19 September 2025
Day one sees positive exhibitor feedback, high visitor engagement, and a spectacular opening featuring Thunder Child II and Jack Sparrow theatrics!
The Southampton International Boat Show 2025 opened today (Friday 19 September) to strong industry praise as its new streamlined layout delivered excellent visitor flow, productive business opportunities, and a more immersive experience from the outset.
The event this year is concentrated exclusively within Mayflower Park, the Shipyard, and the Marina – a refined footprint that brings together the very best of boating and watersports in one cohesive and accessible space. The new layout makes it easier for visitors to explore the show and for exhibitors to connect directly with serious buyers and marine enthusiasts alike.
Our new streamlined format has been designed to create a better flow, atmosphere and all round experience for visitors, while providing exhibitors with a stronger platform to do business. The reaction on day one has been overwhelmingly positive – the atmosphere has been buzzing, stands and boats are busy, and we’re delighted to see the industry showcasing its innovation, expertise, and passion so successfully.
Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, owner and operator of the showExhibitors welcome positive start
Across both shoreside and marina locations, exhibitors confirmed the changes are delivering real benefits, with focused visitor traffic, quality enquiries, and meaningful conversations.
Shoreside, exhibitors commented:
Being part of the new Powerhub, right alongside The Cockpit stage presented by Powerboat & RIB Magazine, has created a real buzz from the moment the doors opened. The layout makes it easy for visitors to find us, and we’re already seeing strong interest from people who are genuinely excited about performance boating and the latest innovations.
Paul Mccarthy, MD of Wolfrock Boat Company, UK distributors for BRIG, IRON & GALA across the UK & IrelandThe Dive Tank is already drawing big crowds and the energy around it is fantastic. We’re expecting even more families and young people to give scuba a try over the next few days. Our watersports clothing store is also buzzing - sales are already moving quickly, and we’re only just into the first day. It’s a great sign of the demand that’s out there.
Andy Goddard, Director, Andark Diving & WatersportsWe’ve had a fantastic flow of visitors to the stand already, and the sunshine has certainly helped draw the crowds. It’s brilliant to see such a variety of boats on display - from big sailing yachts and motorboats to smaller craft - which makes the show appealing to everyone. It’s also encouraging to see people really making the most of the opportunities the show has to offer.
Amy Parker, Group Marketing Manager, UK and Ireland at GarminThe new layout has made it easier for customers to find us, and the conversations so far have been really encouraging. We’re confident momentum will keep building throughout the show.
Peter Leonard, Owner, Peter Leonard MarineWhile on the marina, exhibitors said:
The new layout has really streamlined the visitor journey, making it quicker and easier for people to get straight to the marina. We’ve already welcomed a steady flow of serious buyers keen to view our range, which is a very positive start to the show.
Chris Manners, Managing Director, Sealine
The marina has a great energy this year thanks to the new configuration. It’s creating a perfect backdrop for conversations with both experienced buyers and newcomers who want to explore what boating has to offer.
Beccy Lee-Potter, Group Marketing Manager, Inspiration MarineA vibrant festival of boating
Beyond the business buzz, visitors were treated to a spectacular opening ceremony. The record-breaking Thunder Child II powered into the marina in swashbuckling style, its gold hull gleaming in the September sunshine, with a Jack Sparrow lookalike stepping ashore to rousing applause. The Lord Mayor of Southampton, the Leader of the Council, and ‘Below Deck Down Under’ reality TV star Captain Jason Chambers joined the celebrations, alongside a surprise performance from the East Cowes Shanty group hidden within the crowd.
The new-look show offers more than 500 boats and watercraft, over 700 brands, and a packed programme of interactive attractions, stages, and entertainment.
The refreshed layout is the result of extensive research and collaboration with exhibitors and visitors, ensuring the event not only looks different but works smarter. It’s more than just a change in footprint – it’s a step forward in delivering a more dynamic and immersive event for the entire marine community. Only by restructuring the show in this way has it been possible to reinvest in visitor favourites such as Try-a-Boat, The Quarterdeck, and the show’s world-class marina, while introducing a raft of new, must-see experiences, including:
- Four new stages: The Boating Academy, The Cockpit, presented by Powerboat & RIB Magazine, The Wooden Boat Stage, and Chefs Ahoy Galley Kitchen Stage.
- Special guests including: Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Hannah Mills OBE, Captain Jason Chambers, and Aldo Kane.
- Headline displays: From Spitfire flypasts to Red Devils parachute jumps.
- On-water fun: Including sailing, motorboating, paddleboarding, kayaking, dinghy sailing, and scuba diving.
- The Shipyard live entertainment hub: Featuring BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills, Queen and Elton John tribute acts, and daily music performances.
This year’s show is not only about showcasing boats on the water – it’s about inspiring and educating visitors through our incredible line-up of speakers and experts. For example, the new Cockpit stage will be a real highlight, bringing together the very best voices in power and performance to discuss innovation, engineering excellence, and the future of motorboating.
Lesley RobinsonThe Southampton International Boat Show runs until Sunday 28 September 2025. Tickets start at £29 (concessions from £23) and children aged 15 and under enter free with a paying adult.
About Southampton International Boat Show
The Southampton International Boat Show is the UK's largest boating and water sports festival, celebrating everything boating. Alongside hundreds of exhibitors and incredible boats and watercraft of all shapes and sizes, the show offers a unique blend of family entertainment, retail opportunities, and live music, making it an unmissable event in the marine calendar.
Visit the website www.southamptonboatshow.com or follow our social channels for all the latest show news and updates.