10 reasons to visit the Southampton International Boat Show
There’s just a few weeks to go until the Southampton International Boat Show returns to Mayflower Park, Southampton, from 13-22 September. To whet your appetite, here are ten great reasons to visit.
1. Boats galore
With everything from stand-up paddleboards to luxurious superyachts, the Southampton International Boat Show is a boat lover’s paradise. This year, the show marina features a redesigned layout that showcases over 350 vessels by type, making it easier to navigate and compare the world’s most prestigious sailing and power boats.
Look out for brands including: Sunseeker, Beneteau, Suzuki, Bavaria, Fairline, Hanse, J Boats, Princess Yachts, Arcona, Rustler, and many more. You will also find a whole host of sail and power boats on land.
For more information about the boats on display this year, check out our boats preview.
2. Get out on the water
This year’s show promises more excitement and adventure on the water than ever before.
With unique opportunities to get out on the water and try a range of different experiences and different craft, you could experience everything from paddleboarding and dinghy sailing, to kayaking and powerboating. There will even be opportunities enjoy a cruise on a tall ship or dip below the waterline with a dive experience.
Find out more about opportunities to have a go.
3. Explore specialist zones
To help you find exactly what you’re looking for, this year’s show is made up of different zones, each one offering a mini ‘show within the show’ dedicated to a particular type of boating or activity.
Watersports Zone: Explore stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, wakeboards, water-skis, and more.
Dinghy Zone: Discover sport and sailing dinghies, as well as high-performance equipment.
Classic and Day Boat Zone: Celebrate timeless craftsmanship with modern boats inspired by traditional designs and beautifully restored classics.
Mayflower Park and Ocean Hall: Explore leading brands and innovative boats, alongside exhibitors offering clothing, accessories, technology and gadgets. And of course don’t forget to visit the RYA stand (J147) for all the advice and information you need to make the most of your time on the water.
There really is something for everyone, find out more about the zones and what you’ll find as you navigate around the show.
4. Hear from the experts
The Foredeck Stage in Ocean Hall, sponsored by Practical Boat Owner and Yachting Monthly, features leading experts discussing various boating topics. This year’s lineup includes:
- Paralympian and Triple World Champion, Hannah Stodel
- Yacht designer, Tony Castro
- Maiden Skipper, Heather Thomas
- Yachtsman and adventurer, Sir Chay Blyth
- Pump and Wing Foiling Champion, Hugo Dobrijevic
- Electric foiling raceboat innovator, Sophi Horne
And many more! See the full line up.
5. Enjoy activities and attractions
Beyond the hundreds of boats and exhibitors, enjoy:
The ‘On the Water’ stage show: Watch high-octane stunt demos from extreme sports professionals; jet skier Jack Moule, flyboarder James Prestwood and new for 2024 wing foiling champion, Hugo Dobrijevic.
Big screen sporting action: Catch live sports, including the America’s Cup, with live links to Barcelona and other international events, on the Shipyard’s big screens.
Explore and build: Join the University of Southampton to explore shipwrecks in virtual reality or build a LEGO water defence system.
RNLI 200th Anniversary: Celebrate with the RNLI’s Shannon Class lifeboat and the Sir William Arnold, showcasing rescue craft evolution, alongside an incredible line up of attraction boats.
6. Shop ‘til you drop
The UK’s largest pop-up chandlery returns with even more retailers and stands. Find everything from clothing, footwear, and accessories to specialist chandlery items like shackles, ropes, electronics, engines, and more.
7. Festival vibe and late-night Saturdays
The Shipyard is the entertainment epicentre, featuring live music, DJ sets, street food, and performances. This year introduces late-night Saturdays with parties continuing until 9pm. Enjoy headliners DJ Chris Moyles and Symphonic Ibiza, as well as a Beatles Dub Club DJ set and ABBA tribute band ‘Mamma Mania’.
8. A great day out for all the family
The show offers family-friendly activities, including a Treasure Hunt, LEGO boat building, and a special appearance by Captain Ted Funnel of Red Funnel Ferries. And don’t forget up to two children (17 and under) go free with every adult ticket.
9. Add a touch of luxury
The Quayside Club moves to a new location within Mayflower Park, offering spectacular marina views and a new menu by award-winning chef Jonas Lodge. Enjoy exclusive access to the Waterfront lounge, complimentary drinks and cuisine, and access to the VIP area in the new Shipyard bar.
10. Support local charity
This year, the show partners with Southampton Hospitals Charity’s ‘Light the South’ art trail, raising funds for Southampton Children’s Hospital. See all 40 lighthouses from the trail, participate in the Treasure Hunt, and enjoy arts and crafts areas.
Get your tickets
If you missed our free ticket offer, don’t worry RYA members can still save with discounted rates on show tickets until 12 September 2024.
Simply use the code RYA2024 to get your tickets for just £19.99 (RRP £29.99).