The 55th Southampton International Boat Show featured more than 650 craft of all shapes and sizes, with organisers British Marine saying it was one of the most successful shows yet.
The show covered more than 70,000sqm and had more than 86 world and UK premieres.
Over 100,300 visitors attended over ten days taking part in a variety of watersports and boating experiences, interactive marine workshops and talks.
More than 10,000 people took to the water during the show with support of Rockley Watersports, Flexisail, Andark, and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Boating experiences ranges from kayaking and paddleboarding on the Watersports Lake, sponsored by Towergate Insurance, to dinghy sailing, yachting, motorboating, RIB rides, and diving.
There was also the opportunity to board historic vessels, including the tall ship Thalassa, an F8 landing craft, and the high-speed Launch 102.
“The on-water activities are always a highlight of the show and this year, thousands of people experienced the thrill of getting out on the water,” said Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine.
“We’ve had fantastic feedback, and it’s a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our watersports partners.”
Show highlights included appearances from Captain Glenn Shephard star of the TV show ‘Below Deck Sailing Yacht’, who officially opened the show.
Other special visitors included HRH The Princess Royal who toured the show and met with many exhibitors and special guests.
In addition, reality TV star Daisy Kelliher, chief stew on ‘Below Deck Sailing Yacht’, carried out a mixology masterclass and flyboarding display and TV personality and celebrity barrister, Rob Rinder explored exhibits, got out on the water, and later shared highlights from his day delivering his verdicts on standout boats and displays in a special awards ceremony.
The 2024 event also saw the introduced the show’s first late-night Saturdays, in The Shipyard, sponsored by GAC Pindar.
Incredible show
The show’s official opening party on the first Saturday was headlined by DJ Chris Moyles, while the official closing party featured Symphonic Ibiza.
This year the show also teamed up with Southampton Hospitals Charity for the Light the South art trail, raising £75,000 in funds for Southampton Children’s Hospital.
“We’ve had an incredible show this year, the positive energy has been absolutely contagious, and the level of engagement—from our interactive watersports to the stunning world premieres—has been truly remarkable,” added Lesley.
“We’ve seen thousands of people take to the water, our new late-night Saturdays have been a huge hit, and the charitable initiatives have made a real impact on the community.”
The 2025 edition of the show will take place from 19 -28 September with British Marine currently working on new plans for the event layout.
