The Classic and Day Boat area at the Southampton International Boat Show is the place to be this year with world launches of new boats, innovative solutions for propulsion, live demonstrations, and the chance to learn about boat building techniques from master craftspeople.
There’s even the chance to get out on the water on the show’s very own classic boat, the 48m twin masted Morgenster Tall Ship built in 1919. Visitors can book on the day to go for a sail, or make it extra special as part of the luxury ‘Black Sea’ VIP package and enjoy an exclusive 2-hour twilight cruise on board with refreshments and a glass of bubbles.
Back on land, and making its world premiere at the show is the Cape Cutter 19 from Honnor Marine. This new inboard diesel model will be on display alongside the Tamarisk 19, Windward Cutter, Devon Coaster and Devon Dabber.
Exhibiting for the first time at the show, Adventure Boats UK will have its new 8ft nesting Pram dinghy and 9ft nesting clinker dinghies on display. Both available as full sailing boats, or with the option to be rowed or powered by an outboard engine, these boats are built in the UK by Drascombe boats, famed for their classic and traditional Luggers.
Highlander Boats will be displaying its range of day boats and fishing vessels alongside its Waverly sailing dinghy and NEST-AWAY Explorer. Designed and built to meet customer’s specific requirements, Highlander Boats come with the option of Honda outboards and the increasingly-popular electric E Propulsion motors.
XCAT catamarans, on show through UK distributor SailX, were designed in Austria to enable boaters to access remote locations. Opening up a whole world of adventures, sailors can harness the wind for an exhilarating sail, or row for fitness, using the innovative forward-facing RowVista or rear-facing RowMotion rowing systems. SailX will also be highlighting the ROWonAIR system, which can be fixed to inflatable or hard-shell SUP boards, as well as kayaks, skiffs canoes or any other style of boat to convert it into a rowing craft.
With over a 1000 craft now sold worldwide, the popular and fun Microboat is ideal as a family boat or a tender. It sits alongside the larger Seaspray 15 Fisherman Plus dory and a range of Tohatsu outboards, whilst those looking for a compact, environmentally-friendly power solution, should take a look at the new Thrust Me Kicker electric outboard. Ideal for getting a craft into secluded or shallow areas, this slimline and compact engine can also be used as an emergency propulsion system. More electric engines ranging from the smallest outboards to powerful inboards can be found on Torqeedo’s stand.
Craig Cahoon Watersports has all the gear to attract those interested in toys and kit for the boat, whilst Compass Marine’s stand is a haven for boat owners with its range of fenders, buoys, mooring and safety equipment and new exhibitor Fortuna will be displaying its range of solar panels and batteries.
Using a Chinese formula dating back several centuries, Le Tonkinois natural oil-based yacht varnish brings out the beauty of classic wooden craft. For those renovating or maintain boats, Mirka UK will be showcasing its Polarshine Marine cleaning product range, which helps owners keep their boats in tip-top condition all year round, alongside the Mirka range of power tools. The company will have live demonstrations of its cordless tools, polishers and sanders on its stand at the show.
For those who really want to go the extra mile, why not have a go at building your own boat or bespoke furniture? The Boat Building Academy, located in Lyme Regis, will be promoting its flagship 40-week boat building course which has already produced a generation of skilled craftspeople. It now also offers a 12-week furniture making course and a comprehensive range of 2 to 5 day short courses covering all aspects of boat building, wood-working, learning how to dove-tail joints, work with GRP, undertake renovation and finishing techniques and a new 3 day routing course which covers techniques, jigs and the safe use of routers in the workshop. The Boat Building Academy will be showcasing an exciting selection of boats and furniture made by its students on the stand.
For more details about the Classic and Day Boat Zone visit: https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/classic-day-boat-zone/
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.
