Southampton Boat Show

10 reasons to visit the Southampton International Boat Show

The 53rd Southampton International Boat Show, which runs from 16-25 September, is back with its successful, expanded layout and greater range of exhibits. There is plenty lined up, whatever kind of sailing you do. Chelsea Magazines, our parent company, is the event’s official media partner. Here’s 10 reasons why a visit should be in your diary

1It’s bigger, again!

The show was given fresh impetus last year and won a universally warm reception from visitors and exhibitors. An impressive 98 per cent of exhibitor space was filled around six weeks prior to the event, even with a bigger footprint this year both on land and on the water. Covering 70,000+ square metres, there’ll be around 550 exhibiting brands, and 650 craft. The bigger layout stretches from the purposebuilt show marina (the largest in Europe!) across Mayflower Park and into the heart of the city, with zones for every kind of boating and watersport. British Marine has again agreed the use of land stretching inland towards the Westquay shopping centre, offering a central main entrance and bringing visitors into the show – and into the world of boats – who might not have considered getting afloat before.

With an eye on the younger demographic, British Marine again have ensured the first Zone encountered will be for paddleboarders, kite surfers, kayakers and windsurfers, showcasing the watersports lifestyle and simplicity of getting afloat.

The dedicated Dinghy Zone returns, for all dinghy sailors from high-performance racing, to club members and dinghy cruisers.

This will flow into the popular Classic Boat & Day Boat Zone, celebrating vintage and modern wooden boats (more about this below).

The show then moves into Mayflower Park and the marina that prior visitors will know. There will be more on-the-water experiences and the natural arena between the pontoons and shore will be

utilised further to create a safe and constantly active water park. There will be opportunities to demonstrate, compete and entertain, all with live commentary. This proved one of the most popular features of last year’s event, with many thousands of people taking to the water in one kind of craft or another, ranging from motorboats to classic boats to SUPs.

Throughout the show there will be other new features, including stages, live music, entertainment and guest speakers, all aiming to showcase the boating lifestyle and create a buzzing show atmosphere.

2VIP visitor’s package

Visitors to this year’s Southampton International Boat Show can add a touch of luxury to their visit at the new Quayside Club. There is a choice of three exclusive VIP packages – White Sea, Coral Sea and Black Sea.

Visitors will not only enjoy all the show has to offer and the best of the UK leisure marine industry, but they will also be able to enhance their show experience with access to luxury VIP extras and hospitality of the highest level.

The all-new Quayside Club White Sea VIP package includes an official meet and greet on arrival at the show, entry into the show itself, a tour of the deluxe Waterfront Lounge, plus complimentary drinks and snacks for the duration of your visit.

Upgrade to the Coral Sea package and you will enjoy all the White Sea elements plus you can sit back and relax with a delicious premium served gourmet buffet lunch overlooking the marina, in some of the best seats in the show.

For those visitors looking for the ultimate opulent boat show experience, the Black Sea VIP package covers all your needs. Inclusive of all White and Coral Sea options, with the Black Sea package guests will also enjoy VIP parking, right at the heart of the show and access to the ‘On the Water’ stage private enclosure where you can watch amazing demonstrations including Flyboarder and Jet ski shows and the eco-tech display with fliteboard, Manta5 and Seabod.

Black Sea ticket holders can also sign up to an exclusive on the water boat experience and enjoy an amazing trip on one of four unique craft, including the F8 Landing Craft, Motor Gun Boat 81, a high-speed thrill ride, or even a twilight cruise with ‘bubbles’ on board the majestic tall ship ‘Morgenster’. All VIP guests will also have the opportunity to take a tour of the show and will have access to a dedicated coat and bag drop-off area.

ABOVE

All the big yacht manufacturers will be at the show

BELOW

Let the champagne flow as the show gets underway

3New yachts and chandlery

At its heart, the event is still a boat show and very much a place where dreamers and serious buyers can see multiple yachts in one place. To strengthen the event’s reputation as a place for buyers and sellers, the dates have been moved back by a week this year, avoiding an awkward crossover with the Cannes boat show, which caused headaches for some exhibitors keen to be at both.

In Southampton all the major international brands will be showing their latest sailing yachts and smaller craft on the water. Exhibitors this year include Dufour, Prestige Yachts, Oyster, Fjord, Jeanneau, Beneteau, Spirit Yachts, Hanse, Dehler, Moody – and more!

There are also many newcomers at the show this year including Solaris Yachts from Italy, raceready Corby Yachts from Cowes, plus dinghies to suit every size and ability from Hartley Boats.

The show will see a number of world debuts, including the ultramodern Archipelago 47 catamaran.

Serious boat buyers are advised to request an appointment with their preferred manufacturer(s) or dealer when booking a ticket.

Covid concerns may have put the stoppers on much chandlery being exhibited in 2021, but this year the popular chandlers are back in force, with plenty of gear and clothing to go home with. Force 4 Chandlery, Jimmy Green Marine and Bainbridge Marine are among those exhibiting.

Venus Seychelles Beachwear will

be offering exclusive beachwear, while nautical artwork will be on show with the Pankhurst Gallery.

