Imagine having everything you look for on the internet, but being able to physically touch, discuss, try and buy, all in one convenient location?
With more than 550 exhibitors at the Southampton International Boat Show, the stands in Ocean Hall and Mayflower Park will be displaying world debuts of new technology, exciting gadgets and equipment, clothing, artwork, interior design and accessories for the boat and home, holidays, training courses and more, all with the opportunity to compare and contrast products from different manufacturers and gain valuable insights from the experts before buying.
Booking a boating holiday, chartering a boat abroad or signing up for a sailing course is often the first step into a lifelong passion. Choose from recognised RYA Training Centres such as Solent-based Broadreach Sailing, or venture further abroad with Second Star Sailing with RYA courses in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, plus “women at the helm’ all-female initiatives for budding skippers. Charter a yacht in Greece and Croatia with Navigare and Nautilus, experience the thrill of adventures with Kraken Travel or connect with the largest online yacht charter business through the team at Booking Manager, there’s a world of opportunities to explore at the show.
Within Mayflower Park and Ocean Hall, there’s a myriad of eye-catching and enticing stands displaying everything from new ranges of teak furniture from Onward Marine, unique and hand-made interiors and accessories from Hannah Wisdom Textiles and Summer Jane Art, and beautiful fabrics for renovating or replacing marine upholstery from Hawke House. Or head towards the technology hub where the latest in marine electronics, navigation, communications and safety equipment can be found. World firsts on display include the LINK digital system for remote control of your vessel, Raymarine’s Yachtsense Ecosystem for complete onboard and offboard device integration, and Merlin Power’s Vesscomm advanced digital monitoring and switching system, launched in conjunction with Metrix Advanced Technologies.
Power and propulsion now include more electric options, with new electric outboards from Temo and RemigoOne. For the first time, Volvo Penta will have a Fairline demonstration boat at the show, actively demonstrating its sophisticated Assisted Docking systems and how easy it is to retrofit onto an existing boat.
There are bespoke battery and solar charging systems from Knight Marine, Whisperpower silent energy and power generation from Marine Energy Systems, and on-board lightning controls from Lumishore, and Hella Marine underwater lighting from ASAP Supplies. Aquafax’s stand will be packed with products from Mastervolt, B&G, Lowrance, Quick and Ultraflex.
For boaters looking to minimise their effect on the environment, take a look at English Braids’ rPET ropes made from recycled plastics, with regular daily displays of braided rope splicing techniques taking place on the stand. Avoid using biocides or pesticides and protect a vessel’s hull using MacGilde film instead of paint or consider using Propspeed to protect propellers and running gear from becoming encrusted with marine growth below the waterline.
There are many ways to keep cool or stay warm on board, from wearing the right clothing, choosing anti-Condensation Underlay and Active-Cool Bedding from Ship Shape Bedding to fitting air conditioners and coolers. Zerofit will be making its debut at the show, displaying what is claimed to be the world’s warmest baselayer. With a range of tops, leggings and socks, innovative heat threads gently run against the skin as you move, creating and retaining positive warmth. For reducing heat on board, take a look at Total Cool’s new TC3000 portable evaporative air cooler, or Advance Yacht System’s low energy Frigomar self-contained air con system. On show for the first time, Penguin’s range of Vitrifrigio marine air conditioning systems which can cool multiple cabins using air flow through insulated ducting.
Staying safe whilst on the water is paramount and Ocean Safety is an ideal place to check out all the latest liferafts, plus check out the new Jon Buoy Soft Case Horseshoe, making its show debut. When lighting stikes on a boat it can cause electronic failures, damage to masts and equipment, start a fire or even seriously injure crew. Technical Marine Supplies will be displaying a patented lightning protection system from Sertec Marine. By changing the atmosphere around a vessel, this technology eliminates the chances of a lightning strike and is suitable for all vessels, regardless of size.
Playful orcas can also be a challenge when at sea, with some vessels reporting rudder damage and worse. Mactra Marine will be showing a new environmentally friendly solution, using Fishtek Marine’s Anti-Depradation Pinger. Simply placing the pinger overboard emits an acoustic sound every 4-12 seconds, sufficient to deter orcas who dislike the noise and will move away from the boat.
Learn how to keep your vessel free of unwanted stowaways and protect seabird colonies at the Biosecurity For Life stand. There’s free information packs and children will enjoy learning about this project using the “Save our Seabirds” Monopoly-style board game. As well as having an operational police boat at the show, visitors can take advice from the Police Crime Prevention Initiatives stand to learn how to keep their valuables safe.
From sails to sunglasses, timber decking to trailers, marine protective coatings to masts, watches to winches, deck shoes to docking systems, there’s something for everyone at the show.
For more information about Mayflower Park visit https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/mayflower-park/
Get your ticket
Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/
Upgrade your visit with the new and exclusive Quayside Club VIP packages at https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/
The show will be open from 10am – 6pm daily except the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm and on Monday 19 September when it will be closed for the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
