6 mustsee new boats debuting at the boat show
Get up close and personal with a wealth of showstopping yachts at this year’s show
Evolution not revolution has long been the call from the organisers of Southampton Boat Show (now named Southampton International Boat Show, powered by Borrow A Boat, to reflect their new headline sponsor), who have in recent years been tweaking layout and plans in response to feedback from attendees.
It’s no secret we now attend boat shows for different reasons than we once did. There are still bargains and discounts to be found of course but in the world of online chandlery and speedy delivery they are no longer the only place we go to purchase new sailing kit for the year.
However, where buying a new set of foulies online is all well and good, there is still much to be said for seeing the options, different ideas and new styles up close, and comparing like-for-like.
Perhaps a bigger key to the modern boat show experience, however, is the chance to see the latest thinking in boat design whether that be simply to oggle and dream, with a view to buying a new boat in the future or looking for ideas to make your current boat that little bit more user friendly.
Southampton Boat Show excels at offering attendees the chance to get on board and see the latest new boats in the flesh. Featuring Europe’s largest purpose-built marina, you’ll get to see the boats showcased in their natural environment, not propped up in the middle of a stuffy hall.
Once again organisers will be building on environmental initiatives that were launched last year including a long-term pledge to move away from single-use plastics, to serve only sustainable fish and continue to recycle waste wherever possible.
The entry has been revised for 2019 to give a bit more life to what could often be a slightly dull start to the show. The rum and gin bar has returned – as will the ever-popular Guinness bar.