Boatbuilders from across Norfolk and Suffolk are gathering on the South coast today for the Southampton International Boat Show.

Now in its 43rd year the 10-day event is a chance for hundreds of exhibitors to showcase the marine industry's finest products, services and equipment.

Over the course of the next 10 days more than 1,000 boats ranging from kayaks and dinghies to yachts and motorboats will be on show.

Among those taking part locally are Catfield-based Haines Marine who will showing their latest Haines 400 model.

The 40ft hand built luxury motor cruiser has received excellent reviews since its launch at last year's show.

Other boatbuilders on the water are Hardy Marine from North Walsham, which will be displaying three vessels, the Hardy 50, Commodore 42, and Bosun 20, GSA Marine Boatbuilders from Salhouse, which will be exhibiting its Atlanta 24 boat, and marine equipment supplier, Brian Ward of Brundall.

Southwold-based Broadblue Catamarans is also taking its flagship Voyager 435 and Voyager 345.

Sales experts from Norfolk Yacht Agency, based in Brundall, will also be at the Haines Marine and Broom Boats births.

Justin Haines, Haines Marine, said: 'The sales of the 400 have been excellent this year, with eight sold including one for Russia, due to be delivered in April next year.

'We are going to the show with a good order book and confident that the latest 400 will attract several more buyers for our custom built boats,' he added. 'Working closely with our UK distributor Norfolk Yacht Agency we have placed the Haines brand firmly in the market place in recent years with several customers now on their second or third Haines boat.

'With the increase in sales, and expectations high for a successful Southampton Boat Show, we are now looking to expand our workforce and continue to fly the flag for Norfolk boat building.'

Oliver James, chairman of Anglia Boatbuilders Association and managing director of Wroxham-based Windboats, said: 'The Southampton Boat show is an important event in our region and will perhaps eclipse the London Boat Show at ExCel for sales.'

For a full preview of the show see the September/October edition of Anglia Afloat on sale now.