All aboard! Southampton International Boat Show prepares to set sail into the city for its 55th year

The countdown has started to this year’s Southampton International Boat Show.

Britain’s largest marine festival will be returning to Mayflower Park from Friday September 13 to Sunday September 22.

Back for its 55th edition, it will showcase the very best the industry has to offer, from stand-up paddleboards to superyachts.

The Watersports Zone will host a large range of fun water sports activities, from kayaking through to diving.

Experts will be on hand to help show-goers find the right sport.

The show marina will feature more than 350 boats, including yachts, speedboats and sailboats.

Exhibitors include Sunseeker, Princess, Beneteau, Arcona and Hanse.

The Classic & Day Boat Zone, from Classic Boat Magazine, will have boats and marine vessels, from restored classics to the latest modern yachts.

After a successful debut year, the Shipyard, delivered by GAC Pindar, is set to return bringing the festival vibe to the show.

Headline music sets include Chris Moyles (opening party, September 14), Ibiza Symphony (closing party on September 21) plus more to be announced

The Shipyard will also have street food stalls and other culinary delights, staying open until 9pm on both Saturdays of the show.

For sports enthusiasts, large screens positioned in the Shipyard will have sporting action from football, cricket to F1.

The Americas Cup will also be shown live, with special guests joining from Barcelona.

Other key features at this year’s show include:

• ‘On the Water Zone’ – a chance to try out dinghies, yachts, motorboats and RIBs.
• Quayside Club VIP experience in a new prime waterside location within Mayflower Park.
• Dinghy Zone – a mix of sailing dinghies, trailer boats cruisers, equipment, boat builders, sailing clubs, holiday providers and training options all in one place.

Adult tickets for the show are now on sale from £29.99 with up to two children aged 17 and under permitted free entry to the show with every paying adult.

Young adults aged 18-21 can also enter the show for free by showing valid ID at the gate.

A full breakdown of ticket costs and packages can be seen at https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/

Show organisers are this year working with the Southampton Hospitals Charity and its Light the South art trail to raise funds for Southampton Children’s Hospital.

Donations can be made when buying tickets.

The Southampton International Boat Show is owned and operated by British Marine, the trade association for the UK leisure, superyacht, and small commercial marine industry.