The 2007 Southampton Boat Show, in association with ITV Meridian, opens tomorrow for its 39th spectacular year. Taking place in Mayflower Park, it is one of the country’s biggest boating events and showcases all new gear, boat designs, and various sailing celebrities.

Tall ship, HMS Bounty will sail past the show first thing at 09:30. Visitors are welcome to climb on board this historic vessel and learn more about the most infamous mutiny of all time, which saw Fletcher Christian take control of HMS Bounty more than 200 years ago.

Sir Keith Mills and Mike Sanderson of TEAMORIGIN will officially open the 2007 event at 11:00. During the launch of TEAMORIGIN they will exclusively reveal the talented team behind Britain’s forthcoming America’s Cup bid. They will also present the newly branded race training boat, set to help them on their way to victory in the oldest sporting trophy in the world.

After the launch, at 12:00, the entertainment in the Chinese Quarter will begin with a martial arts and weapons display to celebrate Beijing 2008. Nominations for the prestigious Raymarine/YJA Yachtsman of the Year and Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year awards open at 12:30. Dee Caffari (current Yachtsman of the Year) and Katie Miller (current Young Sailor of the Year) will be among those opening the nominations.

In addition, hundreds of exhibitors and sponsors will be filling the Mayflower Park. New boats and products will be making their world, european or UK debuts, while others will be announcing new initiatives and making presentations. All-in-all, there is sure to be plenty to entertain the show’s many thousands of visitors.