OLYMPIC rowing medallist Sir Steve Redgrave cut the ribbon on the second annual Poole Harbour Boat Show.

After giving a speech at a VIP lunch reception at Hotel Du Vin, the five-time Olympic gold medallist met some of his fans close to the Poole Quay Boat Haven at the opening of the Daily Echo-backed three-day event.

He was joined by Jim Stewart, chief executive of the Poole Harbour Commissioners, who have organised the weekend celebration of tall ships, yachts, water demonstrations and live music which is being held in association with Sunseeker.

Sir Steve said that it was a ‘great honour’ to be asked to officially open the Poole Harbour Boat Show. He added: “I had a nice little drive around Poole and I could see why people talk about it and rave about Poole. It’s a nice place to visit and an even better place to live.

“There are amazing views. The positive of harbours being where they are is that they are pretty sheltered. It means that whatever type of boat that you are in, if it’s got a nice big engine on it, with a few gins or tonics, right down to your sailing boats, it’s an ideal spot to be in.”

He also took the chance to talk about his role as an ambassador of The Jaguar Land Rover Academy of Sport, which aims to support young talent to become the next generation of sporting stars. He said that there was nothing is more inspiring for young people than being mentored by some of the country’s best athletes.

Asked what advice he would give to aspiring Olympic athletes, he joked: "They should go and find something more glamorous than going up and down in a rowing boat."

He added: "I think the underlying factor is enjoyment. If you enjoy what you do, you will put more passion into it and the more effort you put into anything, the chance that you will come out better.

"You just don't turn up at the Olympics and say that feel like becoming an Olympic champion. There is a lot of preparation, dedication and hardship in whatever you do and whatever you do. Whatever walk of life that you are in, it's the journey that is the important part of it and hopefully you will come out with victories if you're a sportsperson."

Visitors to the Poole Harbour Boat Show will be able to enjoy a host of free-entry entertainment, displays and taster sessions.

Families will be able to see the world’s amphibious sports car, The Quadski, presented by Gibbs Sports, which can reach speeds of up to 45mp on both land and water and can transition between the two in seconds. It will be joined by the four-wheel drive Humdinga, which is capable of 100mph on land and 40mph on water.

Other on-the-water activities include a junior RIB slalom, dinghy racing and Poole Gig Rowing Club races, as well as RNLI and PHC vessel demonstrations.

Families can enjoy music on the Sunseeker Sessions stage, face painting and children’s rides.