THE fourth Sandbanks Boat Show has been declared a resounding success.

The event took place at the weekend at Salterns Marina and featured some of the finest luxury British motor yachts, as well as sports cruisers, high performance craft, fishing boats, ribs and jet skis.

There was an opportunity to win a berth, courtesy of Salterns Marina, worth up to £13,000.

The crew for the new series of ITV’s Harbour Lives was there to film the weekend’s activity and capture how important boating is to the area’s economy.

Jon Eads, director of the Salterns Group, said: “We are really delighted with the success that the Sandbanks Boat Show has enjoyed. “We’ve had an excellent, steady footfall of visitors. I understand from many of the exhibitors that boats and equipment have been sold and that a significant number of good enquiries have been received.

“It’s certainly been a great weekend for visitors and exhibitors alike.

“Boat shows are hugely important to the leisure marine industry and the smaller regional events such as ours definitely compliment the larger national boat shows held in January and September each year.”

He added: “The Marine industry has suffered over the last five years but this year we are seeing much more positivity returning and confidence is certainly growing. “People want to be on the water.”

The first day of the show was rounded off by a barbecue and drinks reception for visitors, sponsored by Coleman Insurance Brokers.

Tony Pauffley, yacht development executive at Coleman Insurance Brokers said: “I am really pleased to be here supporting our marine trade customers.

“At Coleman we feel strongly that spending time with boat owners in their leisure time is very valuable and important in order to build long term relationships. “It’s great to be engaging with the new generation of boat owners.”