Published on: 02 September 2021
Back after a year’s absence due to the pandemic, British Marine, organisers of the Southampton International Boat Show, says there will be a new look and feel to this year’s event. The enlarged site has over 350 exhibitors and more than 500 craft on display. The redesigned and enhanced layout features five clearly defined zones, taking visitors on a journey through the different types of watersports activities.
You can check out the Southampton International Boat Show map here.
“Exhibitors from all over the world have chosen Southampton as this year’s venue for international and UK debuts of yachts, powerboats, equipment, products and services. This support demonstrates how much the industry wants and needs safe face-to-face interaction with customers and trade contacts,” says Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine.
This event sees a number of new companies attending, including some well-established brands exhibiting at Southampton for the first time, and with everything from entry-level products such as stand up paddle boards (SUPS), inflatable craft and small family boats, through to international brands including Sunseeker, Princess, Fairline, Beneteau and Discovery Yachts. “From anchors to almanacs, boat hooks to boat shoes, shackles to superyachts, waterskis to watermakers, this year’s show really does have everything for everyone, and all the support and guidance from our exhibitors and members who are just keen to re-engage in a safe way, with customers old and new,” says Lesley.
This year also sees a higher level of experiential involvement for visitors with capacity to get on the water increased by 30 percent. Over the ten days of the show, there’s more than 14,000 opportunities for visitors to get afloat on everything from dinghies, kayaks, SUPS through to rigid inflatable boats (RIBS), powerboats, sailing yachts and even a Tall Ship. A packed timetable of events, displays, talks and demonstrations will take place on the water and at the Foredeck Stage.
“The success of a show is on creating an all-inclusive experience for everyone, and also attracting the right type of customer for every exhibitor, whether it’s the ultra-high net worth VIP or the aspirational newcomer.” This year’s event offers affordable ticket options for individuals and families, VIP hospitality packages and Southampton’s first Community Day including the Great Southampton Boat Race, starting at 1pm on Sunday 19th September.
A visit to this year’s Southampton International Boat Show will be sure to delight food and drink lovers thanks to an outstanding selection of gourmet, artisan and street food, with beverages to suit every palate across the venue during the ten-day event.
The show also offers a large number of business-to-business opportunities for exhibitors and trade customers, with discounted entry ticket options for businesses. A full programme of networking and business-to-business (B2B) events will take place during the show, including Women in Marine Networking Reception (sponsored by Barton Marine, Marine Industry News, Barrus and Oyster Yachts), the Marine Trades Association Dinner (sponsored by Marine Industry News) and Superyacht UK Technical Seminar (sponsored by Lateral Naval Architects).
Whilst the Southampton International Boat Show creates a significant positive financial contribution to the local community, the show organisers are keen to reduce any negative environmental impact. Now in its third year of a five-year sustainability pledge, British Marine has asked all exhibitors to sign up to a number of mandatory requirements, which helped the 2019 show divert over 7.5 tons of waste from landfill thanks to exhibitor actions.
This year focuses on eight distinct areas of change at the show categorised into Plastics; Paper; Catering; Waste and Recycling; Our Home; Travel; Access and Education, and Awareness. The Southampton International Boat Show’s Exhibitor Sustainability Awards will acknowledge those companies that go the extra mile, with the winners being announced on Press Day (10 September).
The event is being run in full compliance with Government and Southampton City Council regulations for outdoor events, and for absolute peace of mind, all exhibitors and visitors are required to take a lateral flow test before visiting.
Councillor Daniel Fitzhenry, Leader of Southampton City Council says: “After the last 15 months, it’s time to go out again and enjoy the activities we love doing. Community Day at Southampton International Boat Show is a great opportunity for families to be active together and try different ways to get on the water without travelling far afield. The new show layout gives the event a larger footprint and we are delighted to have the show back in our city this year, ensuring attendees can enjoy the water safely and with appropriate CO-VID restrictions, so we can ‘Get Southampton Moving’ and recover from the pandemic.”
If you haven’t already purchased your tickets…
Running over 10 days, advance tickets for the event can now be purchased online through this link.
Tickets cost from just £14 per day for key workers, NHS and emergency staff, armed forces, students and those with other concessions, with Monday – Thursday adult tickets at £21 and tickets for both Fridays and the weekends costing £25.50 per day.
The show is open from 9.30am to 6.30pm (6pm on Sunday 19 September), with the new Festival Green area remaining open to enjoy outdoor refreshments, food, and entertainment until 9.00pm each evening.
