The Southampton Boat Show 2016 (16-25 September) is set to showcase a variety of exciting new attractions, brands, boats and product debuts at this year’s Show. It will also herald the first Show for new British Marine Boat Shows’ Chairman, Greg Munford, who is steering the way for both the Southampton and London Boat Show going forward. Irish exhibitors are expected to attend including yacht brokers MGM Boats Ltd.
Every year, the Show welcomes a mix of historic and innovative feature boats and this year is no different. From the awe-inspiring Norwegian three-masted sailing barque, Artemis to the revolutionary Team Britannia vessel bidding to break the world record for the fastest powerboats circumnavigation of the globe, the Marina, powered by KUBE, will showcase an array of boating past and future along its 2km of pontoons. On land, visitors will be able to explore the 18ft Sailfish, Marlin, and meet its owner, Dave Selby, fresh from completing his 300 mile charity sail in the vessel.
In addition, visitors will be able to explore over 60 debuting boats. Among them are the World debuting Hanse 588, Cormate U23 Racing Edition and Haines 26, the European debuting Dehler 34 and Greenline Hybrid 36 and the UK launch of the Azimut 55S, Sunseeker Predator 68 MK II, Sealine F530 and Fjord 40 Open.
Alongside well-established attractions, On the Water’s Try-a-Boat and Get Afloat, this year’s Show will offer a new opportunity for the youngest generation to get on the water for free. Suitable for children aged 3 to 13, Bumper Boats provides youngsters with a chance to master boat steering, as well as the boat’s built-in water cannon.
Onshore, organisers will be looking to entertain further with its new Festival Stage, located in Solent Park. Throughout the 10 days, visitors can expect to enjoy a line-up of live music, fashion shows and expert talks. There will also be the opportunity for visitors to be part of the Show’s very own Guinness World Record Attempt of the ‘Largest human image of a boat’ on Saturday 24 September.
What’s more, visitors will be able to discover over 27 new brands exhibiting in 2016. On show are powerboat manufacturers: BIC Aluminium and Alpha-Centauri, sail yacht brands: North Carolina (EDPNC) and Nautor’s Swan, electronics and equipment suppliers: Racegeek, Aqua-cote and UK Sailmakers, as well as holiday & charter companies: Rubicon 3 and UGuest.
This year’s Show will be the first for Greg Munford in his newly appointed position as British Marine Boat Shows’ Chairman. As Chief Executive of Richardsons Leisure, Greg Munford is familiar with taking a fresh approach and bold ideas. Already in his short period in office he has been instrumental in planning for this year’s Show.
As Greg comments: “As Britain’s biggest boating festival, the Southampton Boat Show is much-loved by sail and powerboat enthusiasts alike and one of the leaders in the global boating calendar. We’re thrilled to have seen soaring tickets sales so far, which are now more than double what they were this time last year.
“Helping plan this year’s event with all its new attractions to entertain the diversity of visitors and more importantly, get more people out on to the water has been a fantastic experience. Being a boater myself, the mix of new international and British brands who will be showcasing the latest boats and marine equipment makes this Show even more exciting for me to be a part of.”
