Talking exclusively to BB at Goodwood, Peters said: ‘I am looking forward to the challenge. I have already been chairman of BMF South and National Boat Shows chairman and I am hoping, of course, that I will be able to continue the good work that Peter Methven has done and be a good president for the federation.’

It’s something I have always wanted to do and something I will give my very best to, he added.

Peters, chairman of Peters~Opal, said the industry is facing new issues. ‘Times have changed,’ he said. ‘There are lots of issues that are affecting us such as red diesel. There are also issues such as the use of boats in summer climates and year round. We need to think about the winter market here in the UK and what we do during the winter months.’

Boating Comes to Goodwood is the brainchild of Peters, an event which sees members of the boating industry converge on Goodwood Racecourse for a day at the races. He sees it as a welcome break from the rigours of working in the boating industry.

It wasn’t just a day of enjoyment. Peters used the occasion to make a presentation to outgoing president Peter Methven in recognition of his services to the BMF.

‘It was a wonderful day,’ said Methven. ‘Boating Comes to Goodwood is always a popular event for the boating industry, and one reason for that is it has nothing to do with boats.’

There will be no question that I will need a period of adjustment, Methven told BB. It’s been a very busy two and a half years – most of it highly enjoyable, some of it intellectual, some of it pretty grim.

‘It’s had its moments,’ he said. ‘But frankly I came to it with no personal agenda.’

Over 1600 free tickets were given away to local marine industry companies and 290 people dined in the hospitality suites.

The full extent of the charity funds raised will not be known until after the Peters garden party on July 6, but the figure should be around £10,000.