SOME of the most active players in the regional property market were treated to a white-knuckle rib ride on the Solent.

Two high-powered craft reached speeds of nearly 50mph in a stomach-churning crossing from Lymington to the Isle of Wight and back.

Stop-offs included Yarmouth and Cowes, with a spin around one of Britain's most famous coastal sights - The Needles. The clients, who all have business interests in and around Southampton, were hosts of commercial property agency Hughes Ellard.

The Fareham-based firm, which markets business space along the M27 corridor, has held the adrenaline-fuelled event for five years.

Managing director Gary Jeffries, pictured to the left directly behind the driver, said: "It was a thrilling, memorable experience, with the winds picking up to gale force six and a lumpy sea."