Visitors can set foot onboard the most unique vessels on the water, enjoy luxury VIP experiences and listen to incredible tales of adventure. With many crafts free to explore with a general admission ticket and some exclusive upgradable experiences, there’s truly something for everyone at the Southampton International Boat Show.
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. Visitors boarded this timeless 47m classic and stepped back in time as they unleashed their inner pirate for this tall ship adventure, a firm favourite amongst all our visitors!
Visitors that upgraded to a sunset cruise, enjoy unparalleled views of the show from this magnificent vessel. VIP ticketholders also enjoyed a complimentary glass of sparkling wine when they upgraded to this experience.
We are yet to announce the remaining attraction boats for 2024, but you can take a look below to see the incredible line-up that was on offer in 2023. Expect to see some of these show favourites return, alongside plenty of exciting, new additions!
Situated deep within Mayflower Park, hosting live music and a bar, this unique craft wowed our visitors! It’s story is even more intriguing when you discover that this real-life bottle boat has once sailed across the Atlantic!
Visitors took the opportunity to find out more about this incredible story and picked up “The Last Great Adventurer” from the Medina Publishing stand. This book, by Fons Oerlemans, describes this unbelievable adventure across the Atlantic!
If a real-life bottle boat wasn’t quite enough, visitors took part in sea shanties whilst at the Bottle Boat Stage!
This replica WW1 Torpedo Boat, joined us at the show from Friday 15th until Sunday 17th September. 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.
On Saturday 23 September, these powerful craft headed out to compete in the final race of the 2023 season and wowed visitors with fleet parade on the On The Water Stage.
Ocean Scene Solent Cruises
The show’s very own cruise ship is a firm favourite amongst our visitors. Departing from the marina every 30 minutes, the mini cruise took visitors on a mini cruise around the Solent. Fully equipped with sundecks, bars and on-board facilities, visitors enjoyed a relaxing 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 offered visitors a rare opportunity to experience high-performance sailing on this 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 took place from the show marina. No prior experience was necessary. Waterproofs and safety gear was provided and crew were onboard helping visitors to get as involved with the sailing as they wished.
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.
Brought to the show by the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s Boathouse 4 was the Motor Gunboat (MGB) 81. A living testament to the daring naval operations of the past. Visitor travelled back in time and witnessed this historic naval craft in action.
Another amazing craft, brought to the show by the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s Boathouse 4 was the Highspeed Launch 102. A vessel that showcases the advancements in naval technology. Visitors explored its sleek design and experienced the speed and agility it once demonstrated on the open seas.
The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s Boathouse 4 also brought the Landing Craft F8 to the show. Visitors stepped onboard this craft and admired the pivotal role it played in transporting troops and equipment across the sea.
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.
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.
Visitors experienced one of Suzuki’s ultimate outboards in action, taking a ride on a 250hp 7.8m Ribcraft RIB operated by Solent RIB Charter.
All experiences require a valid entry ticket to the show. Try-a-Boat experiences, included in the ticket price, are bookable at the show, on the day.
Paid for, Try-a-Boat+ experiences can be booked online when purchasing your entry tickets.
