LONDON'S loss could be Southampton's gain.

British Marine, which organises the London Boat Show has announced that 2019's event has been cancelled.

The company has said it is now ploughing all its efforts into the TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show 2018 to make "the most successful to date".

The decision to cancel the London event, due to have taken place at the ExCeL in January, was made after independent research by exhibition experts, Zing Insights, showed there was insufficient support from industry the show in its current format and location.

Research also showed visitor satisfaction in the London show was down and fewer sales were made.

David Pougher, president of British Marine, attended Friday's marine Advertising Agency (MAA) press lunch at Haslar Marina in Gosport.

He told the gathering: “You have my assurance that we'll do everything to showcase our products and create shop windows to promote the industry,” David said. “We’ve got lots to do but, collectively, we'll pull on one end of a rope together to make things better. Interest in TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show has already lifted. That’s going to be even bigger and Southampton will be premier showcase for our industry.”

he said that while London's event was in decline the Southampton show "produces a positive contribution to the industry, is well supported by exhibitors and visitors alike and is a highly successful event and we are now able to put all our energy, expertise and enthusiasm into this event.”

Last year's event brought 110,000 visitors to Mayflower Park

This year's Southampton show (September 14-23) will be the 50th.

New for 2018 will be TheYachtMarket.com Regatta “The regatta is going to be spectacular,” says Richard W. Robert, CEO of the sponsors. "We’re excited to be able to showcase yacht racing during the Show and will be inviting south coast businesses to take part; we will be releasing details soon on how to become involved."