Switch the wellies for deck shoes and see what’s in store

Taking place from 16-25 September, the Southampton International Boat Show, is the biggest marine showcase in the UK and one of Europe’s largest on-water events.

Whether you’re a complete novice dipping your toes in for the first time or a seasoned pro looking for the latest kit or even a new boat, with hundreds of exhibitors, over 650 craft on display, a purpose-built marina, a whole host of attractions, a brand-new VIP experience and the best of all things marine, the show really has something for everyone and is not to be missed!

A great day out

Amongst the wide variety of stands selling everything from SUPs to accessories, footwear to fleeces, electronics to watches, ropes to fenders, visitors to the show have the chance to enjoy a whole host of exciting and innovative on water displays and land-based talks.

At the On the Water stage, you’ll enjoy high-octane stunt demos including the electric tech show, flyboarding and jet ski demos. Take a seat in the Quarterdeck Bar & Restaurant and enjoy the action!

On the Foredeck stage you can hear 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 also have the chance to ask the experts your burning questions, chat with like-minded enthusiasts, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the vibe at the many hospitality areas serving a range of hot and cold drinks and delicious street food.  It really is a great day out for all the family.

Want to get on the water?

This year there are even more opportunities to get on the water with a wide variety of craft available for you to try.

From standing on a paddleboard, tacking and gybing in a dinghy, experiencing the high-speed, high-octane thrill of a powerboat, to the majestic charm of a classic sailing yacht, or cruising around the Solent, the show’s ‘On the Water’ zone offers action-packed fun for all the family.

Try-a-boat with Flexisail offers you the chance to get on the water and try, for free, a wide range of different boats including 40-foot sailing yachts to classic traditional inshore cruisers, powerboats, RIBS and access-friendly craft.

For an even more memorable experience, Try-a-Boat+ provides an opportunity to stay out on the water longer and experience life aboard some of the most adventurous and historically unique boats at the show. These include the tall ship Morgenster; the 1932 High Speed Launch 102 which is the last surviving high speed air/sea rescue craft and was inspired by T E Shaw (better known as Lawrence of Arabia); an F8 landing craft and the stunning Motor Gun Boat 81, which took part in the Normandy landings.  Prices start from £20 for Try-a-Boat+ experiences.

If you fancy dinghy sailing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding – alone or on a mega-sup – then Get-a-Float, in partnership with Rockley Watersports, is the place to go.  Under the watchful eyes of experienced instructors, making sure everyone is perfectly safe, on-the-water instructors will be on hand to give helpful hints for first timers or more experienced visitors.  All equipment including wetsuits and buoyancy aids are provided and what’s more, it’s all completely free!

You can even take a mini cruise around the Solent and see the show from an entirely different angle.

 

Enjoy the brand-new Quayside Club VIP experience

Add a touch of luxury to your visit with one of the show’s brand-new and exclusive VIP packages – White Sea, Coral Sea and Black Sea. You’ll not only enjoy all the show has to offer and the best of the UK leisure marine industry, but you’ll be able to enhance your show experience with access to luxury VIP extras and hospitality of the highest level.

The all-new Quayside Club White Sea VIP package includes an official meet and greet on arrival at the show, entry into the show itself, a tour of the deluxe Waterfront Lounge, plus complimentary* drinks and snacks for the duration of your visit.

Upgrade to the Coral Sea package and you will enjoy all the White Sea elements plus you can sit back and relax with a delicious premium served gourmet buffet lunch overlooking the marina, in some of the best seats in the show.

For those visitors looking for the ultimate opulent boat show experience, the Black Sea VIP package covers all your needs. Inclusive of all White and Coral Sea options, with the Black Sea package guests will also enjoy VIP parking, right at the heart of the show and access to the ‘On the Water’ stage private enclosure where you can watch the amazing on water demonstrations.

Black Sea ticket holders can also sign up to an exclusive on the water boat experience and enjoy an amazing trip on one of five unique craft, including the F8 Landing Craft, Motor Gun Boat 81, a high-speed thrill ride or even a twilight cruise with ‘bubbles’ on board the majestic tall ship Morgenster.

What better way to experience a ‘Monaco’ style boat show!

To find out more about the exclusive VIP packages and purchase your tickets visit https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/

Check out the zones

To make navigating around the show easy, there are sector specific ‘zones’ showcasing different types of activities.

Whether you’ve been seeking the perfect wave for a while, exploring new frontiers along the waterways or just want to dip your toe in the water to learn something new that keeps you fit, you’ll get to know exactly what’s hot right now in the ‘Watersports Zone’. Unlimited board sports action, the latest equipment, new trends and, of course, lots of fun.

You’ll find everything from stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, wakeboards and water-skis, kite-surfs, windsurfs, canoes, and kayaks, to group activities on the water – something for easy riders and adrenaline junkies alike. Get tips from the pros, learn about the latest equipment or grab a bargain with special SIBS offers from our exhibitors.

The shows ‘Dinghy Zone’ is the only place to see sports and sailing dinghies, trailer boats, cruisers, boat builders, high-performance equipment, sailing clubs, holiday providers and training options all in one place.

Whether you have your own dinghy or rent when it suits you, our exhibitors will happily explain and show you the different types of dinghies, as well as the equipment that matches your needs and budget.

In the dedicated ‘Classic and Day Boat Zone’, you can immerse yourself in a wide range of craft, from new day boat designs to beautifully restored classics, with highly varnished wooden decks, shiny sleek hulls, coloured sails on gaff rigs and traditional brass fittings. With its myriad of beautiful craft, there’s plenty to see, do, learn and try.

Head over to Mayflower Park and you’ll find Ocean Hall, the Guinness Bar, the Quarterdeck Bar & Restaurant, live entertainment and, of course, gain access to our stunning marina.

Exhibitors galore

All the major international brands will be showing their latest gleaming sailing yachts and powerboats on the water.  Exhibitors this year include show regulars Sunseeker International, Princess Motor Yachts, Dufour and Prestige Yachts, Oyster, Fjord, Jeanneau Sail & Power range, Beneteau Sail & Power range, Spirit Yachts, Hanse, Dehler and Moody sailing yachts, so why not come along and step aboard and check out these fantastic craft for yourself?

The show will also see a number of world debuts, including the ultra-modern Archipelago 47 catamaran, the sea-angler’s Pilothouse 25 from Orkney Boats and for adventurers and explorers the Arksen 45, designed to travel to all corners of the world.

Encompassing everything from the most sumptuous superyacht to the tiniest shackle, the 2022 Southampton International Boat Show has it all. As well as all the fantastic boats in the marina, you’ll find everything from holidays to books, charts and courses, all types of clothing from specialist offshore kit to the latest fashions. Engines, water makers, electronics or safety equipment; a SUP, kayaks and classic dinghies, the world of marinas or magical waterfront properties.

Plus, pay a visit to the environmental innovation showcase and check out all the latest ‘green tech’.

Get your ticket

If that’s whet your appetite, then make sure you get your ticket today.

Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/

The show is open from 10am – 6pm daily except the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm.