This year’s Plymouth Boat Fest, powered by Marine AI, is shaping up to be a major event for Devon and Cornwall with a diverse line-up of exhibitors and demonstrations showcasing the West Country’s growing marine industry.
Following the inaugural event in 2025, the Fest returns on 20 June at Plymouth Yacht Haven in Mount Batten, Plymouth. Plymouth Boat Fest, powered by Marine AI, brings together the marine leisure industry from boating to wider watersports alongside Plymouth’s marine autonomy and technology sector, with more than 60 local businesses exhibiting at the event.
“We are incredibly proud of the support and engagement we’ve received from local businesses who want to make Plymouth Boat Fest a success,” said Steve Cox, Event Organiser at Plymouth Yacht Haven. “We want to provide a showcase for the South West’s diverse maritime sector, bringing together companies displaying their vessels, products and services, while also connecting with the local community around future skills and career opportunities. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to the show on Saturday 20 June.”
Marine Technology Zone
Continuing to build on Plymouth’s status as the home of maritime autonomy, several marine technology businesses will be exhibiting, including Marine AI, Fugro, Thales, OSHEN, SEA-KIT and Plymouth Marine Laboratory.
A key theme of the Marine Technology Zone will be employability, highlighting the sector and the wide range of skills and career opportunities available in engineering, AI, software development and robotics. Event partner Marine AI will host a student ‘Meet and Greet’ during the event, while local marine training provider SeaRegs Training will also provide opportunities for those looking to enter the sector.
On The Pontoons
The on-water exhibition area will also be expanded, with additional pontoon space allowing even more vessels to be displayed. Supported by Plymouth Marine Centre, exhibitors afloat include Princess Motor Yacht Sales, The Island Trust’s 96ft tall ship, WetWheels, Wolf Rock Boat Company, Wills Marine, the Plymouth RNLI lifeboat, and vessels from Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, among others.
Marine Leisure Zone
The shoreside marine leisure and services sector will be led by new partner Haven Knox-Johnston, with exhibitors including Hemisphere Rigging Services, Nathan Bone Yacht Repair, Ancasta, Red Ensign Yachts, Fischer Panda and the Ocean Conservation Trust.
Live Demonstrations
At the heart of the event is the opportunity for visitors to watch live, on-the-water demonstrations from a diverse range of marine companies. With live commentary throughout the day, demonstrations will range from autonomous boats with Marine AI to efoiling with EFoil UK, flare demonstrations by SeaRegs Training, live exercises by the Plymouth RNLI team and Plym Yacht Club’s junior sailors will showcase their dinghy sailing skills.
Visitors can also try rowing with Cattewater Gig Club, take part in a treasure hunt with the Ocean Conservation Trust, and step aboard Devon & Cornwall Police response vessels.
Tickets for Plymouth Boat Fest powered by Marine AI are free and can be booked at www.plymouthboatfest.com.
For the full list of exhibitors and demonstration schedule, visit www.plymouthboatfest.com.
