1/8/2024
Exciting new attractions and activities
With the 55th edition of the Southampton International Boat Show just around the corner (13-22 September) there is still time to get your ticket to the UK’s biggest boating festival, which this year boasts all your show favourites alongside a whole host of exciting new events, attractions and activities. Here we take a closer look at what’s new at this year’s show.
NEW Show entrance location
First off, when you arrive at the show, you will find that the entrance has been relocated adjacent to the Quays Swimming and Diving complex, a departure from its previous location along Southampton’s Town Walls outside West Quay’s food court, providing easier access as you embark on your show experience.
NEW Bigger Watersports Lake
Following the huge success of the Watersports Lake introduced at last year’s show, we are delighted to confirm it is back and bigger and better than before. In partnership with Rockley Watersports, this year we are offering even more sessions to accommodate the growing interest. So, whether you’re looking to improve your paddling skills or try kayaking for the first time, Rockley’s professional team will be on hand to support every stroke with the best equipment and safety measures.
NEW Chris Moyles and Symphonic Ibiza to headline the all-new late-night Saturdays at The Shipyard
Launched at the 2023 show, the Shipyard, delivered by GAC Pindar, brings the festival vibe to the show with an array of live music performances, delectable street food, and captivating entertainment, and this year we’re introducing late night opening. On both Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 September the Shipyard will extend the revelry until 9pm for the opening and closing parties.
Legendary DJ Chris Moyles takes over the decks for the opening party on Saturday, September 14. Prepare for a “90s Hangover” party that will have you dancing the night away to the biggest hits of the decade. While headlining the show’s closing party on Saturday 21 September, will be the incredible Symphonic Ibiza. Prepare for a night of electric energy as Ibiza’s finest dance anthems meet the thrilling harmonies of a live orchestra.
NEW Live link to America’s Cup and sporting action
Alongside all the amazing music lined up, The Shipyard will also bring you the action live from the America’s Cup, with special guests direct from Barcelona, alongside live UK and international sport, including football, cricket and F1, on the Shipyard’s big screens.
NEW Foredeck stage welcomes boating legends and host of new speakers
As well as the many show favourites, 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 55th event. Among the legends already confirmed are 4-time Paralympian (Sailing), Triple World Champion, Motivational Speaker and Coach, Hannah Stodel, legendary yacht designer Tony Castro, Maiden Skipper, Heather Thomas; Geoff Holt, the first quadriplegic yachtsman to sail solo around Great Britain 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.
We’ll also hear from Pump and Wing Foiling Champion Hugo Dobrijevic, Expedition Zero, the world’s lowest environmental impact commercial sailing yachts and Sophi Horne, Norwegian designer and the originator of the initial Racebird concept and driving force behind the innovative electric foiling raceboat used in E1.
NEW Marina Zones
This year, the show’s purpose-built showcase marina is undergoing a significant layout redesign focusing on a more zonal approach. The marina will showcase vessels by type, making it easier to navigate around the pontoons and compare over 350 stunning craft to find your dream boat! Check out oar-inspiring boats including the world’s most prestigious sailing and power boats, as well as high-end tender and chase boats.
NEW On the Water Stage Show lineup
Joining the lineup of daredevils for our amazing ‘On the Water Stage Show’ for the first time is the exhilarating sport of wingfoiling, with National Champion Hugo Dobrijevic set to stun audiences with his aerial prowess. You have to see it to believe it! The stage will also host jaw-dropping performances from flyboarding maestro James Prestwood and jet-ski champion Jack Moule, offering a showcase of aquatic athleticism that promises to captivate and inspire spectators of all ages.
NEW Show Charity and lighthouse display
This year we are delighted to be working with the Southampton Hospitals Charity and their Light the South art trail to raise funds for Southampton Children’s Hospital, one of the top children’s hospitals in the UK.
As you enter the show, you’ll be greeted by an impressive line-up of all 40 lighthouses from the ‘Light the South’ trail, plus a trail of lighthouses throughout the show as part of the Treasure Hunt. You’ll also find engaging Arts & Crafts areas located in both the Shipyard and at the Foredeck Stage where the kids can unleash their creativity by designing their own lighthouse models, solving fun maritime-themed word searches, and participating in other fun activities. It’s a perfect spot for young minds to learn, create, and play. Plus look out for details of the charity auction, coming soon!
