Southampton International Boat Show returns with a bold new vision.
The Southampton International Boat Show is returning to the South Coast this September with a new layout, exciting new attractions and an expanded line-up of on and off-water experiences. Many much-loved features will also return.
For boat owners, maritime businesses, watersports enthusiasts and anyone active in – or looking to get into – the marine leisure lifestyle, the Southampton International Boat Show is a highlight of the boating calendar. This year’s 10-day extravaganza will be held from 19 – 28 September, with visitors entering via a new main entrance in the port city’s Mayflower Park.
With over 600 exhibiting brands and activities for all levels, it is the ultimate destination for experienced boaters and newcomers alike to discover new technologies, enhance their on-the-water skills and explore hundreds of different types of craft on Europe’s largest purpose-built show marina.
What’s new for 2025?
Beyond the newly designed show entrance, a fresh look and feel will continue. To complement returning features, organisers are actively planning new dedicated areas for powerboats (The Powerhub), fishing enthusiasts (Angler’s Alley) and anyone looking to hone their boating skills and learn new tips and tricks in a hands-on environment (The Boating Academy). A programme of talks will take place across the show and feature an impressive line-up of soon-to-be-announced speakers. There is also a brand-new Waterside Lounge for premium ticket holders. The Lounge will provide a stylish space to relax and soak up the atmosphere in between exploring the show.
Marvel at the marina
The Southampton International Boat Show’s purpose-built marina, which offers on-water attractions and sea trials, will showcase around 300 vessels of all shapes and sizes. An evolved layout with boats grouped by type will make it easy for visitors to find the specific type of craft they are looking for. From the world’s most prestigious sailing and powerboats to high-end tenders and chase boats, the showcase marina caters for every boating enthusiast’s dream.
“We trialled a more zonal approach to our showcase marina last year, and the feedback from both exhibitors and guests was overwhelmingly positive. The new layout ensures that motor yachts, sailboats, demo boats and luxury motor yachts each have dedicated space, making them easier to find and improving the overall visitor experience,” explains Jasmine Hill, Event Director at British Marine, organisers of the show. “Spaces in the marina are filling up quickly. If you are thinking about reserving a berth at this year’s show, we would recommend doing so soon to guarantee your place.”
Back by popular demand
Every year, there is always so much to see and do at the Southampton International Boat Show, and this year is no different. All At Sea will bring you all the news of headline boat appearances, key exhibitors and star-studded on-stage performances over the coming months. In the meantime, let’s look at those industry-acclaimed features returning for 2025.
The Try a Boat experience with FlexiSail will once again offer the chance to experience the joys of boating, as visitors take to the water on a range of sailing yachts and motor cruisers, included in the show’s entrance fee. FlexiSail’s expert team will be on hand to guide novices and seasoned enthusiasts alike, offering top-tier equipment and ensuring a safe environment for all.
Also returning are marine accessibility champions, Wetwheels, offering all disabled people exhilarating powerboat rides in a safe, supported and inclusive environment.
For high-octane spectator thrills, the On The Water stage, set within the marina, will once again showcase a stunt programme to captivate audiences of all ages. The line-up for 2025 will feature jaw-dropping jet ski stunts from champion Jack Moule, plus other feats of aquatic athleticism, soon to be announced.
The Dive Tank, brought to the show again this year by scuba specialists, Andark, is another of the participatory attractions included with the Southampton International Boat Show ticket price. Complete beginners can experience diving for the first time under expert guidance, whilst seasoned PADI pros can test out the very latest kit and improve their underwater skills. Visitors can also have a go at paddleboarding and kayaking with Rockley Watersports – all included in the price of admission.
Over at the show’s returning festival zone, The Shipyard will keep the good vibes flowing throughout the event with live music, late-night Saturdays with soon-to-be announced headline acts, family-friendly fun and an array of gourmet street food across the 10 days of the show.
Meanwhile, those who love to ‘shop ‘til you drop’ are guaranteed a plethora of nautical clothing brands, sunglasses, marine gadgets and other chandlery in retail areas across the show.
The Southampton International Boat Show is not your ordinary maritime exhibition; it is a destination for discovery, offering the perfect blend of adventure, innovation, knowledge-sharing and celebration. Read all the show news you need, right here, every month!
SHOW TICKETS
Second-wave tickets are available for a limited time and start from £24.99 each (concessions from £19.99). Children 15 and under go free with each adult.
To purchase tickets and keep up-to-date with all the latest news, announcements and information about this year’s Southampton International Boat Show, visit www.southamptonboatshow.com.
You can also follow and engage with the show on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
