Business Details
50+ Years
experience
UK's Largest Boating & Watersports Festival
As the organisers of the UK's flagship boating and watersports festival, we have curated an unparalleled marine event since our founding in 1970. Our 56th edition in 2025 showcased over 300 watercraft in a purpose-built marina, delivered expert-led talks at The Boating Academy, and hosted exhilarating on-water displays featuring jet ski stunts and live performances. We collaborate with industry leaders like Cirrus and Bolney to provide premium experiences while supporting maritime charities such as RNRMC. Through dedicated zones for powerboats, wooden boatbuilding workshops, and family activities, we combine educational content with entertainment.Our commitment to innovation is evident in initiatives like the Chefs' Ahoy culinary demonstrations and partnerships with organisations including British Marine. With daily live music at The Shipyard and accessible watersports facilities at The Lake, we ensure visitors of all ages engage meaningfully with marine culture. As an established event attracting 100,000 annual attendees, we maintain rigorous safety standards in collaboration with local authorities.
Services
Boat Exhibitions
Watersports Activities
Expert Talks
Live Entertainment
Family Activities
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We offer 56 years of expertise in marine event organisation
- Our purpose-built marina showcases over 300 watercraft annually
- We provide expert-led boating education at The Boating Academy
- Our family zone features free admission for under-15s
- We maintain industry-leading safety standards with local authorities
What people say
Exhilarating live displays
Exceptional boat variety
Excellent family zone
Expert-led workshops
Delicious onboard cooking tips
Services
Boat Exhibitions
Our purpose-built marina hosts over 300 watercraft annually. Exhibitors range from international yachting brands to local boatbuilders. Visitors gain exclusive access to the latest models and historic vessels through our curated boat displays.
Watersports Activities
The Shipyard lake offers paddleboarding and kayaking lessons. Try-a-Boat sessions with FlexiSail and Rockley Watersports allow hands-on experiences with various craft. Safety equipment and expert supervision ensure accessibility for all skill levels.
Expert Talks
The Boating Academy presents technical workshops and safety demonstrations. Industry professionals deliver seminars on navigation, maintenance, and emerging technologies. Live Q&A sessions allow visitors to consult with marine experts on specific boating challenges.
Live Entertainment
The On-the-Water Stage features jet ski stunts and performances by professional riders. The Wooden Boat Stage showcases traditional craftsmanship through live demonstrations. The Shipyard hosts daily live music from local and national artists across multiple genres.
Family Activities
Designated kids' zones offer interactive marine-themed games and educational workshops. The Royal Naval Volunteer Band provides musical performances, while adventure zones combine physical challenges with maritime learning experiences for younger visitors.
Questions
What are the show dates for 2026?
The Southampton International Boat Show will run from 18 to 27 September 2026.
Are children's tickets free?
Visitors aged 15 and under gain free admission to the show.
What watersports activities are available?
The Lake offers paddleboarding and kayaking, while Try-a-Boat sessions allow visitors to experience various watercraft.
Is there parking at the show?
Official show parking is available, with 50% discounts for Premium ticket holders.
What sustainability initiatives exist?
The event focuses on environmentally responsible practices, detailed in our 'Helping The Environment' section.
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