It’s not all about shopping. Amongst the myriad stands selling everything from SUPs to fleeces, ropes to fenders, visitors can also enjoy displays and talks, with opportunities to ask the experts, chat with like-minded enthusiasts, or just to sit, relax and enjoy the vibe at the many hospitality areas serving a range of hot and cold drinks and street food.

There are more exhibitor announcements to come – see our website for the latest details.

4You can get afloat yourself

From standing on a SUP, tacking and gybing in a dinghy, experiencing the high-speed, high-octane thrill of a powerboat, to the majestic charm of a classic sailing yacht, or cruising around the Solent, the show’s ‘On the Water’ zone offers action-packed fun for all the family.

FlexiSail, one of the UK’s leading boat membership companies, is partnering with show organisers, British Marine, to run this year’s Try-a-Boat attraction.

FlexiSail’s modern and extensive range of craft – from 40ft sailing yachts to classic, traditional inshore cruisers, powerboats, RIBs and access-friendly craft – provides visitors with the opportunity to try, free of charge, a wide range of different boats.

FlexiSail’s Nikki Walker said: “Many people don’t know if they would prefer sailing to motorboating, so this is the ideal opportunity to try it all,”

For those who want an even more memorable experience, Trya-Boat+ provides visitors with the opportunity to stay out on the water longer and experience life aboard some of the most adventurous and historically unique boats at the show.

These include tall ship ‘Morgenster’; the 1932 HighSpeed Launch 102, which is the last surviving high-speed air/sea rescue craft and was inspired by T E Shaw (better known as Lawrence of Arabia); an F8 landing craft and the stunning Motor Gun Boat 81, which took part in the Normandy landings.

Prices start from £20 for Try-a-Boat+ experiences.

Looking for the real splashfactor? Then Get-Afloat in partnership with Rockley Watersports is the place to go.

Whether you’re over eight or over 80, Rockley offers dinghy sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding – alone or on a mega-sup – under the watchful eyes of experienced instructors making sure everyone is perfectly safe.

All equipment including wetsuits and buoyancy aids are provided, with on-the-water instructors giving helpful hints for firsttimers, or top tips to sharpen up existing watersports skills for more experienced visitors.

Rockley’s MD Pip Woods said: “We’re really excited to have the opportunity to get people onto the water at the show.

“Just bring a towel and find the booking area located between the Watersports and Dinghy Zone areas on arrival at the show to book your one-hour Get-A-Float session.

“And if you’re really hooked, most of the craft used by Rockley will be available to purchase from retailer stands at the show.”

Finally, there is also the chance to go cruising. The show’s very own mini cruise ship, the locally based ‘Ocean Scene’, will be departing from the marina twice an hour, taking visitors for a mini cruise around Southampton International Boat Show.

ABOVE AND BELOW

Plentiful opportunity to get out on the water

5The Dinghy Zone

The Dinghy Zone will be the place to go for all competitive, and cruising dinghy lovers. You can see sports and sailing dinghies, trailer-boats, boat builders, high-performance equipment, sailing clubs, class associations, holiday providers and sea schools all in one place.

Whether you have your own dinghy or rent when it suits you, exhibitors will happily explain and show you the different types of dinghies, as well as the equipment that matches your needs and budget – which can be surprisingly low for novice cruisers. Kickstart your next outing afloat.

Looking for some training advice then head over the RYA stand, the national body for sailing, where the team will be on hand to offer advice for newcomers to sailing about training and the many different ways you can get involved.

While, over on the Foredeck stage in May ower Park you’ll hear tales from adventure cruisers, or hear racing tips from some of dinghy sailing’s biggest names. If, a er all that, you’re ready to give the real thing a try, head to the On e Water Zone, with instructors on hand, along with boats for novices and experienced sailors.

6e Watersports Zone

Elsewhere in the show there will be everything from standup paddleboards, sur oards, wakeboards and water-skis, kitesurfs, windsurfs, canoes, and kayaks, to group activities on the water – as British Marine say, there’ll be “something for easy riders and adrenaline junkies alike”. You can also get tips from professionals and grab a show-only bargain with special o ers from exhibitors.

Whether you’ve been seeking the perfect wave for a while, exploring new frontiers along the waterways or just want to dip your toe in the water to learn something new that keeps you t, you’ll get to know exactly what’s hot right now in the Watersports Zone. Unlimited board sports action, the latest equipment, new trends and, of course, lots of fun.

Brands & Bargains

We’ve got everything from standup paddleboards, sur oards, wakeboards and water-skis, kitesurfs, windsurfs, canoes, and kayaks, to group activities on the water – something for easy riders and adrenaline junkies alike. Get tips from the pros, learn about the latest equipment or grab a bargain with special SIBS o ers from our exhibitors. A full list of products will be coming soon!

