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 can board this timeless 47m classic and step back in time as they unleash their inner pirate for this tall ship adventure, a firm favourite amongst all our visitors!
Visitors can upgrade their tickets and embark upon a sunset cruise, enjoying unparalleled views of the show from this magnificent vessel whilst they sail off out into the Solent. Quayside Club ticketholders can also enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine when they upgrade to this experience.
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 takes visitors around the Solent at no additional cost, providing them with stunning views of the show from the water. Fully equipped with sundecks, bars and on-board facilities, visitors can enjoy a relaxing and completely free 20-minute voyage.
An amazing craft, brought to the show by the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s Boathouse 4, the Highspeed Launch 102. This vessel showcases the advancements in naval technology over the years.
Experience it for yourself! Daily sailings are available on this vessel (additional costs apply), these are bookable on the marina on the day.
The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s Boathouse 4 is also bringing the Landing Craft F8 to the show. Visitors can step onboard to learn how the vessel transports troops and equipment across the sea.
Experience it for yourself! Daily sailings are available on this vessel (additional costs apply), these are bookable on the marina on the day.
Watch the next generation of marine automation, the Volvo Assisted Docking system, combining 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.
Demos will be held on the marina on a Targa 45GT. If you would like to book a demo, you can do so using the link below, or by chatting to one of the Volvo team on stand M555.
First designed and built in 1916 by John I Thornycroft, following a War Department request for fast, shallow-draft boats capable of navigating minefields and delivering 18-inch torpedoes. These boats represented a significant advancement in the development of fast, hydroplaning vessels, influencing the design of MTBs and MGBs in later decades. The term “Coastal Motor Boat” was a camouflage name to conceal their true purpose, and they were painted white for further disguise.
The CMB4R is a fully operational reproduction, the boat was built by volunteers in Boathouse 4 in Portsmouth, guided by boatbuilding professionals. See it for yourself this September, it’s based right in the heart of Mayflower Park.
Come and witness the cutting-edge Gentoo, an iconic IMOCA 60 yacht with a remarkable history. Renowned for its high-tech, eco-friendly design, it has competed in world-class events like the Vendée Globe, showcasing how sustainability and top-tier performance can go hand-in-hand.
Skippered by 26-year-old James Harayda, this eco-friendly vessel boasts advanced, fully recyclable sails, blending sustainability with high-performance racing. Don’t miss your chance to witness the future of ocean racing up close!Come and see it first hand in the marina on stand M734.
Nazca is an ever evolving leave no trace at sea project on a 1984 Contessa 34. It is fully electric, and prepared for expedition sailing. As a one design she was originally produced as a racing yacht – a well proven, robust and seaworthy boat. Nazca is the first vessel of its type to sail on the Bristol Channel and runs science missions for the North Devon Marine Project.
Nazca is light, fast and will go in a breath of wind, yet also safe in a blow, making her the perfect candidate for a fossil fuel-free sailboat for marine science expeditions. See if for yourself on stand M739.
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.
Most, paid-for, Try-a-Boat+ experiences can also be booked at the show, excluding the Thalassa which requires pre-booking on our website.
