THE world's largest exhibition of rigid inflatable boats (RIBS), arrives in Southampton this week together with thousands of visitors to the city's waterfront.

Ribex 2000 is a three day showcase for all the latest examples of the high speed, lightweight, versatile craft which are a rapid growth sector in the leisure marine industry.

For the past two years the show has been staged in Weymouth, Dorset but the continued growth of the RIB industry and greater demand for more exhibition space forced the move to Southampton Water.

The city is rapidly becoming recognised as a major prestigious venue for marine exhibitions with the annual, globally renowned Southampton Boat Show at Mayflower Park and Seawork, the commercial maritime event which this year is being staged in the Western Docks.

Ribex 2000 exhibition manager Steve Harley said: "Not only does the Solent have a high concentration of RIB users, but the facilities being offered to exhibitors and visitors alike are first class.''

Lone yachtsman Tony Bullimore, who owes his widely-televised rescue in the Southern Ocean to RIBs operated by the Australian Navy will join Southamp-ton mayor Derek Burke to open the show on Friday at Ocean Village.

Visitors to the show, which ends on Sunday, will be able to see a vast range of RIBs, drop testing of craft where an inflatable is dropped on to the water from 25 feet, the chance to have a go on the water and there will be demonstrations by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

"We are delighted that Ribex has relocated to Southampton as it reflects the city's position as the region's main manufacturing centre for leisure marine craft and home of world-class maritime events for residents and visitors,'' said Councillor Burke.

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