And, once again, Boating Business will be hosting the Gala Dinner on the 22nd. The speaker is likely to be Seb Clover, the young man who sailed the Atlantic in a Contessa.

He - at the advanced age of 16 - will be at the event with his father to address us on why he likes boating and how good roles models like him and Debra Veal are for the industry.

There will be two breakfast briefings, the first on the 22nd is on VAT and taxation and the second on the new law relating to the sale of consumer goods.

According to Mike Enser, marketing manager for National Boat Shows (NBS) and the British Marine Federation (BMF), some 75% of last year's exhibitors have expressed an interest in coming to this year's show.

"On top of that, " he told BB , "20 new-to-the-show businesses have applied for space and, largely, most companies want more space."

Last year, he added, we put an extra 25% on the marquee and got 210 exhibitors. This year we're looking to match that, but we're always striving to do better.