ORGANISERS of this weekend’s fourth Poole Harbour Boat Show say they have seen record support.

The show will run from Friday, June 8, to Sunday, June 10, 10am-6pm, at Poole Quay Boat Haven.

Leading the roster of sponsors is Poole’s global brand Sunseeker, which has been the “in association” sponsor for the south coast’s biggest free boat show since 2015.

Bryan Jones, marketing manager at Sunseeker, said: “Being Dorset-based we are delighted to be part of the biggest free boat show in the south.

“Not only will we have our award-winning Manhattan 66 on display, it will be a a great opportunity for prospective new employees to meet our recruitment team and find out about what apprenticeships and career options we have available.”

The luxury motor yacht manufacturer will be returning with the Sunseeker Sessions live music stage, showcasing musical talent from across the region.

Mr Jones said: “After last year’s record attendance we’re expecting to see even higher numbers of boat enthusiasts descending on Poole Quay for the show, and the Sunseeker Sessions stage will be a real focal point on the quayside. I would encourage all visitors to come and enjoy some great music whilst enjoying everything the Boat Show has to offer.”

Anna Doyle, landlady of the Lord Nelson pub, has teamed with organiser Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) to help organise the entertainment. She is well-known for her music events and is the driving force behind the Blues on the Quay festival, which returns in September.

Tracy Payne, marketing manager at PHC, said: “We are delighted that Sunseeker has once again returned as the principal sponsor of the Poole Harbour Boat Show. Sunseeker is an internationally renowned brand and a cornerstone of the Poole economy. The Sunseeker Sessions live music stage is a real highlight for the show and thanks to Anna from the Lord Nelson, this year’s line-up is promising to be better than ever.”

Sponsors also include Sibbett Gregory, Coleman Insurance, Conker Spirit, Elite Signs, Greenslade Pleasure Boats, Dorset Cruises, Lester Aldridge, PKF Francis Clark, British Marine Wessex, MS Amlin, Mac Marine Claims, Designosaur and media partners Bournemouth Daily Echo and Wave 105.

Jim Stewart, chief executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners, said: “We are delighted with the huge amount of support that we have received for the fourth annual Poole Harbour Boat Show. The event wouldn’t be possible without our show sponsors and media partners. We would like to extend our thanks to each and every one of them.”

Bookings from exhibitors are up 10 per cent on this time last year, with a strong mix of past and new brands including Weird Fish, Ray Marine and Two Bare Feet.

The marina exhibitors have also exceeded expectations with all berths selling out by mid-January. To keep up with demand, the boat show team reconfigured the marina space available to make room for extra vessels.

Marina exhibitors for 2018 include Sunseeker, Princess, Bayliner, Hylas Yachts, Cobra Ribs and Clipper Marine who will be launching its new Bavaria C45 Yacht in the UK for the first time.

Details are at pooleharbourboatshow.co.uk