More than 91,000 visitors attended this year’s Southampton International Boat Show, as the event brought ten days of boating, watersports and marine innovation to a close.
The 57th Southampton International Boat Show ran at Mayflower Park from September 18-27, with organisers British Marine confirming a total attendance of 91,160.
More than 500 boats and other watercraft were on display during the event, which included more than 25 world, UK and show boat debuts alongside 20 launches of new marine technology, equipment and gear.
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For inland waterways enthusiasts, the show once again included a dedicated Discovering Britain’s Inland Waterways area, bringing together businesses and organisations from across the canal, river and inland boating sector.
Visitors were able to meet representatives from marinas, hire-boat operators, boatbuilders and waterways organisations and find out more about boating holidays, boat ownership and life on Britain’s canals and rivers.
Away from the pontoons and exhibition stands, more than 110 talks, workshops and demonstrations took place during the ten-day event.
They ranged from stories and experiences shared by veteran sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston to live wooden boatbuilding and practical demonstrations of traditional skills and craftsmanship.
The expanded Wooden Boat Stage and new Wooden Boat Stage Afloat were among this year’s attractions, while visitors could also try sailing, powerboating, paddlesports and diving. Organisers say up to 8,000 people took part in activities on or under the water during the show.
Entertainment included live music at The Shipyard, family activities and extended opening on Fridays and Saturdays, while Spitfire flypasts took place during the opening weekend.
British Marine said exhibitors had reported strong visitor engagement during the show, with a number recording sales, orders and new business enquiries.
Earle Stanner, chief executive of British Marine, said there had been a “real energy” across Mayflower Park and the marina during this year’s event.
He highlighted one exhibitor completing its first boat sale within an hour of the show opening, saying it demonstrated the importance of bringing marine businesses and prospective customers together.
Attention is now turning to the 2027 Southampton International Boat Show, which will be held from September 18-25.
Next year’s event will move from ten days to a new eight-day Saturday-to-Saturday format, which British Marine says has been developed following discussions with exhibitors and is intended to reduce some of the financial and practical demands of attending the show.
Mayflower Park has been secured as the show’s home for at least the next three years, while Fairline, Princess Yachts and Sunseeker have already confirmed that they intend to return in 2027.
British Marine says further details of next year’s show will be announced over the coming months.
For more information visit southamptonboatshow.com