NEW University of Southampton research initiatives
In the Watersports Zone, the University of Southampton showcases several innovative research initiatives. One highlight is a wave basin demonstration where you can use Lego to build coastal defences like seawalls and seagrass meadows to observe their effectiveness against simulated storms. The exhibit also includes submarine cables and offshore wind turbines, demonstrating sediment movement and coastal protection. You will also be able to explore the UK’s first Royal Research Ship via virtual reality, learn about wing-sail aerodynamics on model ships, delve into marine robotics with autonomous vehicle displays, and travel through geological time at the Palaeo Corner using interactive models and fossil displays.
NEW location and new chef at the Quayside Club
This year, the club unveils a new location within Mayflower Park, offering a spectacular view of the marina and the On the Water Stage, plus a tantalising new menu courtesy of award-winning chef, Jonas Lodge. So if you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your boat show experience then treat yourself to a ticket to the Quayside Club. (Thursday 19 September already sold out and limited availability on Saturdays!).
NEW Shipyard bar with exclusive Quayside Club VIP area
Taking pride of place in the vibrant Shipyard, delivered by GAC Pindar, the new two-tier bar features a covered roof terrace offering spectacular views of both the stage and the show marina in the distance, with exclusive access to the upper tier for Quayside Club ticket holders.
NEW Specially curated show burger!
The Quarterdeck Bar & Restaurant is always a popular spot for lunch, offering a wide range of food and drink choices to suit everyone’s tastes. This year look out for a burger specially curated for the show by Michelin-star chef, Jordan Bailey, it’s one not to be missed!
NEW and old from the RNLI
In celebration of its 200th anniversary the RNLI will be bringing both the Shannon Class lifeboat, which was introduced to the fleet in 2013, with a top speed of 25 knots and the Sir William Arnold, ex RNLI boat introduced to service in 1973. With a top speed of 18.5 knots she embarked on more than 500 rescue missions, saving 224 lives. Head down to the marina to speak to the team about these incredible craft and see how they have developed over the years.
NEW Play and learn with LEGO
On both Saturdays of the show, the SYUK area in Ocean Hall will transform into a LEGO lover’s paradise. Certified LEGO trainer, Stephen G Shaw will be there to guide children through the process of building their very own Lego boats. This hands-on activity not only promotes fine motor skills and creativity but also teaches kids about the basics of boat building and engineering in a fun, engaging way.
NEW Meet Captain Ted Funnel
A special guest at the show this year is Captain Ted Funnel. The mascot of Red Funnel Ferries is a character beloved by many and sure to delight his young fans. Look out for him at the show and grab a selfie.
NEW Free tickets for Under 21s
Not only have we increased the age for children to attend the show for free from 15 and under to 17 and under (two children free with every adult general admission ticket), but this year we have also introduced a brand-new ‘Young Persons’ ticket, providing FREE access to the show for 18–21-year-olds, making the show even more accessible for everyone.
All your show favourites
And if that’s not enough to whet your appetite we have all your show favourites, including some 600+ exhibitors showcasing everything from kayaks to catamarans, SUPs to superyachts, journey through the show zones showcasing different types of on water activities.
You can also get your toes wet with a whole host on the water activities. Sail a yacht, take the throttle of a motorboat or feel the power of RIB blasting around Southampton water, with Flexisail or try your hand at dinghy sailing, with our partners Rockley Watersports.
And, if you fancy getting your hair as well as your feet wet, then check out the Andark Dive tank, where you can try a diving or snorkelling, you can even enjoy a mini cruise! What’s more these are all included in the price of your ticket!
We see the welcome return of the impressive tall ship ‘Thalassa’ where you can step aboard and explore this majestic vessel, learn about its history, and even get a taste of life at sea. One of the fastest and most beautiful of the famous Dutch Tall ships, she’s rigged in a traditional way but with all the safety and conveniences of a modern-day vessel.
For an additional cost you can also book a late afternoon cruise on board this incredible vessel. Book your tickets here. (VIP experience also available).
We are delighted to see the return of the Rose Road Association mass swim event offering the opportunity to swim around one of the busiest ports in the UK past tall ships and super yachts. Swimmers will take to the water at 9am on Sunday 15 September and complete the 1km. It promises to once again be quite a spectacle.
With a whole host of attractions on and off the water and the best of all things marine, the Southampton International Boat Show really has something for everyone, and you’re guaranteed a sea-sational day out!
What are you waiting for, get your ticket today!
Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online here.
Make a donation to this year’s show charity when purchasing your tickets. Your donation will help transform the facilities and hospital experience for young patients, deliver vital support for families and continue life-changing research to keep your children’s hospital truly world class.
Want to make your visit extra special? Treat yourself with our Quayside Club package.
The show is open from 10am – 6pm daily except on the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm. The Shipyard will remain open until 9pm on both Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 September.
