Published on: 08 August 2023
There are more than 300 boats of all types, shapes and sizes from all over the world on display at Europe’s largest, temporary, purpose-built show marina – making it the perfect place to pick the boat to suit you.
With halyards clacking against masts, flags fluttering in the breeze, and sunshine reflecting off shining decks, there’s nothing more exciting than spending time on the pontoons at the boat show. With more than 300 craft on the water, it’s the ideal place to fully explore a wide variety of different craft from all over the world, 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.
From the mightiest line up of nine performance motorboats from Sunseeker –including the first UK viewing of the Superhawk 55 and 75 Sport Yacht – up to the 90 Ocean, there’s also the world debut of Fairline’s Squadron 58 and show debut of Princess S72, alongside a further six models in the Princess range.
For something completely different, seek out the award-winning electric hydrofoiling Candela C-8. Its actively stabilised hydrofoils leave no pollution, noise or wake and test rides are available throughout the show. Find it on display alongside the Arcona 50 from SE Yachts, both making their UK debut at the show.
British craftsmanship is renowned for producing award-winning sailing yachts, and this year see the UK debut of the Spirit 72 Deckhouse, alongside the Oyster 595 and from Swallow Boats the 20 ft BayRaider Expedition, BayCruiser 23 and Whisper 300. Generating maximum speed from just two 70HP outboards, the sustainably designed and built Whisper 300-day cruiser is built using an innovative combination of modern epoxies and pre-treated timber, it includes cork decks, solar panels and even an optional rainwater recycling system.
From Cornwall, Cockwells is displaying the Duchy 35 and Duchy Sport, a wakesurfing boat with all the features and functions required for fun on the water with friends and family. Seaward design and build on the Isle of Wight and will have the Seaward C-29 and Seaward C-35 powerboats on show.
The Southampton International Boat Show attracts craft from all over the world, and this year sees the UK debut of the Hanse 410 from Germany and the Finnish- designed and built Nautor Swan 58 sailing sloop. From France there’s the world debut of the Dufour 41 and UK debut of the Dufour 37, and the UK premier of the Beneteau First 36, Beneteau First 44, and Lagoon 51 catamaran. Forming part of an impressive line up from Ancasta, this also includes monohull and catamaran sail and power boats from Prestige Yachts, with the Prestige M48, Prestige 690, Prestige X60 and Protector 310 Targa all having their first UK showings. Sure to attract attention will be the race-winning Scorpion RIBS Sting 10m which holds a number of endurance records including London to Monaco, and around the British Isles races.
Also from France, seek out the Excess 11 sailing catamaran manufactured by Beneteau and available in the UK through Sea Ventures (UK), also showing the Wellcraft 262 and 355 powerboats, with all the luxurious features to make the perfect family day boat or well-equipped fishing boat.
With more than 35 yachts in its portfolio, Jeanneau will be displaying a range of new to the UK models including the SunFast 30 and Jeanneau Yachts 55 sailboats, Cap Camarat and Merry Fisher powerboats, and the first British showing of the powerboat DB/43.
Clipper Marine is hosting the world launch of the Bavaria C46 yacht and UK debut of Bavaria’s SR33 motorboat. J-Boats is displaying the award-winning J/45 performance cruiser sailing yacht and Nautitech 44 Open sailing catamaran, voted the best multihull in the European Yacht of the Year 2023 awards. The Fountaine Pajot MY4s Power Catamaran from MiCats is designed to be spacious and comfortable and can power through 1,000-mile crossings without the need to refill fuel or water, thanks to its power-saving design. It’s shown alongside the Elba 45, another highly popular blue water cruising yacht.
For a truly international range of powerboats, Argo Yachts is the UK distributor for Chris-Craft, Saxdor Yachts, Pardo Yachts and has recently added Wider Yachts and Greenline Yachts to its range.
From South Africa and tested in the rugged waters of Knysna, there’s the Fusion 17ft and 21ft centre console day outboard day boats available through Blue Lagoon Marine. Equally tough and known as the “4×4 of the sea” Wessex Marine is displaying the Targa range from Finland and the Marex motor cruisers, with their combined pedigree originating from Norway and Lithuania. Saltwater Solutions is displaying the Windy range of boats with the UK debut of the 34 Alizé alongside the SR28 CC.
Built to withstand the harsh Northern Hemisphere weather, the Finnish Sargo range of wheelhouse walkaround all season powerboats are built in Finland. Designed for year-round use, the deep V planning hull and sterndrive ensures a quiet, quick, smooth, and efficient ride, whilst the unique sliding roof provides an open top experience. Also from Finland, there’s the UK debut of the Nord Star 42+ Cruiser, part of the Nord Star range of Category B, offshore, all season motor cruisers.
For something completely different and on show for the first time in the UK is the Viggio range from Sweden. These fast aluminium hulled commuter boats are hand built to order and, it’s said that if James Bond was Swedish, this is the boat he’d drive! With speeds of up to 65 knots, these seriously fast offshore all-year-round boats are highly popular in Sweden and bound to create more than a splash of interest at this year’s show.
The super stylish Axopar range, from 7.2m to 13.9m always presents a stunning display with their Finnish multifunctional and modular concept styling. Take a look at the Axopar 45XC Cross Cabin, the world’s first outboard powered fully enclosable walk-around cabin boat in this size.
Boats from the USA include the Regal range of powerboats and yachts from 20-42 feet. There are three new models of Sea Ray on show too: the 260 SLX, 290 SDX and 210 SPX. Boatshop will also be showing for the first time in the UK the Monterey 235SS and 238SS luxury super sport powerboats, alongside the Parker 720 Adventure, also making its UK debut at the show.
Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) remain highly popular, and this year Berthon RIB Solutions is displaying the Gemini WR880 TTOP, a high-spec leisure RIB. Designed and manufactured in Italy there is the UK debuts of Joker Boat RIBs, displaying three of its most popular models – the Coaster 650 Plus, Clubman 22 Plus and Clubman 24 – and Tiger Marine RIBs with the ProLine 740, TopLine 650, TopLine 600, SportLine 520 and ProTender 340 on display. Brought to the show by Marine Matters, the company also has a RIB Owners Club and Solent Collect Warranty service.
Visitors are sure to spot the unmistakable silhouette of Linssen Yachts Piper 12C Cruiser. Designed for inland waterways, rivers and coastal cruising, its hybrid propulsion system enables owners to choose whether to run on electric or diesel power.
Rodman Boats are designed and built in Spain, and popular as cruising and fishing boats thanks to their quality, strength, and sea-keeping features. There is the UK premier of the Rodman 790 Ventura CC, the perfect introduction to the Rodman family, or trade up to the flagship Rodman 1290 Evolution for true offshore cruising and fishing adventures.
Pontoon Boats are highly popular in the USA, and now they’re over here with the UK debut of the Regency 350 LE3 Sport. This 8.36m outboard powered craft accommodates up to 14 people on inshore waterways and is the perfect platform for entertaining friends and family with its spacious deck, seating, changing room and onboard USB sockets.
Amongst all the glitz and glamour of the superyachts and sails, there’s always masses of workboats, safety vessels and fishing boats on the marina – spot the Tracker Targa V19 fully-equipped aluminium fishing boat, suitable for trailing behind a vehicle, making its UK debut at the show. And if you really can’t decide which to buy, take a look at the Axopar 28 and Hanse 388 on display by Pure Latitude and discuss their boat club and sharing options.
Get your ticket
Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/
Upgrade your visit with the new and exclusive Quayside Club VIP package at www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/
The show is open from 10am – 6pm daily except the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm.
