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LARGEST EVER SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW DRAWS CROWDS
The biggest ever Southampton International Boat Show saw a record number of participants take part in the showpiece event.
The event, now in its 53rd year, hosted more exhibitors and boats than ever before with a total of 685 individual stands and berths covering the show’s 70,000 plus sq m footprint. More than 650 craft were on display across the show, with some 300 boats berthed in the marina alone.
Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, said: “There was a fabulous atmosphere at this year’s show and the feedback we’ve received from exhibitors from across the industry has been exceptional, with many indicating very strong sales.
“The show has put a real smile on everyone’s face with a fantastic mix of products, talks, entertainment and refreshments, plus our stunning new VIP experience.
“We’ve welcomed everyone from boating newbies to seasoned sailors and watersports enthusiasts and the wide choice of sailing yachts, motorboats, accessories, paddle boards, kayaks and services has been incredibly well received.”
The event welcomed more than 83,000 people over nine days with a one day pause due to the Queen's death.
Lesley added: “Despite the sad circumstances of recent weeks, we are delighted to have welcomed so many people to the show and it is apparent that there continues to be a real appetite for all things marine and people looking to find different ways to get out on the water."
Alongside craft of all shapes and sizes, from paddleboards and kayaks to towering superyachts, plus products and services from engines and life rafts to clothing and rigging, the show encouraged event attendees to take part in practical activities.
“Through our Get Afloat, Try-A-Boat and Try-A-Boat+ experiences we’ve hosted more than 14,000 visitors on the water, trying everything from dinghy sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking to RIB rides, yacht cruising and motorboating.
“Visitors have also been able to get out on the water onboard a selection of fascinating and historic craft including the Morgenter tall ship, F8 landing craft, motor gun boat 81 and the high-speed launch 102,” said Lesley.
“I would like to offer my thanks to Rockley Waterports, Flexisail and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for making the water experiences such a huge success.”
A new addition to this year’s show was the Quayside Club VIP experience which, proved popular with those who attended the event.
“We have been delighted with how well the new VIP experience was received at the show”, said Lesley.
“The food, atmosphere and hosting staff has been exceptional, and we hope that in future years even more visitors will take advantage of it and add a real touch of luxury to their visit.”
