THE countdown is on for Southampton's Boat Show spectacular and organisers are bracing themselves for a record turnout.

The ten-day bonanza kicks-off this weekend with a host of new attractions on display alongside favourites from the past.

Bosses believe attendance figures could be up from last year's total of 138,000 after selling a record number of advance tickets.

It will feature one of the world's largest purpose-build marinas with over two kilometres of pontoons to accommodate around 300 boats.

More than 600 exhibitors will be showing off state-of-the-art products and the latest nautical designs.

James Gower, one of the organisers, said: "The boat show in recent years has been going from strength to strength.

"Three years ago we had 108,000 visitors, then 125,000 visitors and last year it was up to 138,000.

"Everyone involved in the show is just itching to get down there and there's a lot of excitement and it would be great to beat last year's total. The reason why we think it's growing so rapidly is that naturally there's things for the real enthusiasts but there's also attractions for families as well."

Among the highlights at the show, which runs from September 12 to 21 at Mayflower Park, will be two America's Cup yachts and a replica of Golden Hinde, the ship in which Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the world.

Celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson will be taking the helm at the AWT At Sea Restaurant.

He will also be among the guests at a glitzy dinner dance to cap the climax of the event at the St Mary's Stadium.

It will feature live entertainment and a three-course banquet, with proceeds going to the RNLI.

RNLI area fundraising manager Fiona Heath said: "This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy good food, good company and raise funds for our brave lifeboat men and women.

"By taking a table for ten at £650 you will be funding a stainless steel propeller for an Atlantic inshore lifeboat."

For more details on the event on September 19, which starts at 7.30pm, telephone 023 9259 4126.

Tickets for the boat show can be bought in advance on 011 5912 9111 and for more details go to www.southamptonboatshow.com.

They are £10.50 for adults and £3 for children in advance, and £12 and £5 on the door.

SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW 2003: Free 64-page magazine including a voucher for £2 off an adult ticket for every reader in today's Daily Echo.