WE all know how sailors like to raise a glass or two.

So when salty sea-dogs from around the world descend on Southampton this week they can look forward to a Hampshire-brewed treat.

Boat lovers are already licking their lips at the prospect of a yachting extravaganza when the PSP Southampton Boat Show swings into action on Friday.

Now merry sailors can look forward to wetting their whistle with Upham Brewery’s Punter beer while they browse around the hundreds of vessels lined up at Mayflower Park.

The four per cent tipple will be the only ale on sale at the event, which is expected to attract up to 110,000 people and pump some £12m into the local economy.

It is the latest milestone for the rural brewery based near Winchester, which launched a huge expansion earlier this year promising 600 new jobs and a production hub capable of producing 9,000 pints a day.

The firm has entered into a distribution agreement with beer-making giant Carlsberg, which will be the main lager supplier at the show.

Based in Upham, the brewery has already developed a close association with the yachting and sailing community, having sold 2,000 pints during Cowes Week earlier this summer. It also owns The Navigator at Lower Swanwick on the banks of the River Hamble.

David Butcher, director at Upham Ale Company, said: “With over 120,000  visitors a year the PSP Southampton Boat Show is a fantastic opportunity to be able to bring Upham ales to Southampton.

“To be the only cask ale chosen to be involved is a real testament to the taste and quality of our ales.

“As a local brewery we are always keen to champion local events. The Boat Show gives us a great opportunity to be part of something which is not only part of the fabric of the local community but also attracts a national and international audience.”

The 45th PSP Southampton Boat Show gets underway on Friday ahead of ten days of nautical fun, making it Europe’s biggest on-water show.

Visitors can look forward to a whole host of exhibits and events, including the Interclub Team Racing Championship, featured boats such as the 1904 West Country Trading ship Bessie Ellen and research vessel Callista.