Boat show exhibits

Amongst the local companies launching new products is Rival Bowman whose new Starlight 46 Cruising Yacht was built at Southampton's Ocean Quay.

With more than 170,000 visitors expected over the nine days, it's hoped business will be brisk.

Final touches to the exhibits

Amongst the other attractions is the unveiling of Pete Goss's newest vessel - the Atlantic Spirit. Goss is bouncing back after the failure of his £4 million Team Phillips catamran which was lost at sea. His new boat hopes to race in next summer's Atlantic Row.

But the show is outgrowing its venue at Earls court and the largest boats - like Sunseeker's 100 foot superyacht - are simply too big to fit in.

The lack of space is one of the reasons why the show's moving to the Docklands in 2004. Until then, the show will be the usual round of gleaming decks, polished chrome and high price tags.