PSP Southampton Boat Show Opens Today!

The 2008 PSP Southampton Boat Show, in association with ITV Meridian, opens today celebrating its 40th Show!  Returning in style and running until the 21 September in Mayflower Park, the Show is simply the place to be to explore all the latest in sailing, boating and watersports.

At 10am gold medal winners Ben Ainslie, Paul Goodison, Iain Percy, Andrew Simpson, Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson, who are part of Skandia Team GBR, will arrive at the Show with fellow Olympic team members onboard Mike Golding’s ECOVER 3 yacht.

Boating and TV legends from the last four decades including Sir Robin Knox Johnston, Kate O’Mara, Lady Pippa Blake, Steve Curtis MBE and Dame Ellen MacArthur will join members of Skandia Team GBR, alongside Jo Dixie of title sponsor PSP and Andrew Williams, Managing Director of National Boat Shows (NBS), to mark the Official Opening of the PSP Southampton Boat Show at 11am. 

As part of the opening celebrations, from 11.30am onwards, The Main Stage – Powered by Fairline will feature a retro-style fashion show with live music from 80s tribute group Infantasia.

Ben Ainslie, Olympic Gold Medallist, says: “It’s great to be here to officially open the celebratory 40th Show.  It’s really important to get people of all ages involved in sailing, especially the younger generation who are the future of Skandia Team GBR.  The PSP Southampton Boat Show represents the perfect environment to get youngsters involved in boating from an early age.”

Andrew Williams, Managing Director of NBS, added: “We’re thrilled to be celebrating our 40th Show this year, not only with boating and TV legends from the past, but with our returning heroes from Beijing.  We wish them every success for the London Games and hope to have the team back with an even greater medal haul in September 2012!”

Features and attractions include:
o The H2O Zone – brand new to the Show, and in association with Calshot Activities Centre, it’s a great place to test out your water sport skills and even try your hand at the latest craze: stand up paddle boarding
o Try-a-Boat – experience the thrill of being out on-water by choosing from a varied selection of the latest inflatables, powerboats and yachts - all for free!
o Try Sailing with OnBoard – organised by the RYA and supported by the British Marine Federation, kids will be able to try sailing for free at the Show
o Exciting Feature Boats – don’t miss the famous feature boat line up which includes: Pete Goss’ Spirit of Mystery, tall ship Jeanie Johnston, Katie Miller’s Hot Socks,  40-year old Ocean Pirate, Clipper Ventures’ Hull & Humber, a 38ft Westerly Oceanranger, Alan Priddy’s Lively Lady,  research vessel Callista and sailing charity The Rona Trust’s London Sailing Project
o Search & Rescue – see the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and RNLI’s real-life heroes show how it’s done throughout the Show
o Hydropool Marina – explore over 1.6km of Europe’s largest purpose-built marina with almost 400 boats afloat
o Bars & Restaurants – for a spot of refreshment check out the Guinness Village, or the Show’s restaurant SO40, in association with Cunard.  For an extra bit of glamour, head over to the Sunseeker Champagne Bar

Book your tickets
To book tickets for the Show simply call the ticket hotline on 0844 209 0333 or book online at www.southamptonboatshow.com.  Also visit the website for the latest updates on features and attractions and all the information you’ll need to plan your day.

The PSP Southampton Boat Show is your Show, make the most of it!