Fine weather brought out the crowds, with more than 112,000 visitors descending on Mayflower Park for the PSP Southampton Boat Show
For the second successive year, the PSP Southampton Boat Show has recorded an increase in visitors, it has been announced.
The ten-day event, which ran from 12-21 September, featured a strong exhibitor list and fine weather, leading to swelling crowds.
Although an exact figure has not yet been confirmed, the organisers believe that more than 112,000 people attended, marking an increase on the 111,963 who visited in 2013.
Among the multitude of new boats making their debut at the show were the Sealine S330, the Princess 68, the Sunseeker Manhattan 65 and the Prestige 420.
Opportunities to get out on the water were plentiful, with an estimated 10,000 showgoers getting the chance to drive a motorboat or sail a yacht.
Celebrity cameos on the first day included The One Show host Matt Baker who opened the show after arriving on tall ship Pheonix with Andrew Simpson Foundation ambassador and Olympian Iain Percy OBE.
Later on, Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman and F1 pundit Eddie Jordan officially opened the Sunseeker stand, and the crowd was treated to the operatic stylings of Amici Forever.
What’s more, the Boat Show Eye (pictured above) gave visitors a chance to view Mayflower Park and the marina from 110ft up. Priced at £3 per ticket, the new attraction proved highly popular.
Murray Ellis, managing director of organisers National Boat Shows said: “The weather has been glorious and spirits have been high, once again confirming the PSP Southampton Boat Show as one of the world’s leading boat shows.”
Looking ahead to 2015 and Beneteau has confirmed its attendance at the London Boat Show (9-18 January). The French manufacturer will be making its first appearance in four years.
Jean Francois Lair, Beneteau Export Manager, says: “Over the last ten days at Southampton, we have clearly noticed an uplift in the market. The sales figures are up, and all our dealers are reporting a stronger interest compared to last year.
“In this improved market, we are pleased to announce that Beneteau will return to the London Boat Show in January 2015.”
Subscribe to the print version of MBY
Subscribe to a digital version of MBY
