SOUTH Coast manufacturer of super-yachts Sunseeker International heads the lengthy list of marine interests from the south at the London International Boat Show which opens at Earls Court today.

The marine industry is still riding the crest of a wave and is anxiously looking at the ten day event to focus still more interest in sailing activity and give order books another boost

Altogether nearly 150 marine companies and organisations from Hampshire and Dorset are at the Show.

This year's show promises to banish those mid-winter blues with a breathtaking display of world-class boats - as well as the thrilling finale of Britain's hottest interactive boating game ever.

The London Boat Show runs until January 13 and features over 800 boats, the best from around the world in equipment and clothing as well as the first pick of new season boating and water sport holidays for 2002.

Boats costing from just a few hundred pounds to over £2 million, and from two through to 20-metres in length, will be packed into Earls Court One and Two for the boat show, which has become the world's best known boat show and one of the UK's major public events.

As always, the pool featuring a number of boats afloat will be central to the show's activities. But this year eyes will also be on a small group of visitors who will take to the centre stage over the pool, sponsored by Volvo Car UK Ltd, for the finale of the gripping interactive game, Ocean Race Challenge.

Sunseeker unveils three new craft including a new Performance Motoryacht, a new Offshore Cruiser and the company's very latest high performance boat.Following the success of the large Performance Motoryachts in the Sunseeker range, the new craft on show in London are the very latest Predator 61; a new 'hard-top' version of the Camargue 50 and for out-and-out fun, the futuristic XS Sport. Robert Braithwaite, managing director of Sunseeker International said: "In terms of world wide sales and substantial investment in new facilities, 2001 proved a significant year for the company. In 2002, we are determined to improve our performance further and once again London represents the start of a new campaign and our launch pad for the future." Sunseeker International exports 99 per cent of its product range and employs over 1,100 highly trained staff in their shipyards on the south coast and is widely recognised as the pre-eminent marine brand in the world today. But from Swanwick, Moody is showing a range of yachts that should delight a wide spectrum of sailing enthusiasts from first time buyers to those looking to upgrade to a luxurious blue water cruiser. Heading the line up is the Moody 54. Winner of the Best Sailboat category at the 2000 British Nautical Awards the 54 combines superb performance with uncompromising comfort. Also on the stand are the Moody 47 and 38 two recent additions to the range along with the Moody 42.

Meanwhile Elan yachts from Poole has a superb range of family cruising yachts with race winning performance. Extended weekend opening hours should ensure visitors will have until 7pm everyday, and until 9.30pm on Thursday January 10, to make the most of a day at the show.