THERE was sun, sea and masts as far as the eye could see as the Southampton Boat Show welcomed thousands of visitors over the weekend.

Experienced yachtsmen and curious visitors alike mingled on the marina at Mayflower Park to catch a glimpse of the multi-million pound vessels, as well as craft owned by the police and Royal Marines.

Some of the more unusual boats included Phoenix, a brig ship that has featured in Dr Who as well as famous films including the Scarlet Pimpernel.

Craft member Michelle Lewis said: “I pretty much live on board but sometimes we get back on shore.

“People are interested because it’s so different and wherever you get tall ships they are always a spectacle because you don’t see them that often, especially in this country.”

Families enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and pleasant weather, with many groups relaxing with an ice cream on a sunny patch of grass or strolling around admiring the boats, little and large.

There were demonstrations of different vessels and boatbuilding methods, as well as large screens showing huge yachts bouncing off the surf.

Steve Farnworth, 53, from Weston-super-Mare, is a frequent visitor to the show but was keeping his eye out for a new boat this year.

He said: “I’ve got my own boat but I’m looking to upgrade.

“It’s a very small world and this is the kind of place you can see it all at once.

“There’s a lot more new manufacturers now.”