Slight dip in visitor numbers from 2011; exhibitors report good sales
The PSP Southampton Boat Show drew to a close on Sunday, with only a slight dip in attendance over 2011 to 109,722 taking the gloss off what was otherwise a very upbeat event.
With this show marking the fifth anniversary since the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy and the start of the chaos that followed, it seemed that the British yards in particular finally had reason for genuine optimism.
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Fairline used the show to announce that it was back in the black, claiming “excellent sales” across the range and plenty of interest in its two new boats at the show, the Targa 62 and Squadron 60.
New Sealine boss Bill Griffiths said the company had stabilised after a tricky period since the company’s takeover by Oxford Investment Group last year, and was prepping for a big launch of a new F37 next year.
Sunseeker, meanwhile, released some positive financial results for 2010/11 at the start of the show, following Princess which had earlier published improved turnover for 2011, but a dip in profit due to investment in new facilities at its Plymouth base.
Murray Ellis, MD of organiser National Boat Shows, said: “The Show was filled with boats, products, equipment, everything a new or existing boat owner could need. The show hosted over 60 launches of boats and brands including 18 global unveilings.
“The show’s signature attractions have continued to drive visitors into the show along with new highlights for 2012. The PSP Southampton Boat Show continues to be a showcase of the marine industry that we can all be immensely proud of.”
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