The 55th edition of the Southampton International Boat Show returns to Mayflower Park, Southampton, from 13 – 22 September. To whet your appetite, here are 10 great reasons to visit this year’s show.

1. Boats Galore

With everything from stand-up paddleboards to luxurious superyachts, the Southampton International Boat Show is a boat lover’s paradise. This year, the show marina features a redesigned layout that showcases over 350 vessels by type, making it easier to navigate and compare the world’s most prestigious sailing and power boats. Look out for brands including: Sunseeker, Beneteau, Suzuki, Bavaria, Fairline, Hanse, J Boats, Princess Yachts, Arcona, Rustler, and many more.  You will also find a whole host of sail and power boats shoreside across the show.

2. Get Wet If You Want To

Experience maritime life first-hand with a variety of free hands-on activities:

  • Try-a-Boat: Sail a yacht, throttle a motorboat, or enjoy a high-speed RIB ride with guidance from qualified instructors.
  • Get Afloat: Sail a dinghy with Rockley Watersports, perfect for both beginners and experienced sailors.
  • Mini Cruise: Relax on a tranquil voyage around the Solent aboard the Ocean Scene, with stunning views and onboard refreshments.
  • Try-a-Boat+: For a small additional fee, enjoy extended adventures on unique boats like the ‘Thalassa’, a 47m Dutch tall ship.
  • Watersports Lake, sponsored by Towergate Insurance, delivered by Rockley Watersports: Try kayaking and paddleboarding on our purpose-built lake, perfect for watersports enthusiasts and beginners alike.
  • Andark Dive Tank: Dive below the surface and have a go a diving, expert instructors are on hand to give you all the help you need.

Image: @emilythephotographer.com

3. Specialist Zones

Navigate through mini ‘shows within the show’ tailored to specific interests:

  • Watersports Zone: Explore stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, wakeboards, water-skis, and more from brands like Two Bare Feet, Lorima, Sandbanks Style, and O’Neill.
  • Dinghy Zone: Discover sport and sailing dinghies and high-performance equipment from Topper, Fusion Sailboats, Rooster, Rebel Leisure, and more.
  • Classic & Day Boat Zone: Celebrate timeless craftsmanship with modern boats inspired by traditional designs and beautifully restored classics from Drascombe Boats, Seaspray Boats, Lakeland Wooden Boats, Willow Bay Boats, and others.
  • Mayflower Park and Ocean Hall: Explore leading brands and innovative boats, alongside exhibitors offering clothing, accessories, technology, and gadgets from Typhoon, Nauticalia, Marlow Rope, Boatfolk, Quicksilver, Barrus, Garmin, and more.

Dinghy Zone. Image: Paul Wyeth

4. Hear From the Experts

The Foredeck Stage in Ocean Hall, sponsored by Practical Boat Owner and Yachting Monthly, features leading experts discussing various boating topics. This year’s lineup includes:

  • Paralympian and Triple World Champion, Hannah Stodel
  • Yacht designer Tony Castro
  • Maiden Skipper, Heather Thomas
  • Yachtsman and adventurer, Sir Chay Blyth
  • Pump and Wing Foiling Champion, Hugo Dobrijevic
  • Expedition Zero’s eco-friendly sailing yachts
  • Electric foiling raceboat innovator, Sophi Horne

And many more!  See the full line up at https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/foredeck-stage/

5. Activities and Attractions

Beyond the hundreds of boats and exhibitors, enjoy:

  • The ‘On the Water’ Stage Show: Watch high-octane stunt demos from extreme sports professionals; jet skier Jack Moule, flyboarder James Prestwood and new for 2024 wing foiling champion, Hugo Dobrijevic.
  • Big Screen Sporting Action: Catch live sports, including America’s Cup, with live links to Barcelona and other international events, on the Shipyard’s big screens.
  • Explore and Build: Join the University of Southampton to explore shipwrecks in virtual reality or build a LEGO water defence system.
  • RNLI 200th Anniversary: Celebrate with the RNLI’s Shannon Class lifeboat and the Sir William Arnold, showcasing rescue craft evolution, alongside an incredible line up of attraction boats.

Image: Martin Allen Photography

6. Shop ‘Til You Drop

The UK’s largest pop-up chandlery returns with even more retailers and stands. Find everything from clothing, footwear, and accessories to specialist chandlery items like shackles, ropes, electronics, engines, and more.

7. Festival Vibe and Late-Night Saturdays

The Shipyard is the entertainment epicentre, featuring live music, DJ sets, street food, and performances. This year introduces late-night Saturdays with parties continuing until 9 pm. Enjoy headliners DJ Chris Moyles, Symphonic Ibiza, as well as a Beatles Dub Club DJ set, and ABBA tribute band ‘Mamma Mania’.

8. A Great Day Out for All the Family

The show offers family-friendly activities, including a Treasure Hunt, LEGO boat building, and a special appearance by Captain Ted Funnel of Red Funnel Ferries. Plus, free entry for children 18 and under (two per paying adult) and young adults 18–21.

9. Add a Touch of Luxury

The Quayside Club moves to a new location within Mayflower Park, offering spectacular marina views and a new menu by award-winning chef Jonas Lodge. Enjoy exclusive access to the Waterfront lounge, to complimentary drinks* and cuisine, and access to the VIP area in the new Shipyard bar.

* Complimentary drinks include: all draught, house and sparkling wine, all soft drinks, tea and coffee, single house spirits and mixers.

Image: Martin Allen Photography

10. Supporting Local Charity

This year, the show partners with Southampton Hospitals Charity’s ‘Light the South’ art trail, raising funds for Southampton Children’s Hospital. See all 40 lighthouses from the trail, participate in the Treasure Hunt, and enjoy arts & crafts areas. Look out for details of the charity auction coming soon!

Get your ticket

Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/

Don’t forget, with every adult general admission ticket, two children under 17 go for free. Plus new for 2024, Young adults aged 18-21 also enjoy free admission, making this an accessible event for families and young enthusiasts alike.

Want to make your visit extra special? Treat yourself with the Quayside Club package – https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/

The show is open from 10am – 6pm daily except on the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm.  The Shipyard will remain open until 9pm on both Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 September.