The action packed nine day programme took full advantage of the area's maritime heritage and its the world-class sailing waters provided the perfect setting for international, national and local regattas, try sailing sessions, gig racing and powerboat displays.

On land the numerous events ranged from a Sea Food festival to a Rio-style carnival and the foreshore buzzed with live music and a variety of beach sports. Model boats drew massive crowds with a mix of displays including yacht racing and a Trafalgar-themed sea battle with live cannon that ended the last day with a bang.

Jubilant Spirit of the Sea leader, Gary Fooks, said: 'The first festival has been a terrific success, exceeding all expectations with tens of thousands of visitors flocking to Weymouth & Portland to enjoy a wide and diverse range of activities in an event that is going to grow in the run up to the 2012 Olympic Games – and beyond.'

With the tremendous support we have been given by our partners, National Boat Shows, we are confident it will become a key mid-summer marine event that will undoubtedly contribute to an added interest in UK boating, he added.

Echoing the organiser's enthusiasm, Samantha Bryant of NBS commented: 'The Spirit of the Sea festival enabled Weymouth & Portland to showcase its exciting developments planned for the 2012 Olympic & Para-Olympic Games sailing venue.'

It was a fantastic first time event and a real pleasure to work with the extremely dedicated Spirit of the Sea team, which brought together superbly the boating and non-boating communities with an amazing range of activities both ashore and afloat, she added.