A AND S WHITEWOOD say...congratulations to the readers of the IW Beacon magazines, who were lucky enough to win pairs of tickets giving them free entry to this year’s PSP Southampton Boat Show. The event got underway on Friday, when Olympic gold medals for sailing were the order of the day.
Team GB sailed into the boat show on board Ecover, docking at the Hydropool Marina where the team performed the official opening of the 40th annual show. Aiding Team GB at the opening ceremony were others who have opened the show in the past, including Sir Robin Knox-Johnson, Lady Pippa Blake, Dame Ellen MacArthur, Steve Curtis and actress Kate O’Mara.
Last June, a number of powerboats took on the challenge of the Round Britain Powerboat Race. Race director Mike Lloyd was also present at the show on Friday, to present the fastest R.I.B. with its prize. Co-pilot James Sydenham and navigator Henrik Sollie received the trophy on behalf of the Lionhead team. Over ten legs of the 1600 nautical mile race, No.22 Lionhead had an aggregate time of 21 hours 56 minutes 42 seconds. Mike Lloyd also helped organise the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes Powerboat race this year.
Last year saw the R.N.L.I rescue 7834 people, saving 306 lives. There are R.N.L.I. boats on the Island at Yarmouth, Bembridge and Cowes. Director of Fundraising and Communications David Brown said it was an expensive operation, costing the charity £340,000 per day.
Among the well-known boats on show are Jeanie Johnston, Hot Socks, Spirit of Mystery and Lively Lady. These and much more will be on display at the National Boat Shows and British Marine Federation show, in and around Mayflower Park in Southampton until 21 September 21st.