IT was a champagne moment. The opening of the 35th Southampton International Boat Show descended into chaos as Britain's jubilant sailing team sprayed the crowd with the champagne.
Hundreds of people gathered to see the Olympic heroes, together for the first time since Athens, sail into the marina aboard a green Pindar Open 60.
The arrival of the 18-strong squad, who landed five medals for Team GB, sent champagne corks popping on a morning when the rainy weather held off just long enough.
The Isle of Wight-based Shirley Robertson, the only British woman ever to win consecutive Olympic gold medals, officially opened the show surrounded by fizzing bottles.
"Before we get too wet I would just like to wish everyone a great show. It's been a fantastic year for sailing and boating," she said.
Boat Show organisers have promised an event 20 per cent bigger than ever before, as they prepare to receive up to 140,000 visitors from across the world.
FOR MORE ON THIS YEAR'S SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW GO TO: www.sailsolent.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article