SOUTHAMPTON'S annual feast of all things nautical is set to move to a single site in time for next year's event.
City chiefs have agreed to apply for a licence from Associated British Ports to use berth 101 next to Mayflower Park for future shows.
Currently, the Southampton Boat Show - which draws thousands of visitors to the city every year - is held on sites at The Quays and Mayflower Park.
They are divided by the West Quay Road dual carriageway - the two sites are connected by a specially-constructed bridge.
Now, city councillors plan to have the whole show facing the waterfront by 2004.
The move has been prompted by the huge West Quay Phase Three re-development programme which is due to take place in 2004.
During this year's show, berth 101 will be used for car parking but it is expected that stands themselves will move there next year.
The plan is part of an ambitious multi-
million-pound redevelopment project which includes the re-building of the derelict Royal Pier and redevelopment and extension of Mayflower Park.
A licence will be needed from Associated British Ports, which owns berth 101.
City council leader, Councillo, Adrian Vinson, said: "We will have a consolidated and greatly improved facility that hopefully will ensure the future of the Boat Show in Southampton."
Meanwhile, thousands of visitors are expected to converge on the city to see this year's boat show which runs over nine fun-packed days in September.
Celebrity chef Anthony Worrall Thompson - famous for his role in BBC's Food and Drink Programme, Ready Steady Cook and more recently for his jungle escapades in I'm a Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here - will be
taking the helm at the famous Mariner's Restaurant.
The chef will be cooking up some of his best-known recipes at the restaurant as well as signing copies of his new book.
A replica of Sir Francis Drake's famous ship The Golden Hind in which the renowned seafarer rounded the globe 400 years ago will sail into the show on preview day.
Visitors will be able to step on board and view the meticulously reconstructed, fully operational war ship and get a feel for what life was like on an Elizabethan galleon in the 16th century.
Two of the America's Cup yachts will be at the show offering sailing enthusiasts the opportunity to be part of the crew on these famous vessels.
Tickets can be bought by ringing the ticket hotline on 0115 912 9111.
TO READ MORE ABOUT THE SAILING SCENE ON THE SOUTH COAST GO TO OUR DEDICATED SITE SAIL SOLENT AT: http://www.sailsolent.co.uk
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