Fresh from sailing around the south coast of England for ITV1’s recent All At Sea three-part series, Dawn Porter and Nick Hancock officially marked the opening of the PSP Southampton Boat Show in Mayflower Park today, Friday 10 September.  Taking advantage of their new-found sea legs, Dawn and Nick arrived into the Show’s marina onboard an original World War Two RAF high speed rescue launch.  Completing the line up, a World War Two Royal Navy Motor Gunboat and the Grace Spitfire ML 407 helped to kick off the celebrations.
 
The historic RAF boat, a 64 foot High Speed Launch was originally used to recover pilots during the Battle of Britain, which sees its 70th anniversary this year.  The Royal Navy gun boat is a 71½ foot motor launch capable of reaching 40 knots which was involved in countering the German E boat raids on allied shipping and attacking German convoys in the North Sea and the Channel.  More recently a similar boat to these historic vessels took a starring role alongside Dawn, Nick and their cast members in All At Sea.
 
Joining the Battle of Britain commemorations, an original Grace Spitfire ML 407 flew above the gun boat as it approached the Show marina, performing a spectacular demonstration over the Solent. Pilot Carolyn Grace learnt to fly the Spitfire after her engineer husband Nick tragically died after restoring the historical aircraft 1985.
 
After posing for photographs on the marina, Dawn and Nick joined the Show compère to declare the Show officially open and took part in a Q&A session, discussing their experiences of sailing around the UK in the different sailing vessels.
 
Dawn Porter revealed she has spent many a summer holiday sailing as a child and is something of a boat show veteran. “Having been to a number of boat shows there is something very special about Southampton, thanks partly to it being one of our greatest historical ports. I’ve had a brilliant time walking around the Show and writing a list of all the boats I want for Christmas!”
 
Nick Hancock was also impressed by his first visit to the Show. “I have never been to a boat show before and I’ve been amazed by the scale of it all. There’s so much to see and do and of course lots of things to take away. Luckily my wife is with me today so it’s unlikely that I’ll buy a boat but I may stretch to some nice sunglasses!”
 
All At Sea, which aired from mid-May on ITV1 for three weeks, saw Dawn and Nick make the journey from Cornwall to Kent by sea in a variety of different vessels, stopping off to see the sights along the way.  Guided by each boat’s crew, they experienced life at sea aboard a luxury yacht, a 1930s motor torpedo boat, a pirate ship and a fishing trawler taking in the hidden gems of the English coast, which can only be appreciated from the sea.
 
Andrew Williams, managing director of National Boat Shows said: “The opening of the 2010 PSP Southampton Boat Show has been an action-packed event this year. Dawn and Nick, the World War Two boats and the Grace Spitfire have kicked off what promises to be a very special Show; this year we’ve attracted more exhibitors than in 2009 and there are around 70 more boats on the marina. We’re looking forward to a successful and highly enjoyable Show for exhibitors and visitors alike.”
 
Set on one of Europe’s largest purpose built marinas over 10 days, the PSP Southampton Boat Show in association with ITV Meridian offers an essential  interactive experience for everyone with an interest in boats, on-water adventures and an active lifestyle; from sailing enthusiasts through to families and the ‘just curious.’
 
With boats of every shape and size, ranging from dinghies to powerboats, sailing cruisers to catamarans and inflatables to kayaks, there is no better place to experience the sheer variety and scope of boating.  The Show is also the perfect shop window for marine products, accessories and services; browse the latest clothing ranges, chandlery, electronics, engines and more, discover your local sailing club, enroll on a course or gather inspiration for your next holiday.
 
As well as some 1000 boats and hundreds of exhibitors, the Show also offers a wide variety of features and attractions to keep visitors of all ages amused.
 
For a full run down of Show features and to book discounted advance tickets, simply log onto the Show’s website at www.southamptonboatshow.com or call the hotline on 0871 230 7140.