IT'S already on course for a bumper year. The 2004 Southampton Boat Show is 20 per cent bigger than ever before - and, half way through the week, organisers say it's on course to smash sales records.

Despite being dogged by unpredictable weather, including gale force winds, hail and torrential rain, the show has attracted hundreds of visitors with bulging wallets.

Some stands were reporting double the normal sales figures just on day one and the cash-happy customers appear to still be coming through the turnstiles.

Show spokeswoman Hayley Cooper said: "The quality of the people coming through, in terms of how much they are spending, is very high. It's looking good for figures this year.

"The weather hasn't helped with visitor numbers but it has been busy, and Try-a-boat and all the features have been packed out."

Hermione Wingate, from Hedge End sailcloth company Bainbridge International Ltd, said: "Despite the weather we are confident that it will come out for us as a good show, definitely one worth attending.

"We've been running a competition to win a spinnaker and that's been very popular. People are still spending money even though the weather hasn't been great."

There are about 900 boats to choose from at the ten-day show, the largest event of its kind in Europe, and hundreds of trade stands.

While the cheapest vessel, a Sevylor inflatable, will put a £200 dent in the bank account, the show's most pricey purchase comes in at a staggering £4.8m.

It is thought the ten-day nautical knees-up generates a massive £665m for the maritime industry as well as millions of pounds for the city's bars, restaurants and hotels.

The Boat Show runs for just five more days, including today, and ends on Sunday at 6pm.

For more news from the Boat Show go to our dedicated sailing website Sail Solent at: www.sailsolent.co.uk