Southampton International Boat Show Britain’s biggest festival of boating, returned today as British Marine President, Paul Gullett, CEO Lesley Robinson, Chair, Matt Beckwith, and Alastair Welch Regional Director for Associated British Ports, came together to welcome visitors and officially declare the show open.
“I am delighted to officially open this year’s Show which promises to be another spectacular festival of all things boating and watersports”, commented Paul Gullett, President, British Marine.
“As part of my role at British Marine, as a marine business owner and a member of the public, I have been coming to the Southampton International Boat Show for many years and it never gets stale. Every year there’s something new to do, something new to find, and so many exciting ways to have an unforgettable day out, and this year is no exception. There are a whole host of great new features and attractions, alongside returning favourites, so visitors are guaranteed an amazing day out”, Paul added.
Don’t forget that as one of our valued readers you can claim a reduced ticket price for the show – one adult ticket for £19.99.
If you’re a reader of Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting, please use the code ‘STYY2023‘ when booking.
If you’re a Classic Boat reader, please use the code ‘CLASSIC2023′ when booking.
These and all other tickets are available for purchase online. show’s ticket website.
While over on the water, set against the beautiful backdrop of Europe’s largest, purpose-built show marina, professional jet ski world champion and daredevil, Jack Moule, also marked the opening of the show in dramatic style with incredible backflips and barrel rolls.
This much-loved musical is returning bigger and better for its 54th anniversary.Th edition with opening day visitors exploring multiple attractions and zones including Watersports, Dinghy, Classic & Day Boats, alongside the On the Water Zone and the brand-new Beach Haven & Watersports Lake, brought to you by Haven Knox-Johnston. The event attracted both novices and seasoned experts who enjoyed stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking as well as dinghy, motorboating, RIB and yachting.
“As we open The doors on our 54th Show, we’re pleased to see such an impressive turnout. We look forward to welcoming more than 100,000 visitors during the next ten days. Our aim is to really showcase the marine industry and all it has to offer and seek to get over 15,000 people out on the water and 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 Captain Sandy, star of the TV show, Below Deck Mediterranean who will be joining us on the Foredeck stage and signing copies of her book, the new Beach Haven & Watersports Lake, with Southampton city centre’s only sandy beach and watersports lake to try canoeing, paddleboarding, model boating and even SUP yoga. We have the new Shipyard with live music and DJ sets including headliners Judge Jules and Cuban Brothers, bringing the festival vibe to the show, flypasts from the Red Arrows, Spitfire and Hurricane, plus, the opportunity to WIN a RIBEYE A600 for just £5, just to mention a few”, Lesley added.
Here are just a few of the things to look out for at this year’s show:
Exhibitors, boats and more!
We have over 600 exhibitors on the show stands, displaying the best British marine brands and the latest gadgets and boats. 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. Over 650 boats of all sizes and shapes will be on display, including the Sunseeker 100 Yacht – the largest boat at the show – paddleboards, kayaks, and everything else in between.
Below Deck Mediterranean’s ‘Captain Sandy’
Captain Sandy is scheduled to appear at Southampton International Boat Show, Thursday 21 September for Women in Marine Day as well as Sunday 24th. She will be taking part in a VIP Meet & Greet, give a short talk and interview on the Foredeck Stage (10.45), followed by book signing – ‘Be the calm, or be the storm’.
WIN a RIBEYE A600 for £5 competition!
One lucky winner will have the chance to win a brand-new RIBEYE A600, worth £80,000, plus: 130HP YAMAHA outboard engine, Garmin navigation package, road trailer, boat cover and warranty. Enter online at: www.southamptonboatshow.com/ribeye-a600-competition-enter-now View the prize in The Beach Haven & Watersports Zone.
New – The Beach Haven & Watersports Zone, brought to you by Haven Knox-Johnston
You can also try out our Watersports Lake. It includes a chance to jump in the water, as well as deckchairs, sunloungers, ice cream trucks, and buckets and shovels. Canoeing, paddling, paddleboarding, boat model building, and even paddleboard-yoga are all included in the price of your ticket.
The Shipyard – food court and music stage
Bringing festival feel to the show and the soundtrack to your boat show, enjoy DJ’s and live music sets from midday each day. The Cuban Brothers (15 September, 16.00-18.00), and Judge Jules (16.00-18.00, Friday 22 September) are the headliner acts. You’ll also enjoy a whole host of street food vendors and drinks outlets.
World Cup Rugby
In the newly-opened Shipyard entertainment zone, we will show you two thrilling clashes on the big screen. You can watch the Rugby World Cup without having to decide between the boat show or the match. Wales v Portugal on Saturday 16 September (16.45) and England against Chile on Saturday 23 September (16.45).
Chandlery Hub
The new chandlery Hub will provide visitors with an even bigger and better chandlery offering. The retail and chandlery stand will be located at the entrance to the show. There are more chances to try, buy and see the latest fashion, footwear, accessories, beachwear, and other items.
Stage a foredeck
From leading experts on a whole host of topics from Swallows and Amazons to buying a boat; You’ll be able to ask the experts your burning questions and enjoy conversations with likeminded enthusiasts.
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 VIP experience. The VIP lounge will include a premium bar with a variety of drinks, gourmet food, and some of the best seating in the house. There are VIP tickets available for 17.Th, 18Th 24Th only. Click here to learn more:
Get your ticket
Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/ up to 2 children aged 15 and under are permitted free entry to the show with every paying general admission adult ticket.
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DATES: Friday 15 September – Sunday 24 September 2023
TIMES: 15–23 September 10am – 6pm, 24 September 10am – 5pm
LOCATION: Mayflower Park in Southampton
WEBSITE: southamptonboatshow.com
The post 54th edition of the Southampton International Boat Show returns and it’s bigger and better than ever! Sailing Today published the first article.
