Britain’s biggest festival of boating, returned yesterday with adventurous jet skier, Jack Moule, marking the opening of the show with some serious flare.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Europe’s largest, purpose-built show marina, the much-loved show is back for another year.
To celebrate, Jack took to the water, backflipping in style.
Back for its 54th year, the show saw 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.
Newbies and seasoned pros also took to the water in their droves to enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and dinghy sailing, yachting, motorboating and RIB rides, giving them the chance to soak up the atmosphere and sample life on the water.
A few things to look out for at this year’s show:
- Exhibitors and boat galore
With over 600 exhibitors at the show stands and berths at the show we have all the best British and international marine brands showcasing the latest technology in boats and gadgets. 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. You will also find over 650 craft of all shapes and sizes right across the show, from the Sunseeker 100 Yacht, the biggest at the show to paddleboards and kayaks and everything in between.
- Below Deck Mediterranean’s ‘Captain Sandy’
Captain Sandy will be appearing at the Southampton International Boat Show on Thursday 21 September during our Women in Marine Day and Sunday 24th September. 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
Get your feet in the sand in our purpose-built city centre sandy beach, complete with deckchairs, sun loungers, an ice cream van and even buckets and spades, alongside our Watersports Lake, giving you another opportunity to get on the water and give it a go, included in the price of your ticket. Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, model boating and even paddleboard yoga!
- 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. Headliners include The Cuban Brothers (Friday 15 September, 16.00-18.00) and Judge Jules (Friday 22 September, 16.00-18.00). You’ll also enjoy a whole host of street food vendors and drinks outlets.
- World Cup Rugby
We will be bringing you two exciting clashes to the big screen in the brand-new Shipyard entertainment area. Keep up with all the Rugby World Cup action without having to choose between the boat show and the match. Saturday 16 September (16.45 kick off) Wales v Portugal, Saturday 23 September (16.45 kick off) England v Chile.
- Chandlery Hub
Introducing the new chandlery hub, providing visitors with a bigger and better chandlery offer. Located at entrance of the show, there will be even more opportunities to see, try and buy with retail and chandlery stands selling everything from the latest clothing, footwear, beachwear and accessories to specialist chandlery items such as shackles, ropes, electronics and engines and everything in between!
- Foredeck stage
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.
Tickets are available to purchase from the show website: southamptonboatshow.com
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