Southampton Boat Show
Britain’s largest boating festival will feature new gear, exclusive boat launches, celebrity guests and the return of a record breaker
There’s a buzz around this year’s 50th anniversary event...
Southampton Boat Show celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and will also be paying tribute to another Golden celebration – the start of the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race which saw Sir Robin Knox-Johnston become the first person to sail solo around the world non-stop. The seasoned sailor will be talking about his voyage on the show’s main stage.
Another record breaker, Tracy Edwards will be hosting a live Q & A session on 19 September at the Seldén Mast stand J213. Edwards made history when she led the first all-female crew to compete in the 1989-90 Whitbread Round the World Race. The newly refurbished Maiden will also make an appearance on 22 September, and will be alongside at the show with her new crew before they officially depart for a world tour promoting girls’ education.
Southampton Boat Show organiser, British Marine, said in excess of 100 products will have their debut at the show including Swallow Yacht’s Coast 250, Jeanneau’s Cap Camarat 6.5 WA and the Merry Fisher 605 Marlin.
Celebrity chefs, The Hairy Bikers, will officially open the 10-day festival and the pair – Dave Myers and Si King – will be back to demonstrate their cooking skills on 22 September.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned boater, there are plenty of opportunities to get out onto the water.
Try-a-Boat allows visitors to experience a range of yachts, powerboats and RIBs free of charge. Get Afloat will give families the opportunity to try kayaking, dinghy sailing and stand up paddleboarding. These 90 minute sessions are free and will be run by Rockley Watersports.
The National Oceanography Centre’s research vessel Callista will be docked at the show’s marina, giving an insight into the sea’s rich biodiversity.
Practical Boat Owner will be on the TI Media stand E001. As well as a chance to win a B&G Vulcan 7 MFM chartplotter worth £710, there will also be a show exclusive offer where you can subscribe to PBO for six months for just £20 and receive a FREE bottle of Langley No8 Gin worth £35.
The Southampton Boat Show takes place at Mayflower Park/Town Quay, Southampton from 14-23 September.
For those looking for a second-hand boat, Premier Marinas Used Boat Show at Swanwick Marina will be running concurrently with the Southampton event.