After the postponement was announced, exhibitors said the lost revenue would be hard to make up, but understood the reasons for the decision.

Irwin Jacobs, chairman of Genmar, said there was no alternative but to "take the hit" on the losses, at the same time volunteering to pay a one-time surcharge for the event this year in order to support it financially.

Other exhibitors took the same attitude, with Dustan E McCoy, president of the Brunswick Boat Group saying: "The loss of any boat show is unfortunate for all of us, but the industry has proven to be resilient in all cases."

Show Management had forecast around 125,000 visitors and sales of around US$600m.

Then, the very next day, Kaye Pearson, president of Show Management, announced the show would go on, but in a much reduced form the following week. "We will have facilities for everyone who wants to participate in the show, " he said, including enough generators to provide power.

The decision to run the show when millions of Floridians were still without power and trying to get the region back into some semblance of order had many throughout the industry questioning the decision.

Power & Motoryacht magazine said: "it does not set a great example by our industry to hold a 'luxury yacht' show during a national tragedy, while most of our co-patriots are fighting to keep their homes together."

At the time, the region was still in the throes of a fuel shortage, with some roads closed and others impassable.

Many people were without power, water and food.

The magazine's bulletin board showed some exhibitors felt the organisers were simply putting on a show so they didn't have to refund monies already paid. "Does Show Management have cancellation insurance, or not? The answer may explain this insane decision, " said one.

Other exhibitors would attend only because they were frightened of losing their space at future shows. Others pointed out the locals would take a dim view of the recreational marine industry taking up their scarce resources. With roads and airports out of action, many wondered how many visitors would show up.

Show Management emphasised it position by pointing out: "While we don't expect to be setting any records, we think we'll generate a significant attendance of high-quality buyers."

As we closed for press, Show Management insisted more than 850 boats would be on show, on land or in the water.