be that well represented at the show.

“There's business around, but banks are still unwilling to lend, even if the client has very good collateral,” said a salesman of a luxury yacht maker, which sells between 10 and 30 multimillion- pound boats per year, around the world.

These luxury boats are now only available to those who have been careful with their money or didn't jump on the credit extravaganza of the past few years.

“I am still credit crunched, although I managed not to get ripped off by bankers,” said rock singer Danny Peyronel, who lives in the South of France. “I stuck to property, and when bankers came offering products, I just said no.”

The cocktail bar near the most expensive boats was almost empty and waitresses in elegant 1920s-style black dresses were idle surrounded by uncorked bottles of champagne.

The other half of the show, offering cheaper sailing boats, was much busier, with visitors seeking components, canoes, or other gadgets such as watches or Peruvian hats.

“We've come here to look for a propeller,” said a customer who didn't want to give his name. “Most people come here to get bits and pieces.”

This sailing community hasn't shed many tears at the loss of some of the big boat owners. “Those who don't fit, don't last long – they crash and they have a tendency to tell people how much money they have, that's boring,” said the retired lawyer. He said he can maintain his four boats despite the recession because he is “financially organised”.Chris Payne, a consultant from Devon, with his teenage son, was looking at a £4m yacht, although they planned to buy a second hand £60,000 boat in two years' time, when school fees will come to an end: “The worst thing is living without a dream, otherwise, what's the point?”

Tournament director Craig Watson expressed his disappointment, but wished
Henin all the best in her recovery.

“I am sorry that Justine won't be in Sydney this year. She is a three-time
champion of the event and I know she was very much looking forward to
playing at the Medibank International Sydney,” Watson said.

“She has played some amazing tennis in Brisbane this week and we wish her all
the best for the Australian Open. We have nine of the top 10 women in the
world playing, as well as Sam Stosur and Casey Dellacqua, so we are set for
an outstanding week of women's tennis.”

The Sydney International begins today with defending champion Elena Dementieva
in action against Francesca Schiavone.

Source: Universal TV Channels

I hope I can write more than just this 1 post keke !!