WINDERMERE Marina Village has seen a five per cent year on year increase in mooring occupancy rates.

Along with this, a Lake District National Park Authority Lake Usage report showed that new boat registrations are up by eight per cent from 687 to 744 year on year.

The rise in mooring occupancy and boat sales followed the successful second annual Windermere Boat Show in May.

Dan Fairweather, Marina Manager at Windermere Marina Village said: “We have had a fantastic uptake of moorings in the last few years and this season seen around a five per cent increase in the number of boats moored with us.”

“Our annual moorings have been boosted by an increase in temporary moorings for small powerboats, used for day-boats, wakeboarding and wake-surfing.”

“These boats make up almost 50 per cent of the new boats we have seen this season and we have altered our moorings to accommodate this change.”

The occupancy increase has prompted plans for future investment for a new shower block, upgrading of the wi-fi and new jetty configurations.

A survey conducted at the boat show found that 47 per cent of people who attended were already frequent visitors to the Lake District and 75 per cent already owned a boat.

It was also found that 45 per cent of people who attended were looking to purchase a boat in the next 12 months, and the increase in mooring occupancy from the show has led to boat sales in the marina.

Jason Dearden, owner of Sheperds Marine, said: “Since the interest generated from the recent Windermere Boat Show we have witnessed an increase in sales of powerboats.”

“The new Four Winns outboard version has sold particularly well, as users are looking to enjoy the lake to wakeboard and water-ski. This is great to see this trend return to Windermere which in turn will prosper the local economy.

“Buyers also are opting to use these powerboats for day use coming from areas such as Preston and Manchester.”

This year’s boat show generated plenty of new interest as 77 per cent of respondents to the survey had not attended 2016’s show.