55th edition of the Southampton International Boat Show gets underway

“I am delighted to officially open this year’s Show which promises to be another spectacular festival of all things boating and watersports”, commented Robert Parton, President, British Marine. “Everyone at British Marine has made it their mission to make the Show an occasion that gives everyone the opportunity to get the most out of the water, and we think we’ve done just that with a whole host of new features and attractions, alongside the returning fan-favourites.”

Alongside the ribbon cutting ceremony, over on the water, set against the beautiful backdrop of Europe’s largest, purpose-built show marina, teenage sensation, wingfoiling National Champion (2022 and 2023), Hugo Dobrijevic, also marked the opening of the show in dramatic style with some incredible foiling stunts.

The show was also delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, for opening day.  Her Royal Highness enjoyed a tour of the show, meeting a number of exhibitors, before meeting with British Marine representatives, young designers, apprentices, and key manufacturers at a private reception.

Back bigger and better than ever for its 55^th edition, opening day saw thousands of visitors exploring multiple attractions and specialist zones including Watersports, Dinghy, Classic & Day Boats, sponsored by Classic Boat Magazine, the On the Water Zone and Shipyard, brought to you by GAC Pindar. Newbies and seasoned pros also took to the water in their droves to enjoy 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.

“It is so exciting to open the doors to the boat show once again and we were delighted to see such a big turnout on day one. We are looking forward to welcoming over 100,000 visitors throughout the 10 days of the show, giving us the chance to really showcase the marine industry and all it has to offer. Plus, with even more opportunities to get hands on than ever before, we hope to get over 15,000 people out on the water to 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 stars of the hit TV show, Below Deck Sailing Yacht, our new Head of Seagull Security, Rufus the Hawk, plus our late-night Saturdays in the Shipyard with some incredible acts taking to the stage, all promise to make it quite a show”, Lesley added.

Here are just a few of the things to look out for at this year’s show:

• Exhibitors and boats galore – With over 600 exhibitor 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 Princess X95, the biggest at the show to paddleboards and kayaks and everything in between.

• Stars of Below Deck Sailing Yacht – After opening the show, Captain Glenn appeared on the Foredeck stage talking about life at sea and on the TV show Below Deck. While on Saturday 14, Chief Stew, Daisy Kelliher will be out and about around the show, before hosting a cocktail making masterclass (tickets required – https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/famous-faces/)

• Head of Seagull Security – Rufus the Hawk: On Saturday 14 September – patrolling the skies over the show, will be our new Head of Seagull Security, Rufus the Hawk.  Rufus is a Harris’s Hawk and for the past 15 years has been scaring away birds during Wimbledon, but this year is also taking on a new role at the show. Keep an eye on the sky or drop by his perch in Mayflower Park if you want to see him up close and grab a selfie.

• Expanded Watersports Lake: Due to overwhelming popularity, the Watersports Lake sponsored by Towergate Insurance has grown by over 100sqm, making it bigger than ever. Whether you’re a complete beginner or seasoned pro, you can now enjoy even more opportunities to get on the water. With over 30% more activity sessions available for paddleboarding and kayaking, you can take advantage of expert guidance from the Rockley Watersports team of professionals.

• Late-Night Festivities at The Shipyard: The shows social hub, the Shipyard sponsored by GAC Pindar, will be keeping its doors open until 9pm on both Saturdays. Chris Moyles will set the stage on fire at the show’s opening party with his “90s Hangover” on 14 September, while Symphonic Ibiza, blending iconic dance anthems with live orchestral music, will be heading the closing party on 21 September.

• Live Sporting Broadcasts: Experience the thrill of the America’s Cup and other international sports live on large screens in The Shipyard, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of your favourite sporting action.

• On the Water Stage Show: Witness the debut of wingfoiling in our dynamic On the Water Stage Show. National Champion Hugo Dobrijevic will be joining flyboarding expert James Prestwood and jet-ski champion Jack Moule offering a showcase of aquatic athleticism that promises to captivate and inspire spectators of all ages.

• Signature Show Burger: Savor a unique burger specially curated for the show by Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey, available exclusively at the Quarterdeck Bar & Restaurant by TheYachtMarket.com.

• Boating legends and host of new speakers on the Foredeck Stage: This year we welcome a plethora of new speakers to the Foredeck Stage, sponsored by Practical Boat Owner and Yachting Monthly. Some of the biggest names from within the boating community will be joining us to help us celebrate our 55^th event.  Already confirmed, 4-time Paralympian Hannah Stodel, legendary yacht designer Tony Castro, Maiden Skipper, Heather Thomas; and yachtsman, adventurer, entrepreneur and the first person to sail non-stop, ‘the wrong way’ round the world, Sir Chay Blyth, to name just a few.

• Innovative Research activities: Get involved and discover groundbreaking marine research from the University of Southampton, featuring hands-on exhibits like a wave basin demonstration and virtual reality explorations.

• LEGO and Learning: In Ocean Hall enjoy a LEGO building workshop on show Saturdays, offering educational fun for the entire family.

• Expanded Free Entry Policy: We’ve extended free admission to all children under 18 (two children free with every adult general admission ticket) and have introduced a new ‘Young Persons’ ticket for 18-21-year-olds, making the 2024 show more accessible than ever.

• Chandlery Hub: Over 1300 square meters dedicated to showcasing top-tier clothing and chandlery from the biggest names in the marine industry, including MUSTO, Helly Hansen, Spinlock, Dubarry, Gill, Rooster, Crewsaver and many more. As well as exciting new exhibitors including Goat Marine Ltd and their comprehensive range of high-quality boating equipment and maritime technologies, Eye Truck with an extensive selection of sunglasses from high-end brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley and Koy Clothing with their range of contemporary and stylish boating attire.

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 experience.  Quayside Club ticket holders enjoy a 5-star luxury lounge, including premium bar, a selection of complimentary drinks and gourmet food from our award-winning chef, Jonas Lodge, 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. Plus access to the exclusive VIP area in the new Shipyard two-tier bar.  Quayside Club tickets are already sold out for Friday 13th and Thursday 19th September with limited availability on Saturday 15th, Friday 20th and Saturday 21^st. Find out more here:  https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/