The view was that the UK had an opportunity to seize a good share of the world superyacht market both in building and refit and repair.

It was noticeable, said the companies in question, that countries such as the Netherlands (HISWA) and New Zealand (MAREX), have been very successful in coordinating and branding their superyacht capability, and this has greatly assisted their marketing efforts and provided a professional high profile, particularly at the international boat shows.

The Superyacht UK initiative is being led by the British Marine Federation (BMF) and has received support from the DTI.

The principal aim is to boost UK based firms to take a more cohesive and strategic approach in this area to improve competitiveness and increase their share of international business.

Several companies and organisations are involved, including: Devonport Yachts, Dixon Naval Architects, TheYacht Report , Pendennis Shipyard, Timeless, Servowatch, Halyard, Owen Agency, Lewmar, Nigel Burgess, Maritime & Coastguard Agency, Kelvin Hughes, Man, B & W Diesel and McMurdo Limited.

Superyacht UK will also have a presence at the next Fort Lauderdale and Sanctuary Cove boat shows.

Howard Pridding, the BMF's executive director said the federation had worked closely with the companies in the superyacht sector over the last year to develop the initiative to provide greater coordination and professional support for the UK.

"Our export work is at the forefront of what we are currently doing and the launch of the Superyacht UK brand will be important in raising the profile of the UK capability, " he explained. "We will also be working in the technical and training areas."

Speaking to BB in early September, Robert Hill, managing director of Lewmar, said he believed Toby Allies at the BMF, along with chief executive John Clarke, had done a great job leading the initiative and helping to develop what he called "a coordinated UK Superyacht marketing front to the world".

"The UK industry has some of the most powerful international brands but weren't always seen to be shouting with one voice, " said Hill. "A committee has been formed to develop this approach and Lewmar has seconded Phil Atfield, custom sales manager, to assist with its progress."

Many key individuals and companies have also given their commitment to helping the project succeed, noted Hill, adding that the superyacht research project undertaken with the involvement of the BMF two years ago was one of the most comprehensive pieces of work in this sector.

"The activities of the BMF Export team have been very successful on behalf of UK industry and we hope they will achieve similar results with the Superyacht initiative, " said Hill.

As Pridding also explained, moving the London Boat Show to ExCeL in 2004 offers an opportunity for the UK superyacht cluster.

"It may be difficult to secure the presence of a yacht for 2004, but the opportunity to build brand recognition will be explored, " Pridding told BB .The potential for a generic stand within the show, and a conference/networking opportunity, were being explored, as is a high quality superyacht directory, said Pridding.