Southampton is to host a third major marine exhibition next year, confirming the city as the country's capital for boating enthusiasts.

The RIBEX International Boat Show, the world's only international boat show dedicated to rigid inflatable boats, is being relocated to Ocean Village where it will be staged on May 12-14.

For the past two years the show has been staged in Weymouth, Dorset, but the continued growth of the rigid inflatable boat industry and increased demand for more exhibition space forced the move to Southampton Water.

"Ocean Village is the perfect home for RIBEX,'' said Steve Harvey, exhibitions manager for the event.

"Not only does the Solent have a very high concentration of RIB users, but the facilities being offered to exhibitors and visistors are first-class.''

Next year's show will see a significant step forward with the announcement that RIBEX 2000 will incorporate the vast market of yacht tenders.

"This sector of the UK marine market continues to be a substantial one and will give the show a broader appeal whilst remaining specialist,'' said Mr Harvey.

Southampton already hosts two other annual marine exhibitions, the world renowned Southampton Boat Show at Mayflower Park and the Workboat exhibition in the city's Eastern Docks.

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