Why is there only one Monopolies Commission?, runs the old joke, a joke which, perhaps, epitomises what being English is: having a sense of fair play. All enterprises are improved with competition: the Yin and Yan of capitalism. London was better served by the press when there was an Evening News as well as an Evening Standard; fares for flights across the Atlantic dropped when Freddie Laker flew against British Airways and , I believe, yachtsmen will be better informed and entertained by two London Boat Shows, rather than one.

Already the ExCel Show from 11-20 January, 2008, has produced a free and useful guide which includes an Underground map, A-Z of important streets around the Docklands and also a bigger map of Central London with streets, major attractions and rail links.

The Earls Court Show, meanwhile, from 1- 9 December, has lined up Strictly Come Dancing stars, rugby players and solo yachtsmen to open the show.

I think we are in for a bumper two months in the heart of the lay-up season and what’s more I’ll lay a serious wager that the overall effect will benefit the yachtsman and that winter in London will remain a two boat show venue.