Exhibitors at the 2009 PSP Southampton Boat Show are expressing optimism that the show could mark an upturn for the marine industry. Ticket sales are already 23 per cent ahead of last year’s take under two weeks before the doors open.

With 65 new products being launched at the show, Andrew Williams, MD of National Boat Shows said: ‘The indications are that the show will be the corner stone of an improving market for exhibitors to build on.’

John Charnley, chairman of Discovery Yachts said: ‘We’ve had a large number of customers show interest in viewing the new Discovery 67 which makes its world debut at the show, so we are expecting strong sales. Demand for the 55 remains strong and soon after the show we will be launching the new Discovery 50 catamaran.’