The PSP Southampton Boat Show – 11-20 September – opened with a record launch of 30 new boats…a breath-taking achievement in such difficult times. A host of top sailors will mingle among visitors during the show. They include Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Mike Perham, Geoff Holt, Hilary Lister, Ellen MacArthur, Dee Caffari, Mike Golding,and Ben Ainslie.

Almost 1,000 boats are on show with 500 exhibitors. National Boat Shows managing director, Andrew Williams said advanced tickets sales were 35 per cent up on 2008 a sure sign, he said, that ‘confidence has bounced back.’

As well as the latest new boats visitors can see craft as varied as the pilot cutter Jolie Brise, the very first winner of the Fastnet Race back in 1925, to the square rigger Caroline Allen -at 30ft the smallest tall ship in the world.

The popular features include the Try-a-Boat scheme including a Southerly 38 a J109 and Voyager 10. There is a make the fastest semaphore competition, try – a-dive with Andark in their pool and watch a search and rescue take place with the Coastguard. Don’t miss Yachting Monthly’s free downloadable Boat Show guide Here