World-class debuts, on-water adventures, and unforgettable experiences define the 56th Southampton International Boat Show
The 56th Southampton International Boat Show drew to a close on Sunday 28 September, wrapping up ten extraordinary days of boating, entertainment, and adventure. With more than 500 watercraft, 700 brands, and a packed programme of features and experiences, the show once again confirmed its place as the UK’s biggest and best celebration of life on the water.
This year’s show welcomed over 91,200 visitors, who enjoyed a whole host of in, on and under water activities, bustling feature zones, and packed stages.
Over 50 world and UK premieres were unveiled across the showground and marina. Standout debuts included those from Fairline, Sunseeker, Princess Yachts, Oyster, Spirit Yachts, Rustler, and Axopar, reinforcing Southampton as a premier stage for global boating brands.
Thunder Child II, one of the world’s most advanced wave-piercing powerboats, made a dramatic entrance on opening day accompanied by a Captain Jack Sparrow look-alike and remained a must-see throughout the show. It was joined by an impressive line-up of featured boats, including the 52ft Outerlimits Good Boy Vodka, the Clipper 70, High Speed Launch 102, and the Landing Craft F8, with the latter wrapped in pride colours to mark 25 years since the lifting of the ban on gay people serving in the UK Armed Forces.
Thanks to Rockley Watersports, Flexisail, Andark and the Ocean Scene team, more than 9,500 visitors had the chance to get afloat. Families and first-timers embraced the thrill of dinghy sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, RIB rides, motorboating, and even diving. The Watersports Lake, managed by Rockley, proved a constant highlight, whilst for those who preferred to watch the action, the high-octane On the Water Stunt Show wowed audiences with flyboarding, jet skiing, wingfoiling, and hydroflight displays.
This year’s show also introduced exciting new zones and stages, including the Cockpit, presented by Powerboat & RIB Magazine, and the Powerboat Hub, where visitors tested simulators and discovered the latest innovations in powerboating. Additionally, the Explore Boating Zone guided newcomers through every step of getting afloat. The Wooden Boat Stage celebrated traditional craftsmanship, while the Boating Academy inspired visitors with expert tuition. Chef’s Ahoy combined food and lifestyle with live demonstrations, and The Shipyard once again proved a buzzing social hub with live music, street food, and late-night sessions.
Celebrity guests added star power throughout the show. Adventurer Aldo Kane, Olympic sailor Hannah Mills OBE, TV and radio favourite Scott Mills, and yachtsman Conrad Humphreys all made appearances, while the Rustic Chef, Matt Dawkins, delighted crowds with his cooking flair. Reality TV star, Captain Jason Chambers, from Below Deck Down Under brought an unrivalled insight from a career managing luxury yachts around the world and in a unique moment for the boat show, officiated a marriage vow renewal for one lucky couple.
