The Jubilee Sailing Trust received a wave of support last month as over eleven thousand pounds was raised for the organisation at the Official Southampton Boat Show Charity Gala Dinner.

The fourth annual Charity Gala Dinner, which took place on Thursday September 21, was a highlight of this year's Boat Show and raised a staggering £11,350. The evening was attended by a host of well known personalities including TV presenter Peter Snow, Olympic champion Sarah Webb (both patrons of the Jubilee Sailing Trust) and Saints first team captain, Claus Lundekvam.

Speaking of the success of the dinner, James Gower, Director of Marketing for the British Marine Federation said, "National Boat Shows has always been proud of its association with vital marine charities and we are delighted to have raised this money for the Jubilee Sailing Trust. As well as being an important backbone of the UK's leisure industry, the boating world provides a rare opportunity for disabled and able bodied people to enjoy sport together. We are pleased to support this through our fundraising at the Southampton Boat Show."

"The achievements and enjoyment of the evening would not have been possible without the support of a large number of people including the kind prize donors and crucially, the guests. We would especially like to extend our thanks to Carlsberg and the Southampton Football Club who provided the drinks for the evening."

As well as being an incredible success as a fund raising event, the evening also lived up to the high standards of a Boat Show Gala. At the start of the evening guests enjoyed a drinks reception before sitting down for a three course dinner. The auction and the raffle both provided a focal point for the evening and the atmosphere was enhanced by live entertainment.

John O'Sullivan, Business Development Manager of Southampton Football Club said, "Southampton Football Club are delighted this year's Boat Show dinner was so successful and it is a clear indication of the excellent working relationship which has developed between the two organisations over the past four years. The club looks forward to planning next year's event which we are sure will be bigger and better'."

The Jubilee Sailing Trust aims to promote the integration of able-bodied and physically disabled people through adventure tall ship sailing holidays. It has two specially designed tall ships the LORD NELSON and TENACIOUS which between them have taken over 27,000 people to sea.

Amanda Butcher, Chief Executive of the Jubilee Sailing Trust said, "The Gala Dinner was one of the many highlights of this year's spectacular Southampton Boat Show. The money raised will enable the Jubilee Sailing Trust to continue to change the lives of those who sail on board our magnificent tall ships. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended the dinner and who supported us throughout the whole week."

Since the first event in 2003, the British Marine Federation, Saints Hospitality and Southampton Football Club have raised £61,000 for marine related charities.

The Southampton Boat Show was sponsored by Honda and Hydropool. For more information on the London Boat Show taking place form 5-14 January 2007 please visit www.londonboatshow.com