18/9/2026
More than 250 marina boats and 500 watercraft come together with headline speakers, hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to get afloat at the 57th Southampton International Boat Show.
Southampton International Boat Show 2026 opened its doors today, kicking off ten days of all things boating and watersports, with hundreds of watercraft of all shapes and sizes, live entertainment and plenty of opportunities to enjoy hands-on experiences in, on and around the water at Mayflower Park.
Running from 18 to 27 September, the show brings together more than 500 watercraft, including over 250 boats in Europe’s largest purpose-built show marina.
The breadth of experiences at this year’s show was brought to life on opening day when two very different ways to get on the water came together for a ‘David and Goliath’ moment.
At one end of the scale was the Dorset-built Sunseeker 90 Ocean, the largest boat at this year’s show, measuring 27.1m in length. Alongside it was a paddleboard from Rockley Watersports, which is celebrating its 50th year in 2026 and runs the show’s purpose-built The Lake, giving visitors an accessible introduction to watersports with the chance to try paddleboarding, kayaking and dinghy sailing.
Placed side by side, the contrast captured the range of boating and watersports represented at Southampton International Boat Show – from a multi-million-pound luxury motor yacht to one of the simplest and most accessible ways to get afloat.
Earle Stanner, Chief Executive Officer British Marine, owner and organiser of Southampton International Boat Show, said: “There is nothing quite like seeing Southampton International Boat Show come to life. From the moment the gates open, there is a real buzz around Mayflower Park and the marina, with so much for visitors to explore, experience and enjoy.
“We are expecting thousands of people through the gates each day and that creates an incredible atmosphere. Whether you have spent a lifetime on the water or have never stepped aboard a boat before, there is so much to see, try and discover.”
Visitors don’t have to be experienced boaters to get involved. A range of activities included within the show ticket price gives people the opportunity to experience the water for themselves, whether seasoned boaters or first timers.
Try-a-Boat offers the chance to head out aboard sailing yachts, powerboats and RIBs, while The Lake provides dinghy experiences with Rockley Watersports.
Visitors can also try kayaking and paddleboarding on the Watersports Lake or experience scuba diving in the Dive Tank.
There are opportunities to step aboard selected attraction vessels too, including Helen Mary R, the 2026 ASTO/MCA Sail Training Vessel of the Year; 1928 gaff ketch Tectona; and Clipper RX, the next generation of ocean racing yacht developed for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Details of all attraction boats can be found here: www.southamptonboatshow.com/attraction-boats
The RNLI, the show’s Charity of the Year for 2026, is also giving visitors the opportunity to explore its Shannon class all-weather lifeboat and new Atlantic 85 Mk4, meet members of its team and pick up practical water-safety advice.
More than 25 World, UK and Show boat debuts are being presented in Southampton this year, alongside more than 20 launches of new marine technology, equipment and gear.
On Saturday 26 September, the marina will also host the Key Yachting J/70 Invitational Cup, a one-day knockout regatta featuring six identical J/70 sailing boats competing in close-quarters racing.
The action isn’t just confined to the water. Spitfire flypasts are scheduled above Southampton Water across the opening weekend, while live music at The Shipyard will include performances from Blue Water Giants. Visitors looking to extend their day can also make the most of late-night opening on Fridays and Saturdays, with music, food and entertainment continuing into the evening.
More than 110 talks, workshops and demonstrations will also be taking place throughout the show, with speakers including sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, offshore sailor Pip Hare, marine biologist and broadcaster Monty Halls, adventurer and sailor Jazz Turner, renowned yachting broadcaster Tom Cunliffe and the Maclean Brothers, following their Pacific Ocean rowing achievement.
The expanded Wooden Boat Stage brings traditional maritime skills to life through demonstrations including steam bending, ropework, paddle making, sailmaking, deck laying and figurehead sculpture. While, the new Wooden Boat Stage Afloat extends the experience onto the marina, allowing visitors to get up close to a collection of wooden and classic boats.
With boats to climb aboard, activities to try, demonstrations to watch, live entertainment and delicious food and drink around the show, visitors can build their day around as much – or as little – time on the water as they choose.
Children aged 15 and under can attend free when accompanied by an adult, with family activities taking place throughout the show.
Southampton International Boat Show runs from 18 to 27 September at Mayflower Park, Southampton.
Adult tickets are available online from £29, with concessions from £23.
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.southamptonboatshow.com.
