But there was some disappointment after the rumour went around that Boy(!) Band Take That was to perform the opening ceremony. The revitalised group was due to launch two new Sunseekers but, apparently due to long-standing commitments, the group was unable to attend the show.

The multi-platinum selling band did, however, perform that evening as special guests at the Sunseeker Undiluted Spirit Ball.

And instead of Take That, the opera singing band Teatro performed the Sunseeker launch.

The show looks very good and is a creditable advance on last year’s show. The stage show is generally thought to be excellent entertainment and a real crowd-puller. There is a hole where Challenger Syndicateships was due to be, but filling space at that stage of the game was always going to be difficult.

The atmosphere was also very up and people were ready – regardless of the Marks & Spencer effects – to do business. Many reckoned to have had the best autumn period for some time and were looking forward to the year ahead with anticipation, especially those operating in the big boat end of the market. Fairline in particular reckoned the future is bright and MD Derek Carter said the company had an order book in excess of £100m.

And the news for the industry was also good, as the British Marine Federation (BMF) announced its latest set of figures for the industry.

The total turnover of the UK leisure and small commercial marine industry is almost £3bn – an increase of around 6.5% from 2005/6, while export revenue is in excess of £1bn – up over 12% from 2005/6.

The report continued, adding there are almost 35,700 employees across the industry in the UK, an increase of 1.9% from 2005/6 and there are around 4,300 businesses operating in the UK leisure and small commercial marine market

‘The release of our latest industry figures is a welcome boost for the industry illustrating healthy overall growth in both turnover and the number of people employed,’ said BMF chief executive Rob Stevens. ‘The leisure and small commercial marine sector is a diverse and growing part of the UK economy. Our boatbuilders and equipment manufacturers have a world-wide reputation for quality, good design and innovation. In the home market, boating tourism continues to play a key role, with good customer service experience supporting significant numbers of domestic and overseas visitors.’

Despite the challenging economic climate, he added, I am confident the marine industry can continue to navigate a successful course.

The attendance figures over the weekend show Friday down on last year by 29%, although the figures may have been affected by last year being an early start when people were still on holiday. The advance ticket sales for that day were also 10% down, but up overall.

Saturday saw 16,000+, an attendance up by 4%, while Sunday saw the attendance rise by another 19%. Overall, said a National Boat Shows (NBS) spokesman, we’re about the same as last year’s figures, despite the low Friday attendance.’ Advance ticket sales for the rest of the show are running 14% up on last year.