The rain clouds have, so far this morning, kept well away from Mayflower Park for the opening day (press and preview day) of the Southampton International Boat Show.

This 10-day event, situated on Southampton’s waterfront, is bigger than ever before with the introduction of additional ground space and an extended marina to berth many of the 1,000 boats on display.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy the delights the special beach feature where 300 tonnes of golden sand has been shipped in to the Solent area especially for the occasion. Sandcastle competitions, fashion shows, beach parties and lifeguard demonstrations will be the main attractions, apart from, of course, the famous Guinness Bar, which has shifted from its ‘usual’ position to the beach area.

One of the biggest events of the day has just (1100) taken place with the arrival of Sir Francis Chichester’s Gipsy Moth IV. This yacht made history in 1966/7 when she achieved the fastest solo navigation from Plymouth to Sydney and back via Cape Horn in just 274 days. At this morning’s show opening local celebrity Fred Dinenage and Mayor of Southampton Councillor Edwina Cooke were onboard to offically declare the show open.

Later on this afternoon visitors will have opportunity to catch up with Olympic gold medallist Sarah Ayton who’ll be present opening the Opal Marine/Bavaria Yachts stand.