SUPERCARS, luxury yachts and a helicopter swept into Inverkip yesterday to launch the build-up to next month’s boat show.

Scotland’s Boat Show is the biggest of its kind in the country and takes place at Kip Marina from 11 to 13 October, with the 2013 extravaganza featuring the largest and most action-packed line-up of events, activities and things to do yet.

Organisers yesterday welcomed a £240,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom convertible, £500,000 Sealine 43 yacht and a £1 million helicopter to Inverkip to give a flavour of what to expect over three days of the event.

The spectacular event will be the biggest in the show’s illustrious 28-year history as it takes to the land, air and sea for the first time.

Almost 12,000 visitors, from the UK and further afield, descended on the village 12 months ago and organisers are expecting another record crowd this time.

Among the star attractions will be 78-foot racing yacht Drum, once owned by 1980s pop icon Simon Le Bon, and now in the hands of motoring tycoon Sir Arnold Clark.

Visitors will also be able to head out for bird’s-eye views of the boats on helicopter rides, take to the water on sailing boats or stay on the ground and browse round the massive marquees featuring a farmer’s market and craft stalls.

Gavin McDonagh, managing director of Kip Marina owners Holt Leisure Group, said: “Due to the success of the show and the year-on-year growth of the attendance figures, the response from exhibitors has been overwhelming.

“This year will see the record numbers of new and pre-owned boats on display.

“The whole ethos of the show is to draw people to the marina and Inverclyde and it’s the area’s only annual, national event.” There will be exhibitors from all over the UK and Ireland and visitors can view new boats from top manufacturers plus a range of over 100 pre-owned craft from £500 dinghies to £1 million luxury yachts.

Cumbernauld-based Heli Air Scotland will offer aerial tours and back on the ground a whole host of fancy cars, including Rolls-Royce models from Murray Motor Company in Edinburgh, will be on display.

Rolls-Royce will also be premiering its brand new Wraith model for the first time in Scotland.

Scotland’s Boat Show 2013 opens each day at 10am and admission is free, with more information available at www.scotlandsboatshow.co.uk