54th edition of the Southampton International Boat Show returns and it's bigger and better than ever
by British Marine 15 Sep 2023 17:40 BST
15-24 September 2023
Opening day at the 54th edition of the Southampton International Boat Show © PinPep
Southampton International Boat Show, Britain's biggest festival of boating, returned today as British Marine President, Paul Gullett, CEO Lesley Robinson, Chair, Matt Beckwith, and Alastair Welch Regional Director for Associated British Ports, came together to welcome visitors and officially declare the show open.
"I am delighted to officially open this year's Show which promises to be another spectacular festival of all things boating and watersports", commented Paul Gullett, President, British Marine. "As part of my role at British Marine, as a marine business owner and a member of the public, I have been coming to the Southampton International Boat Show for many years and it never gets stale.
"Every year there's something new to do, something new to find, and so many exciting ways to have an unforgettable day out, and this year is no exception. There are a whole host of great new features and attractions, alongside returning favourites, so visitors are guaranteed an amazing day out," Paul added.
While over on the water, set against the beautiful backdrop of Europe's largest, purpose-built show marina, professional jet ski world champion and daredevil, Jack Moule, also marked the opening of the show in dramatic style with incredible backflips and barrel rolls.
The much-loved show is back bigger and better than ever for its 54th edition with opening day visitors exploring multiple attractions and zones including Watersports, Dinghy, Classic & Day Boats, alongside the On the Water Zone and the brand-new Beach Haven & Watersports Lake, brought to you by Haven Knox-Johnston. Newbies and seasoned pros also took to the water in their droves to enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and dinghy sailing, yachting, motorboating and RIB rides, giving them the chance to soak up the atmosphere and sample life on the water.
"As we open the doors on our 54th show, we are pleased to see such a big turnout and we are excited to welcome over 100,000 visitors over the next 10 days. Our aim is to really showcase the marine industry and all it has to offer and seek to get over 15,000 people out on the water and give it a go, regardless of age and ability", commented Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine.
"We have an incredibly exciting line up of attractions, events and guests at this year's show, including Captain Sandy, star of the TV show, Below Deck Mediterranean who will be joining us on the Foredeck stage and signing copies of her book, the new Beach Haven & Watersports Lake, with Southampton city centre's only sandy beach and watersports lake to try canoeing, paddleboarding, model boating and even SUP yoga.
"We have the new Shipyard with live music and DJ sets including headliners Judge Jules and Cuban Brothers, bringing the festival vibe to the show, flypasts from the Red Arrows, Spitfire and Hurricane, plus, the opportunity to WIN a RIBEYE A600 for just £5, just to mention a few", Lesley added.
Here are just a few of the things to look out for at this year's show:
Exhibitors and boat galore
With over 600 exhibitors at the show stands and berths at the show we have all the best British and international marine brands showcasing the latest technology in boats and gadgets. You'll find everything from holidays, books, courses, all types of clothing from specialist offshore kit to the latest fashions... The list goes on and on. You will also find over 650 craft of all shapes and sizes right across the show, from the Sunseeker 100 Yacht, the biggest at the show to paddleboards and kayaks and everything in between.
Below Deck Mediterranean's 'Captain Sandy'
Captain Sandy will be appearing at the Southampton International Boat Show on Thursday 21 September during our Women in Marine Day and Sunday 24th September. She will be taking part in a VIP Meet & Greet, give a short talk and interview on the Foredeck Stage (10.45), followed by book signing - 'Be the calm, or be the storm'.
WIN a RIBEYE A600 for £5 competition!
One lucky winner will have the chance to win a brand-new RIBEYE A600, worth £80,000, plus: 130HP YAMAHA outboard engine, Garmin navigation package, road trailer, boat cover and warranty. Enter online at: www.southamptonboatshow.com/ribeye-a600-competition-enter-now View the prize in The Beach Haven & Watersports Zone.
New - The Beach Haven & Watersports Zone, brought to you by Haven Knox-Johnston
Get your feet in the sand in our purpose-built city centre sandy beach, complete with deckchairs, sun loungers, an ice cream van and even buckets and spades, alongside our Watersports Lake, giving you another opportunity to get on the water and give it a go, included in the price of your ticket. Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, model boating and even paddleboard yoga!
The Shipyard - food court and music stage
Bringing festival feel to the show and the soundtrack to your boat show, enjoy DJ's and live music sets from midday each day. Headliners include The Cuban Brothers (Friday 15 September, 16.00-18.00) and Judge Jules (Friday 22 September, 16.00-18.00). You'll also enjoy a whole host of street food vendors and drinks outlets.
World Cup Rugby
We will be bringing you two exciting clashes to the big screen in the brand-new Shipyard entertainment area. Keep up with all the Rugby World Cup action without having to choose between the boat show and the match. Saturday 16 September (16.45 kick off) Wales v Portugal, Saturday 23 September (16.45 kick off) England v Chile.
Chandlery Hub
Introducing the new chandlery hub, providing visitors with a bigger and better chandlery offer. Located at entrance of the show, there will be even more opportunities to see, try and buy with retail and chandlery stands selling everything from the latest clothing, footwear, beachwear and accessories to specialist chandlery items such as shackles, ropes, electronics and engines and everything in between!
Foredeck stage
From leading experts on a whole host of topics from Swallows and Amazons to buying a boat; You'll be able to ask the experts your burning questions and enjoy conversations with like-minded enthusiasts.
We could go on... but for the full show line up and details of what's on when visit www.southamptonboatshow.com
If you're looking to add a touch of luxury to your visit, then there are still a few tickets available for our Quayside Club VIP experience. VIP guests will enjoy a 5-star luxury lounge, including premium bar, a selection of complimentary drinks and gourmet food alongside some of the best seats in the house, making it is perfect place to sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere of the show.
VIP tickets are still available for 17th, 18th and 24th only. Find out more here: www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip
Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets up to 2 children aged 15 and under are permitted free entry to the show with every paying general admission adult ticket.
Upgrade your visit and check out our exclusive VIP packages - www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip
DATES: Friday 15 September - Sunday 24 September 2023
TIMES: 15-23 September 10am - 6pm, 24 September 10am - 5pm
LOCATION: Mayflower Park, Southampton