As the fall out from the cancellation of the Southampton Boat Show continues, organiser British Marine is seeking answers from Southampton Council and the UK Secretary of State over the cancellation of last week's 'Boats2020' exhibition. On Friday, 11 September British Marine released this statement:

Following the cancellation of BOATS2020 presented by Southampton International Boat Show Ltd on the eve of the event, British Marine is seeking further clarification from Southampton City Council with regard to the reasons for the late notice of the decision.

British Marine had been assured by Southampton City Council that BOATS2020 was in complete compliance with current UK Government guidelines as well as the new rules set to come into effect on Monday 14 September. However, despite this, it is understood that Southampton City Council’s last-minute decision to cancel the event was made after taking advice from their Director of Public Health and was due to the perceived risk of an increase in COVID-19 cases.

As a consequence, British Marine is appealing to the Secretary of State for Public Health and the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport about the decision and the Direction under Regulation 5(1) of the Health Protection Regulations 2020 that was served to the event, with a view to understand the options available to recompense British Marine exhibitors and stakeholders.

Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, said; “British Marine has done everything in its power to stage BOATS2020 and we followed all Southampton City Council’s stringent requirements. We are appealing the decision to seek further insight into the cancellation. I am disappointed and surprised on behalf of our exhibitors and show stakeholders, especially receiving the news so close to the opening. This not-for-profit boat show was all about supporting the leisure marine industry and the city of Southampton.”

The show, due to take place from 11-20 September 2020, was set to open on Friday following extensive work in collaboration with Southampton City Council to ensure that the existing Public Health England COVID-19 secure requirements were met.

British Marine has confirmed an ‘alternative’ boat show in place of the Southampton International Boat Show, this year’s edition of which was called off over coronavirus rules regarding mass gatherings.

As Boating Business reports, Boats 2020 will take place at Mayflower Park in Southampton from 11-20 September, comprising an outdoor boat show and on-the-water events.

“This not-for-profit event will offer boat buyers and the leisure marine industry a chance to come together with the reassurance that the event is within [UK] Government guidelines,” said British Marine chief executive Lesley Robinson.

“Visitors will see a super range of sailing and power boats and the event format with bookable time slots on each stand will create a day of quality viewing for visitors.”

Boats 2020 will go head-to-head with The Ocean Village Boat Show at MLD Marinas Southampton on the same dates. Boating Business has more on the story HERE.