A British Marine Event
Set foot aboard the most unique vessels on the water, enjoy luxury VIP experiences and listen to incredible tales of adventure. With many craft free to explore with a general admission ticket and some exclusive upgradeable experiences, there’s truly something for everyone at this year’s show.
Situated deep within Mayflower Park, hosting live music and a bar, this unique craft will be sure to catch your eye! It’s story is even more intriguing when you discover that this real-life bottle boat has once sailed across the Atlantic!
Take the opportunity to find out more about this incredible story and pick up “The Last Great Adventurer” from the Medina Publishing stand. This book, by Fons Oerlemans, describes this unbelievable adventure across the Atlantic!
A real-life bottle boat not quite enough for you? Why not take part in sea shanties and watch live pirate fighting to get you truly in the spirit!
One of the most beautiful and fastest sea sailers of the Dutch fleet, Thalassa is rigged according to old traditions perfectly combined with modern safety conveniences, offering adventurous sailing with comfortable enjoyment. So, step aboard this timeless 47m classic and step back in time as you channel your inner pirate for this tall ship adventure, a firm favourite of kids of all ages!
Upgrade to a sunset cruise and enjoy unparalleled views of the show from this magnificent vessel. VIP ticketholders can also enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine when they upgrade to this experience.
*additional costs apply
On Saturday 23 September, watch these powerful craft head out to compete in the final race of the 2023 season. Who will take the chequered flag and claim the winners crown? Keep an eye on the On the Water stage for the fleet parade at midday and winner’s parade at 15.30.
Ocean Scene Solent Cruises
Step aboard the show’s very own cruise ship which departs from the marina twice an hour, taking visitors on a mini cruise around the Solent. Fully equipped with sundecks, bars and on-board facilities, you’ll enjoy a relaxed and completely free 20-minute voyage.
“Spirit of Poole” is a 50ft racing trimaran originally designed to compete in single-handed offshore races. Now equipped for crewed charters, Ultimate Sailing offers you a rare opportunity to experience high-performance sailing on a unique vessel. The racing pedigree of this trimaran combines light weight with a large sail area making for exciting sailing. Throughout the show, daily sailings will be taking place from the show marina. No prior experience is necessary. Waterproofs and safety gear are provided and crew will be onboard helping you to get as involved with the sailing as you wish.
*additional costs apply
Sixteen P2000 Archer Class Fast Inshore Patrol Craft and two Scimitar Class Patrol Boats form Coastal Forces Squadron, Faslane Patrol Boat Squadron and Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron. Operating across the United Kingdom and Europe from the Baltic Sea to Gibraltar. Due to their unique ability to operate in ports and confined waters not traditionally accessible to other Warships, they can conduct several roles from Safeguarding Britain’s Nuclear fleet, Maritime Security, Force Protection, support to overseas NATO Operations, to supporting the training of the next generation of Warfare Officers.
*additional costs apply
Brought to the show by the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s Boathouse 4 is the Motor Gunboat (MGB) 81. A living testament to the daring naval operations of the past. Step back in time and witness this historic naval craft in action.
*additional costs apply
Another amazing craft, brought to the show by the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s Boathouse 4 is the Highspeed Launch 102. A vessel that showcases the advancements in naval technology. Explore its sleek design and experience the speed and agility it once demonstrated on the open seas. Read more about the Highspeed Launch 102 here.
*additional costs apply
The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s Boathouse 4 is also being the Landing Craft F8 to the show. Step aboard this craft and admire the pivotal role it played in transporting troops and equipment across the sea. Read More About The Landing Craft F8 here.
*additional costs apply
The next generation of marine automation, the Volvo Assisted Docking system combines automation with control. It simplifies boat docking by removing the dynamics of wind and current, and improves your control for manoeuvring in tight spaces, to make docking boats safe and easy in challenging conditions. Learn more about Volvo Penta Assisted Docking here.
Solent Rescue is a member of the Solent Sea Rescue Organisation which is made up of 7 independent lifeboats. This organisation is part of a wider group of independent lifeboats that make up 25% of all lifeboat services in the UK, with the RNLI accounting for the remaining 75%. The charity is run entirely by volunteers! These are amazing individuals who come together to make a difference in their local community.
Experience one of Suzuki’s ultimate outboards in action. Enjoy a ride on a 250hp 7.8m Ribcraft RIB operated by Solent RIB Charter. This exciting opportunity will be available to book at the Suzuki stand (E058) by the water during the show.
Joining us at the show from Friday 15th until Sunday 17th September, this replica WW1 Torpedo Boat will be berthed on the marina in M185. The 40ft vessel that it is based on, which is now part of the Imperial War Museum’s collection, could reach up to 40 knots whilst it was used to attack much larger ships during World War One.
All experiences require a valid entry ticket to the show. Try-a-Boat experiences, included in the ticket price, are bookable on the day in the Beach Haven & Watersports Lake, next to the Watersports Zone.
Paid for, Try-a-Boat+ experiences can be booked online when purchasing your entry tickets. If you already have your tickets for the show, make sure that you book your upgrades using the same email address to ensure that all your bookings arrive at the same time, in the same inbox.