The Southampton Boat Show has experienced record crowds on its first three days.

Although the show’s operators, National Boat Shows, have yet to confirm attendance figures, visitors have been rolling through the gates in what is said to be record numbers. This despite the sad news of the past week but encouraged by sunny weather.

Many exhibitors have been surprised by the level of orders taken of boats and equipment, with at least one chandler close to running out of stock and hurriedly re-ordering for Monday morning. Many had anticipated poor business in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Washington and New York, but instead found what has rapidly been coined ‘the sod-it’ factor with buyers deciding that no investment is safe at present and deciding instead to enjoy their cash.

If you are visiting yourself, don’t forget to say hello on the ybw.com stand based in the Holiday Inn hotel (formerly the Post House).