Southampton International Boat Show returns for its 53rd year. This years’ show honours the late Queen Elizabeth II
Friday 16th September: Southampton International Boat Show, Britain’s biggest festival of boating, returned today with British Marine President, Paul Gullett, CEO Lesley Robinson, Chair, Matt Beckwith, former President Ian Cooke and Richard Roberts, British Marine Hampshire Ambassador, CEO & Founder TheYachtMarket.com welcoming visitors and declaring the show open.
While over on the water professional fly boarder, James Prestwood, also marked the opening of the show in dramatic style cutting the show ribbon mid-summersault.
To mark the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, the show will hold a minute’s silence on Friday 16, Saturday 17, and Sunday 18 September and will close on Monday 19 September. The show entrance is home to a tribute where visitors are encouraged to leave plastic-free flowers and a timeline of Her Majesty’s time in Southampton is also on display within the show. The Royal Navy also have a memorial showcasing Queen Elizabeth II’s connection to the Royal Navy over the years.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Europe’s largest, purpose-built show marina, the much-loved show is back better than ever for another year. Crowds were out in full force to see Prestwood, on the water, cut the official ribbon mid-summersault while bright blue smoke filled the air.
The 53rd edition of the show sees opening day visitors exploring multiple attractions and zones including Watersports, Dinghy, Classic & Day Boat alongside the On the Water Zone and the brand-new Quayside Club VIP experience. Newbies and seasoned pros took to the water on stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and RIBS, giving them the chance to soak up the atmosphere and sample life on the water.
CEO of British Marine, Lesley Robinson says: “British Marine and the whole UK marine leisure industry were deeply saddened by the loss of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We’ve all agreed that closing the show as a mark of respect would be the most appropriate course of action to join the nation in remembering The Queen on Monday 19 September.
“As we open the doors on our fifty third show, we are pleased to see such a big turnout and are excited to welcome many more visitors over our nine-day run. Our aim is to get as many people as possible out on the water regardless of ability. There are many opportunities for visitors to try something new, from taking a high-speed RIB ride to testing their balance on a stand up paddleboard.”
Key features at this year’s Show include:
- ‘On the Water’ zone
The On the Water Zone allows you to get afloat! Whether its dinghy sailing or paddleboarding. With Try-a-Boat you can try something new or sharpen your existing watersports skills with experts from Rockley Watersports on hand to help, there’s something for everyone.
- Exhibitors
All the best British and international marine brands showcasing the latest technology in boats and gadgets. Ticket holders can also find holidays, books, courses, all types of clothing from specialist offshore kit to the latest fashions, SUP… The list goes on and on.
- Quayside Club VIP experience
Brand new to the show, the Quayside Club VIP experience is available to add a touch of luxury to any day offering hospitality of the highest level. Three exclusive VIP packages are available, White Sea, Coral Sea and Black Sea.
- Mayflower Park
Offering a chance to relax and soak in the atmosphere – from fresh-out-of-the-water oysters, an array of international street food, delicious cocktails, and chilled Champagne, you won’t be short of food and beverages throughout the show and within the Quarterdeck Bar & Restaurant. Also returning to the Mayflower Park is the Ocean Hall and Guinness Bar, both firm favourites with show visitors.
- The Dinghy Zone
The place to be for sports and sailing dinghies, trailer boats, cruisers, boat builders, high-performance equipment, sailing clubs, holiday providers and training options in one place.
- Foredeck stage
From leading experts on a whole host of topics from Swallows and Amazons to buying a boat; rowing the Atlantic to flare disposal. You’ll be able to ask the experts your burning questions and enjoy conversations with likeminded enthusiasts.
- Classic and Day Boat Zone
Celebrate the boats and craftsmanship that stand the test of time in this zone. Classic boat enthusiasts and seasoned boaters will be able to find all the equipment they need to keep their treasures gliding across the water.
In its fourth year of a five-year sustainability pledge, Southampton International Boat Show is proud to announce the launch of the new Environmental Innovation Showcase (EIS), located in Ocean Hall. The showcase will shine a spotlight on the best of the marine industry’s new products, highlighting to consumers how the marine industry is becoming greener and cleaner and what they can do to become a more environmentally conscious boater.
It will provide a unique opportunity to showcase those businesses working towards a cleaner marine environment and provides a fantastic opportunity for exhibiting businesses to promote their innovative products or services to boat show visitors.
Adult tickets are on sale now for £26 and up to 2 children aged 15 and under are permitted free entry to the show with every paying general admission adult ticket. For a full breakdown of ticket costs and packages please visit https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/
Enjoy the show in style with Quayside Club VIP experience – hospitality packages start from £199 for guests looking for the ultimate VIP treatment. Visit the website for more information.
To keep up with the latest news and announcements, follow the Southampton International Boat Show on: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
DATES: Friday 16 September 2022 – Sunday 25 September 2022
(Please note, show is closed Monday 19 September)
TIMES: 16–24 September 10am – 6pm, 25 September 10am – 5pm
LOCATION: Mayflower Park, Southampton
WEBSITE: southamptonboatshow.com
Get your ticket
Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/
Upgrade your visit with the new and exclusive Quayside Club VIP packages at https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/
The show is open from 10am – 6pm daily except the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm.
ENDS
FURTHER INFORMATION
For more information please contact: British Marine Press Team – [email protected]
NOTES TO EDITORS:
About the Southampton International Boat Show
From SUPs to superyachts and everything in between, the Southampton International Boat Show is an on-water event, one of the largest in Europe and the biggest and most popular of its type in the UK. Welcoming over 103,000 visitors, the event provides a showcase for everything the leisure marine industry has to offer and provides an exciting family day out with many chances to get afloat.
For further information visit: www.southamptonboatshow.com
Follow Southampton International Boat Show on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
The Southampton International Boat Show (16-25 September 2022) is owned and operated by British Marine. British Marine is the trade association for the UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry. Through the provision of world-class events, specialist services and business support tools, we support over 1,500 members from both sea-going and inland sectors in achieving long-term sustainable growth and represent an industry which employs more than 38,700 people in the UK.
British Marine also owns and operates London Luxury Afloat (18-22 April 2023) and the British Marine National Conference. For more information about the work of British Marine and how to join, please visit the website: www.britishmarine.co.uk, or follow British Marine on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook
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