Organisers of Southampton Boat Show are today toasting one of most successful shows ever.

During the week of the event 118,000 visitors flocked to the city to see just about everything to do with boats.

The Southampton Boat Show also enjoyed record temperatures during its ten-day residence along the city's docks and harbour.

Show spokesman Chris Dalley said: "This year's show has been a great success and we've already had lots of positive feedback from both visitors and exhibitors. It's clear that a significant amount of business has been carried out which is a really positive sign for the industry.

"As well as buying all their latest boating gear, we're pleased that our visitors have enjoyed the whole show experience. Again the beach has proved extremely popular, more people than ever have got out onto the water, children and adults alike have loved the strong theme including the pirate and Punch and Judy shows and the extensive entertainment programme, and we certainly saw a number of grown-ups relaxing on the deck chairs after a long day."

This year's pirate theme was a triumph thanks to real sand brought in especially from Weymouth's beaches, an interactive pirate show and a chance to go on board the Jubilee Sailing Trust's Tall ships Lord Nelson and Tenacious.

Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novellie wowed the crowds with his culinary magic and French passion for food and autograph hunters had the chance to meet TV personalities, sporting champions on and off the water such as Steve Curtis and Sol Campbell, and boat fans such as Eastenders hard man Steve McFadden, and Alan Titchmarsh.

The finale also saw local girl Fiona Jordan crowned Miss Southampton Boat Show 2006 (see above).

Next year's Southampton Boat Show runs from September 14-23.