Find your zone at the Southampton International Boat Show

The Southampton International Boat Show returns to Mayflower Park this September (13-22) and promises something for everyone! 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.

Here we take a closer look at the different zones and what you’ll find as you navigate your way around the show. With so much to see and do you’re sure to have an action-packed day!

Watersports Zone

In the Watersports Zone, located at the entrance to the show, you’ll get your fix of unlimited watersports action. Find everything from stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, wakeboards, and water-skis to group activities on the water.

Have a go on the Watersports Lake, with opportunities to try paddleboarding and kayaking with the help of Rockley Watersports’ expert team. Or shop ‘til you drop with all the top watersports brands - from Two Bare Feet and Lorima, to Sandbanks Stye and O’Neill, to mention just a few.

Whether you’re looking for the essentials to get started or the very latest tech and gadgets, with so many brands in a single location, it’s a great place to compare different products and find what’s right for you. You can see, touch, and often test the newest watersports equipment on the market.

Dinghy Zone

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

From youngsters looking for their first boat, fun family cruising dinghies to the very latest in cutting edge technology for dedicated racers, you will find dinghies of all shapes and sizes. Look out for leading brands including Topper, Fusion Sailboats, Hartley Boats, Rooster and many more.

And with more chandlery options than ever before, find everything you need from ropes, foils and sails to bungs, blocks, shackles and burgees. You’ll also find a wide range of clothing products and accessories suitable for all abilities.

Classic & Dayboat Zone, powered by Classic Boat Magazine

From luggers to day boats, gaff rig clinker classics to sleek launches with electric propulsion systems, there’s something for everybody in the Classic & Day Boat Zone, powered by Classic Boat Magazine.

This zone celebrates the boats and craftsmanship that stand the test of time. From modern boats inspired by traditional designs and craftsmanship to beautifully restored classics, you’ll find an array of beautiful craft. Look out for Drascombe Boats, Seaspray Boats, Lakeland Wooden Boats, Willow Bay Boats and many more.

You can also get hands-on, watching and learning age-old traditional boat building skills. The staff and students from the International Boat Building Training College, will be building a classic boat throughout the show demonstrating all aspects from steam bending wood through to carving and routing. 

If you’ve ever fancied making a monkey’s fist, a lanyard or rope fender, or just want to learn how to tie knots, experts will be on hand to give you all the tips to create your own masterpieces. 

On The Water Zone

The On the Water Zone is an action-packed area where you can give it a go for free.

Step aboard various types of boats, from nimble RIBs to elegant sailboats, under the guidance of Flexisail’s expert instructors with Try-a-Boat. Or try your hand at dinghy sailing with Get a Float, powered by Rockley Watersports.

If you fancy something a little more laid back, then you can even enjoy a mini cruise, enjoying a tranquil voyage around the Solent on the Ocean Scene. Read more about all the opportunities to get on the water and have a go at this year’s show.

Mayflower Park

Step into Mayflower Park and discover a world of leading brands, innovative boats and unforgettable experiences. You’ll find exhibitors galore with stands packed with clothing, chandlery goods and unique accessories.

See the latest in engines and technology, useful gadgets and boats galore, from the likes of Typhoon, Nauticalia, Marlow Rope, Boatfolk, Quicksilver, Barrus and many, many more. And of course make sure to visit the RYA stand (J147) for all the advice and information you need to make the most of your time on the water.

Visit the Foredeck Stage, sponsored by Practical Boat Owner and Yachting Monthly, located in Ocean Hall, to hear from leading experts sharing their knowledge and insight on a whole host of boating related topics. Each session lasts half an hour and is the perfect place for you to sit and relax and enjoy informative, amusing, and inspirational talks from a variety of speakers.

There are also some great spots to rest, relax and refuel including the Quarterdeck Bar & Restaurant where you can enjoy the exclusive Quarterdeck burger by two Michelin starred chef, Jordan Bailey, as well as the show’s famous Guinness Bar. Or upgrade your visit with a VIP ticket and enjoy exclusive access to the Quayside Club Waterfront lounge.

The Shipyard

Bringing the festival vibe, the Shipyard is the epicentre of entertainment and a must-visit destination as part of your show experience. Here, you’ll find an array of live music performances, delectable street food, and captivating entertainment.

The festivities are going up a notch this year with late-night Saturdays at The Shipyard, delivered by GAC Pindar, with the party continuing under the stars until 9pm. The legendary Chris Moyles will be on the decks on Saturday 14 September for the opening party, or catch Symphonic Ibiza at the show’s closing party on Saturday 22 September.

And there’s more! Alongside all this amazing music, 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. See the full line up.

On The Water Stage

Expect to be wowed and impressed with high-octane stunt demos at the On The Water Stage! A world class team of extreme sports professionals is set to amaze and entertain the whole family in adrenaline-packed shows.

Marvel at the incredible backflips, rolls and tricks of professional jet skier, world champion and daredevil Jack Moule. Or watch renowned Flyboarder James Prestwood speed over the water, performing backflips, spins, twists, supermans, dolphin dives and slaloms at heights of up to 60 feet in the air. 

Plus new to the lineup is wingfoiling, a sport taking the water world by storm. Hugo Dobrijevic will be showcasing the cutting-edge of hydrofoil technology combined with the finesse of windsurfing, surfing, and kitesurfing - you have to see it to believe it!

Marina

As Europe’s largest, temporary, purpose-built show marina you’ll find more than 350 boats of all types, shapes and sizes from all over the world on display.

There’s nothing more exciting than spending time on the pontoons at the boat show. Explore a wide variety of different craft, inside and out and side by side. From massive superyachts, to foiling powerboats; seaworthy blue water cruisers, adventure and explorer powerboats, seaworthy fishing boats, tenders and toys, the options are endless.

Look out for leading brands such as Sunseeker, Beneteau, Suzuki, Bavaria, Fairline, Hanse, J Boats, Princess Yachts, Arcona, Ruster… the list goes on and on!

To help make it even easier to find and compare all these amazing craft, this year the marina is undergoing a significant layout redesign grouping different categories of boats more logically. 

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).