Featuring all aspects of yachting, the Southampton International Boat Show showcases a multitude of curated exhibitor displays and a specially constructed marina, offering a comprehensive experience for boating enthusiasts.
Launched in 1969 by Norman Kemish and Arthur Gale, the Southampton Boat Show celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018 with over 600 global brands and memorable launches. Moving beyond this milestone, the show remains a key event in the yachting calendar, attracting over 88,000 visitors annually.
What to Expect at the Show
Based in Mayflower Park, one of Europe's largest purpose-built marinas, the Southampton Boat Show covers over 70,000 square meters (753,000 square feet) and boasts over 2km of pontoons.
The show proudly displays a remarkable array of prestige vessels, including superyachts, personal watercraft, sailing yachts, and tenders for sale. Each year, over 100 yachts debut at the event, and over 600 are on display.
Expect the Unexpected: Over the years, innovative features like an artificial beach and a 30m high big wheel have delighted crowds. Additionally, the iconic RAF Red Arrows display team has performed above the showground, adding to the event's excitement.
The Show Layout
The Southampton International Boat Show covers a vast area and to ensure each attendee gets the most out of their visit, the zones are clearly marked.
Show Marina
The purpose-built marina at the Southampton International Boat Show offers berths for hundreds of prestigious sailing and power boats, along with high-end tender and chase boats. It showcases craft by type, hosting global, European, and UK launches of yachts, RIBs, motor and day boats, as well as iconic brands with their exceptional luxury yachts. Visitors can explore:
- Sailing yachts and catamarans
- Motor yachts
- Speedboats, powerboats, and RIBs
- Boat transportation services
- Yacht design and refit expertise
Watersports Zone
Experience unlimited board sports, canoeing, kayaking, and thrilling diving action, featuring the latest equipment and emerging trends in water sports. Explore must-have new gadgets and engage with professionals for valuable insights. Visitors also have opportunities to get out on the water themselves, creating memorable experiences at the Southampton International Boat Show.
Classic and Day Boat Zone
Classic boats, with varnished wooden decks, sleek hulls, and colored sails, are a beloved feature at any boat show. The Classic and Day Boat Zone offers visitors a diverse range of boats, from modern boats inspired by traditional designs to beautifully restored classics celebrating traditional boating charm.
Mayflower Park and Ocean Hall
Mayflower Park offers a wide array of watercraft, including speedboats, powerboats, jetskis, RIBs, and tenders, catering to every requirement, budget, and purpose.
Ocean Hall serves as a hub for yachting accessories and services, where visitors can explore upgrading navigational equipment, arranging marina berths, organizing training, or booking yacht charters.
Tickets and Access
General admission to the Southampton Boat Show, which includes access to all show attractions, stages, the show marina, and all zones, can be secured with a day pass for under £30. Concession prices are available, along with deals for multi-day passes.
For VIP access, membership to the Quayside Club starts from £165. Benefits include entry to the show, access to the Quayside Club Waterfront Lounge, complimentary drinks, premium dining, front-row seats for the On the Water stage, access to exclusive VIP upgrades, and a cloakroom.
VIP tickets sell out quickly, so interested yacht buyers keen to experience the show at this level are advised to book early.
Yachts on Show
From 3m to 30m, the Southampton International Boat Show is often the show of choice for world premieres and European debuts.
UK-based Sunseeker presented its 76 for its world debut and wowed the crowds with their 100 Yacht, with a price tag of £11M. Fairline launched the Squadron 50 in Southampton, while Princess Yachts, a regular exhibitor, premiered their F range (F65, F55, and F50).
Prestige Yachts chose Southampton for the European debut of their 460 and 460S, the world premiere of the Prestige 520, and the show premieres of the X60 and M48 catamaran.
Over 100 yachts premiere annually in Southampton, ranging from world debuts to European premieres and show firsts.
Southampton Boat Show Highlights
During the 10-day show, visitors can enjoy a myriad of attractions and events. Highlights include the dynamic On the Water Stage lineup featuring spectacular sports like wing foiling, flyboarding, and world championship jet skiing, showcasing awe-inspiring global talent.
Hands-on experiences include "Try-a-Boat" with guidance from experienced instructors, and the "Get Afloat" initiative for budding dinghy sailors.
Visitors can enjoy snorkeling and diving in the Andark Dive Tank, or head to the Watersports Zone for kayaking, paddleboarding, and more.
The Shipyard Stage is a standout feature, with top DJs, live orchestras, and music to fill the dancefloor. Food trucks and pop-ups offer excellent food and drink, making the Shipyard Stage a highlight and hangout spot.
Hospitality
The Shipyard music stage brings a lively atmosphere to the show with DJ sets and live music. Visitors can unwind while enjoying a variety of tasty street food options from the wide selection of food trucks, which embrace flavors from around the world.
For premium hospitality, joining the Quayside Club offers first-class amenities in the exclusive waterfront lounge, providing unparalleled views of the show's marina.
Experience unique hospitality aboard the Dutch tall ship 'Thalassa' for a late afternoon cruise with complimentary sparkling wine. Enjoy drinks and snacks at the onboard bar area.
How to Get Around the Show
Set in a vast marina complex, visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes as access around the pontoons is limited to foot traffic, wheelchairs, and buggies. Clear signage helps guide visitors to various attractions and exhibits.
Before heading over to the Southampton International Boat Show, take the time to familiarise yourself with some of the attending yachts by viewing all yachts for sale.
World Debut 
Show Premiere
YachtBuyer Reviewed
European Debut
