When we found out the Southampton boat show was in progress, just two train rides from Lymington, we decided to brave the British railway system, and take in what has to be one of the larger in-the-water boat shows.

The British are very much into avant garde yachting, and we pass this along as a new concept for feeling those gust tickles when you are sailing in light airs.

A different, but no less innovative approach to wind sense is by "tacktick". These are wireless, solar powered sailing instruments, demonstrating here their water tight integrity. They are recommended for yachts up to 60 feet (18m). A lot of weight and installation time is saved with this concept.

A cool remote displays data and controls the "tacktick" system.

Everyone knows it takes teamwork to win races, and these folks are getting an early start on training. Speaking of which, there must be a dozen companies here offering training for everything from sailing and navigation to fire fighting.

Cummins/Onan had a display with the genset we have specified for the FPB 64s. You are probably aware we have not been happy with our Northern Lights genset on Wind Horse.

Here are a couple of the reasons why. Lower right – note the oil filter. It is vertical rather than horizontal as on our unit. Changing a vertical filter is easier and cleaner. This genset comes pre-plumbed for an oil removal system, and most important has a closed crankcase vent system (the crank case breather vents into the air intake) so it will run more cleanly.

A small, but important detail, indicating the Onan folks are thinking. That plastic cap on the hose clamp protects you from cuts.

We also like the fact that they are using Kubota diesels, which have worldwide parts availability rather than an unknown (to us) OEM diesel engine supplier.

Spring slats to soften your bunk and provide air flow (www.airflowsprings.com).

Dry-Mat is used for air circulation to prevent under-mattress condensation.

A couple of extra buckets are always handy, but hard to stow, unless they are of the folding variety.

Many of the yachts in this part of the world dry out between tides. These "legs" are affixed to the topsides to keep the boats upright.

A portable BGAN satcom unit, with a seagoing tracking unit on the right. We will probably fit one of these portables next spring.

There are lots of clothing and shoe booths here. These folks specialize in duds with built in harnesses and inflatable vests.

Hundreds of sail and power boats in the water (more on land).

Bloodhound was a Royal yacht at one point. No life lines!

The other end of the spectrum, a Dragonfly trimaran with one of its amas folded for easier storage. These tri’s have always looked clunky to our eye, but this model was very swift appearing. Might be a lot of fun reaching off in a breeze.

World record holder for antennae and sensors in a small area. Test boat for Raytheon. Where Furuno appear dominant in most parts of the world, Raytheon have the market in the UK. Might be something to do with the fact they are a British company.

Air vents on a RNLI rescue craft (self-righting). Upon wave impact the balls seal the vents. There are also closure plates for really bad weather.

A nice looking apartment size combo washer/drier by Bosch. Probably an improvement over the Italian Industat models which are so prevalent on yachts.

Push button sailing on an Oyster 82. Bow and stern thrusters, hydraulic centerboard, lots of sail furlers, and a low end Raytheon autopilot. Three crew keep the boat clean, deal with maintenance headaches (of which there are probably plenty) make up your beds, keep clean towels in the head, stand anchor watch, and deliver the boat from place to place.

We just had to show you this. Talk about carrying the hull beam aft! Dink garage (small) is not going to be very practical. The swing out boarding platform is interesting.

We would prefer to spend the money it takes to do this sort of work on a longer hull, with more balanced lines, and proper storage. But if space is at a premium, maybe this makes sense.

You could spend several days here and still not see it all. Half a day is our limit, and we are ready for a nap (this foredeck crew in training has the right idea!).

Walking back to the train station we stopped in the local Borders Books for a Starbucks coffee (located across the street from Toys R Us). We noticed this display of books. How appropriate with the boat show down the street.