Get wet, if you want

Action is our priority: Experience the thrill of getting out on the water using our signature Trya-Boat and Get A oat features. Whether you like the high-speed intensity of riding in a RIB or prefer to take things a little slower on a cruiser, there’s plenty of fun to be had in our On e Water Zone. If you’d prefer to stick to dry land, grab a chair and a drink in our waterfront bar and restaurant, the Borrow a Boat Quarterdeck Bar & Restaurant, and enjoy the action.

inking green

Out on the water, we appreciate nature’s beauty and the challenges we face. Environmental changes mean that we have to act now to protect our environment for future generations. It’s why each zone has a dedicated sustainability commitment.

ABOVE

All action in the watersports zone

BELOW

Gleaming varnish galore in the classic and day boat zone

7e Classic & Day boat zone

e wooden boat sector in previous shows has always been a fascinating place for all visitors, but particularly so for the readers of our sister title Classic Boat! Last year’s Classic & Day Boat Zone rightly corralled the timber cra into one area, with a clinker boat being built on site. is area returns, with a variety of cra on show, including day boats, wooden canoes, punts and more. e Wooden Boat Builders Trade Association will be present, with cra smen showing o timber boats they’ve built themselves over the past year.

British Marine says: “this zone celebrates the boats and cra smanship that stand the test of time….Classic boat enthusiasts and seasoned boaters will be able to nd all the equipment they need to keep their treasures gliding across the water.”

Meanwhile walking around the show visitors will nd numerous newly built wooden boats and vintage cra . Among them will be the tall ship ‘Morgenster’, built 103 years ago in Holland and now a busy sail training ship with countless miles in her wake. Take a tour or sign up for a sail.

Cornish Crabber’s Shrimper 21 and Pilot Cutter 30 are perennial show favourites, while the show

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marks the world debut of Spirit 44 from Spirit Yachts, staff will be on hand to discuss the brand’s industryleading measures to make boatbuilding and boating sustainable.

Not wooden, but with a lovely classic aesthetic, is the Nicholson 31, launched 50 years ago. At this year’s show will be the Nicholson 31 Association, marking its 18th year, and visitors will get a chance to board a handsome example of the classic bluewater cruiser, of which 119 were built.

8Sustainability

There was great work done last year to make the event more sustainable and environmentally friendly than in any time in its 53 year history. That continues this year – and is bolstered with a new Environmental Innovation Showcase. Exhibitors were encouraged to submit entries for this to clinch a spot in the inaugural showcase at the show. A panel of judges was to select those products and services to exhibit in the showcase, which will be in Ocean Hall, shining a spotlight on the best of the marine industry’s new environmental services and products.

The overall aim to highlight to consumers how the marine industry is becoming greener and cleaner and what they can do to become a more environmentally conscious boater.

As before, all exhibitors must pledge that any promotional items or giveaways at the show will be sustainable and recyclable. They must also sign up to a pledge which includes no single use plastic water bottles on stands, outlets, or hosted events; to nominate a sustainability champion on their stand to oversee waste management and recycling at the show; to offer only sustainable and recyclable promotional goodies; and to only use compostable, recyclable or reusable cups, plates and cutlery.

Plastic straws are banned and exhibitors and visitors are encouraged to use e-tickets and QR codes, only using recycled paper if print materials are required. According to British Marine, exhibitors actions like these have diverted close to 20 tons of waste from landfill.

Exhibitors can enter the Southampton International Boat Show’s Exhibitor Environmental Award, which will be presented by The Green Blue’s ambassador Mike Golding. https://www. southamptonboatshow.com/ sustainability-awards/

9Accessibility

British Marine has stated its intention to make the event as accessible as possible. There is a reduced admission price for visitors who are registered disabled. Wheelchairs will be available for hire and can be booked in advance. Alternatively, you can hire a wheelchair on the day from the show entrance subject to availability (manual wheelchairs only).

Dogs are permitted access into the show, however access onto the marina will be restricted at busy times. No other animals will be admitted to the show.

A wristband given at the show entrance upon arrival allows people to move from zone to zone without having to cross bridges. Visit the Box Office when you arrive to obtain your wristband.

On the water, the Disabled Sailors Association will be taking out wheelchair-users and others on its specially-designed catamaran, ‘Spirit of Scott Bader’. You can book a place aboard at the show’s Try-a-Boat stand.

The show has some bridges between zones, but there are also ground-level walkways and accessible gates, which you can use by getting a wristband when you enter the show at the box office.

There are disabled toilets on site. Disabled parking is available at the Westquay multi storey car-park.

ABOVE AND BELOW

A hive of activity on the pontoons

10 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

Come and say hello! We always have a stand at the show and this year we’ll be on stand J178, in Ocean Hall. Editor Sam Jefferson will be there on some days, with group editor Rob Peake, publisher Simon Temlett, as well as our advertising staff and other members of the Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting team. We always want to hear your thoughts about the magazine and hearing your cruising and racing tales. Have you got a good sailing yarn up your sleeve, for publication in Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting? Meanwhile you can take advantage of a special show subscription offer, which this year comes with a bottle of Dartmouth Gin. This awardwinning gin is distilled in the town by a long-standing Dartmouth sailing family. See you on stand J178. Readers of Sailing Today with Yachts & Yacthing can use the code CB22 to claim two tickets for £39.99.