THE Lymington entrepreneur behind one the country’s biggest boat shows has scrapped this year’s event due to the downturn.

James Brooke, 36, organiser of the Sail Power & Watersports Show at Earls Court, will instead focus on plans for a new show at Windsor Racecourse in March.

Mr Brooke, pictured, managing director of New Street Events, said “substantial investment” had been attracted for The British Leisure Show.

It will feature products from all leisure sectors, including marine, outdoor leisure, country pursuits, classic & sports cars, bikes, caravan & camping, health & fitness, extreme sports, aviation and British tourism.

“Our new format is based on giving visitors and exhibitors exactly what they want. Visitors want choice, variety and value. Exhibitors want to see as many new customers as possible, cost-effectively,” he said.

The former Royal Marine and father of three abandoned a career teaching sailing in the New Forest to compete with the well established London Boat Show, which takes place at Excel in Docklands.

His Sail Power & Watersports Show attracted around 41,000 visitors in its second year last November. But the downturn brought a drop in interest from exhibitors and investors. He hopes to bring it back next year.