AN attempt to set a new world record for the most people sending a message in semaphore fell just short of the target at the PSP Southampton Boat Show.
Record-breaking Hampshire sailor Mike Golding was joined by Southampton Mayor Liz Mizon to lead the crowd at the Record Breaker Stage on Saturday for the first attempt of 222.
However, the number leapt up on Sunday when 239 people spelled out the word ‘record’ in semaphore, a system of sending messages using flags, falling just short of the Guinness World Records target of 250 people.
A boat show spokesman said: “We are really pleased to have got this close and with another weekend to go we have a very good chance.
“People are really keen to get on board and help us pull it off.
“Nobody has done this before so it is not about breaking a record but setting one.”
Record attempts will take place daily at 11.45pm, 1.45pm and 4pm.
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