Opal Marine, the sailing yacht subsidiary of Peters, Europe’s largest pleasure boats sales organisation, reported sales in excess of £8.6m for the duration of the Southampton Boat Show which took place from 14-23 September, with the number of boats sold up on last year by almost 12 per cent. The company’s portfolio comprises Bavaria, Island Pack and Hunter Legend range of sailboats.

Star performers at the Southampton Boat Show, according to the company’s new managing director Julian Gowing, who took over the post in July, were the Legend 356 and the Bavaria 32. “The new Bavaria 44 and the Island Packet also created a lot of interest,” Gowing told IBI.

The show also provided the first UK showing of the UK built Legend 306 bilge keel yacht. Gowing claims that the “feedback was superb” on the yacht built at Hunter’s newly opened Portland facility where in November production is set to begin of the Legend 356. “The small boat side of the business did well this year,” said Gowing. “We’re pleased we’re attracting newcomers to sailing. They will help feed our future growth when they look to upgrade in a few year’s time.”