This has, they reckon, changed the dynamics of the show. Once over the bridge and into The Park, they were faced with the choice of left or right. Either way, say the exhibitors, would bring them to Ocean Hall or - faced with the expanse of the Sunseeker stand - into Windward Hall.

Now, it appears those who turn right over the bridge seeking Sunseeker glamour find no reason to turn left into Windward Hall, instead finding the Windward Catering Lounge and a pathway straight through to Solent Park.

And that, say the exhibitors, is where they're all going. I don't entirely subscribe to that opinion because I thought the Guinness Stand was virtually deserted most of the time.

Next year, said the manager (who assured me he had no financial inducement to move from his perfect site in the corner by the gangway down to the marina now taken by the BMF and the RYA), his stand would face the sea, which would give the drinkers something else to look at rather than Mr Braithwaite's backside, so to speak.

But why did Windward and Ocean Halls do so badly? Barry Stone of Lalizas, who was supplying 18 stands at the show confirmed that business in both halls was way down, while business around the show was, for him (and others), way up.

Paul Streeter, managing director of National Boat Shows, said simply: "When it's sunny, people stay outside."

Next year, he said, we'll have better signage to both halls, plus maybe a glass north wall to Windward Hall.

"And we're looking into putting the entrances on the corners, so they're more prominent, " he added.