THE first day of the South Coast Boat Show has been hailed as “just fantastic”.

Boat lovers have flocked to Ocean Village Marina, in Southampton, to browse the huge selection of luxury yachts.

The show’s Sales and Marketing Director Tim Mayer said it got off to a flying start on Friday.

He said the show, running until Sunday, offers some of “the marine industry’s most exciting and innovative global power and sail brands”.

Speaking to the Daily Echo onboard one of the 70 luxurious yachts the show has to offer, Mr Mayer said business this year has been “really buoyant, which is fantastic for Southampton, Hamble and the whole of Hampshire because things are moving and they’re moving really well”.

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Hamble-based SE Yachts, the exclusive UK agents for Arcona Yachts, Delta Powerboats and Najad Yachts, is offering test sails at the show.

Mr Mayer said 4,000 tickets have been bought already, although they are “expecting about 6,000 across the three days”.

He added demand is growing and is even causing a backlog for customers.

He said: “It’s tough out there due to really hard supply chain issues at the moment and people are waiting for stock to land,” he said.

But he added this “actually means the future of boating is going to be fantastic for the long term as there’s going to be boats coming in for the next few years”.

With more than 35 on-water exhibitors, Mr Mayer said: “There’s something for everyone.”

Award-winning Raymarine navigational equipment and a luxury charter holiday from Dream Yacht Charters are also up for grabs in two spectacular prize draws at this year’s South Coast Boat Show.

All registered visitors for the show will automatically be entered into each of the free prize draws.

Visitor attendance at the show is free, and tickets can be booked on the South Coast Boat Show page at mdlmarinas.co.uk/scbs

Appointments to view specific boats on display can be made directly with the yacht broker.

To find out more about the South Coast Boat Show visit mdlmarinas.co.uk/scbs