The Southampton International Boat Show opened to strong industry praise as its new streamlined layout delivered excellent visitor flow, productive business opportunities and a more immersive experience.
The event this year is concentrated exclusively within Mayflower Park, the Shipyard and the Marina – a refined footprint that brings together the very best of boating and watersports in one cohesive and accessible space. The new layout makes it easier for visitors to explore the show and for exhibitors to connect directly with serious buyers and marine enthusiasts alike.
Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine, owner and operator of the show, said: “Our new streamlined format has been designed to create a better flow, atmosphere and all round experience for visitors, while providing exhibitors with a stronger platform to do business. The reaction on day one has been overwhelmingly positive – the atmosphere has been buzzing, stands and boats are busy,and we’re delighted to see the industry showcasing its innovation, expertise and passion so successfully.”
Across both shoreside and marina locations, exhibitors confirmed the changes are delivering real benefits, with focused visitor traffic, quality enquiries and meaningful conversations.
Shoreside exhibitors commented:
“Being part of the new Powerhub, right alongside The Cockpit stage presented by Powerboat & RIB Magazine, has created a real buzz from the moment the doors opened. The layout makes it easy for visitors to find us, and we’re already seeing strong interest from people who are genuinely excited about performance boating and the latest innovations,” said Paul Mccarthy, MD of Wolfrock Boat Company, UK distributors for BRIG, IRON & GALA across the UK & Ireland.
“The Dive Tank is already drawing big crowds and the energy around it is fantastic. We’re expecting even more families and young people to give scuba a try over the next few days. Our watersports clothing store is also buzzing – sales are already moving quickly, and we’re only just into the first day. It’s a great sign of the demand that’s out there,” commented Andy Goddard, Director at Andark Diving & Watersports.
“We’ve had a fantastic flow of visitors to the stand already, and the sunshine has certainly helped draw the crowds. It’s brilliant to see such a variety of boats on display – from big sailing yachts and motorboats to smaller craft – which makes the show appealing to everyone. It’s also encouraging to see people really making the most of the opportunities the show has to offer,” noted Amy Parker, Group Marketing Manager, UK and Ireland at Garmin.
“The new layout has made it easier for customers to find us, and the conversations so far have been really encouraging. We’re confident momentum will keep building throughout the show,” added Peter Leonard, Owner, Peter Leonard Marine.
While on the marina exhibitors said:
“The new layout has really streamlined the visitor journey, making it quicker and easier for people to get straight to the marina. We’ve already welcomed a steady flow of serious buyers keen to view our range, which is a very positive start to the show,” said Chris Manners, Managing Director, Sealine.
“The marina has a great energy this year thanks to the new configuration. It’s creating a perfect backdrop for conversations with both experienced buyers and newcomers who want to explore what boating has to offer,” added Beccy Lee-Potter, Group Marketing Manager, Inspiration Marine.
A vibrant festival of boating
Beyond the business buzz, visitors were treated to a spectacular opening ceremony. The record-breaking Thunder Child II powered into the marina in swashbuckling style, its gold hull gleaming in the September sunshine, with a Jack Sparrow lookalike stepping ashore to rousing applause. The Lord Mayor of Southampton, the Leader of the Council, and ‘Below Deck Down Under’ reality TV star Captain Jason Chambers joined the celebrations, alongside a surprise performance from the East Cowes Shanty group hidden within the crowd.
The new-look show offers more than 500 boats and watercraft, over 700 brands, and a packed programme of interactive attractions, stages, and entertainment.
The refreshed layout is the result of extensive research and collaboration with exhibitors and visitors, ensuring the event not only looks different but works smarter. It’s more than just a change in footprint – it’s a step forward in delivering a more dynamic and immersive event for the entire marine community. Only by restructuring the show in this way has it been possible to reinvest in visitor favourites such as Try-a-Boat, The Quarterdeck and the show’s world-class marina, while introducing a raft of new, must-see experiences, including:
- Four new stages: The Boating Academy, The Cockpit, presented by Powerboat & RIB Magazine, The Wooden Boat Stage, and Chefs Ahoy Galley Kitchen Stage.
- Special guests including: Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Hannah Mills OBE, Captain Jason Chambers, and Aldo Kane.
- Headline displays: From Spitfire flypasts to Red Devils parachute jumps.
- On-water fun: Including sailing, motorboating, paddleboarding, kayaking, dinghy sailing, and scuba diving.
- The Shipyard live entertainment hub: Featuring BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills, Queen and Elton John tribute acts, and daily music performances.
“This year’s show is not only about showcasing boats on the water – it’s about inspiring and educating visitors through our incredible line-up of speakers and experts. For example, the new Cockpit stage will be a real highlight, bringing together the very best voices in power and performance to discuss innovation, engineering excellence, and the future of motorboating,” added Lesley.
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
You can use discount code AASSIBS2025 to buy a ticket for any day of the Southampton International Boat Show for just £24. Book tickets, and find out more: www.southamptonboatshow.com.
The Southampton International Boat Show takes place from 19–28 September. Tickets for the event start at £29 (concessions from just £23), children aged 15 and under enter for free with an adult.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor looking to improve your skills, a family in search of new adventures, or just dipping your toes into the boating lifestyle, book your tickets to the Southampton International Boat Show now and secure your spot at the UK’s biggest celebration of boating and water sports.
