PSP, title sponsors of the 2008 PSP Southampton Boat Show, are specialists in the transportation of boats all around the world and this is how they became involved with the sponsorship of their Thundercat team, who are two firefighters in the day job. “They came to us with a last minute shipping problem which their shipper at the time wasn’t able to sort out. We solved it for them, started worked together and developed a great relationship from that. It began with a small connection and we’re part of the family now.”

So much so that now PSP not only support Thundercat Racing UK, but the company covered all the freight costs for the international competitors who entered the World Championships held last year in Scarborough. They also attend Power Boat P1 Events across Europe and transport globally whole racing teams as well as individual yachts and power craft. They move everything from boats shipped in containers to yachts up to 120 feet which are transported in PSP’s own cradles.

Frank Dixie, MD of PSP, explained that with the big race series a major part of their expertise involves some critical logistical planning. “For example with a big racing team you’ve not just got to get the boats from one port to another, but all the supplies which accompany the team. Everything has to be ready when they arrive and then packed up and shipped out to the next port. This sometimes involves air freight as well and sea freight so it’s pretty specialist.”

The company has been in the marine forwarding business for many years, commercially shipping vessels such as hovercraft, patrol and military boats. As they have become more involved with companies in the marine leisure sector, so recognition of the PSP brand has grown.

This is a major reason behind their sponsorship the Southampton Boat Show. “We want to make PSP synonymous with boat movement and see it as an integral way of developing our relationship with the marine industry,” concluded Frank.” And what is his opinion of the Collins Stewart London Boat Show? “Mindblowing. I’m absolutely impressed with ExCeL, and it’s very professional.”