"I have traded online and offered marine services since then, " Sumner told us.

"Yachting Universe is the next logical step with the experience I have gained."

Sumner says he is targeting the trade to gain some recognition that his is a serious marine business as "it seems many companies have not heard of us".

"I am also looking for new suppliers for our online chandlery, which is aimed at the general public. I am specifically looking for outboard engines, inflatables, gadgets, innovations, clothing, electronics, tools and hardware, " he said.

In addition to its chandlery section, the website currently offers a wide spread of content, with daily, in-depth sailing news from around the world, a useful links directory, a newsgroup browser, details on the company's marine services based at Chichester Harbour, weather links and a second hand boat, equipment/ brokerage page.

"All of this is run on a very fast server, " promised Sumner. "We have avoided slow and annoying banner adverts and we have banned Pop Up adverts."

Sumner can be contacted at stephen. sumner@ntlworld.com