I'd rather have 10 seawork visitors than 50 at Southampton Boat Show.'

seawork2004 was attended by a record volume of nearly 5,000 visitors from 35 countries.

In another record setting performance, 66 vessels, ranging in size from a 5m aluminium harbour workboat to Robert Wynn & Sons 80m multi-purpose pontoon Terra Marique packed seawork's expanded floating pontoon.

There was a record 65 companies exhibiting in the Small Business Enterprise Zone and yet another record 53 entries displayed in the seawork Innovations Showcase. The event facilities at the Provident St Marys football ground were stretched to near the bursting point with a capacity audience of 510 dining in style at the seawork2004 Gala Dinner.

A pleasurable mix of fun and success always brings people back for more and 75% of the visitors questioned intend to return next year, while over 70% of 2004 exhibitors have already pledged to reappear at seawork2005 .

seawork 's Exhibition Manager, Jane Wilson, said at the end of the show, 'It became apparent early on in the three day exhibition that not only were record numbers of visitors going to be achieved but also that the calibre of visitors was higher than ever.

Analysis of those who visited has proved that 83% of those coming to the show are in a position with purchasing power.

The addition of RibWork and DiveWork , which involved 20% of all exhibitors, offered visitors a welcome fast-track route to relevant stands and there is no doubt that more business than ever before was done at the show.'

A highlight of the Gala Dinner was the presentation of the seawork2004 Spirit of Innovation Trophy to Peter Wynn of Robert Wynn & Sons for Terra Marique .Casper Vermuelen of builders Damen Shipyards also took to the stage acknowledging his company's contribution to the innovative vessel designed to maximise the utilisation of inland and coastal waterways for the carriage of abnormally large loads which would otherwise clog Europe's crowded roads. Halyard (M&I), Mowlem Marine and Polar Bears Diving Equipment received Commendations for their entries.

seawork2004 continued the show's tradition as venue of choice for exhibitors premiering new products. Indeed, in every one of the 25 categories into which the 370 exhibitors were classified, a number of new products or services were presented to the commercial maritime audience for the first time. Some 65% of visitors questioned said they came to seawork to view the latest innovative new products.

Meanwhile, the concurrent three day seawork conference programme attracted international experts who presented over 30 industry specific papers. The 'New Civil Engineer' sponsored special conference on 'The Regeneration of Waterfront & Maritime Projects - A Greener Environment' was particularly well attended and sparked lively debate of issues arising from government policy.

seawork returns to the same venue on 14-16 June 2005.

As Andy Phillips of Marine Specialised Technology said, 'Great show! New contacts, old acquaintances and valuable customer feedback. This is our premier showcase and we'll see you here again next year.'

MJ Information No: 19700