Southampton International Boat Show has opened at Mayflower Park with more than 500 watercraft and over 250 boats assembled in its purpose-built marina for the ten-day event.
As Afloat reported in its preview of the 57th Southampton show, the displays range from paddleboards and dinghies to the 27.1-metre Sunseeker 90 Ocean, the largest yacht at this year's event.
Running from September 18th to 27th, the show combines the marina displays with opportunities to get afloat, new boat and equipment launches, talks, demonstrations and entertainment.
Paddleboard Meets Sunseeker 90 Ocean
Organisers highlighted the breadth of the show on opening day by placing the Dorset-built Sunseeker 90 Ocean alongside a paddleboard from Rockley Watersports. The multi-million-pound motor yacht and paddleboard provided opposite ends of the boating spectrum, with Rockley celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.
Worlds Apart: A paddleboard passes one of the show’s large motor yachts, capturing the breadth of ways to get afloat among the 500-plus watercraft at Southampton International Boat Show
The watersports operator runs The Lake at the show, where visitors can try paddleboarding, kayaking and dinghy sailing.
British Marine chief executive Earle Stanner said there was "a real buzz around Mayflower Park and the marina" as the gates opened.
"We are expecting thousands of people through the gates each day, and that creates an incredible atmosphere," he said. "Whether you have spent a lifetime on the water or have never stepped aboard a boat before, there is so much to see, try and discover."
Show Time: British Marine chief executive Earle Stanner cuts the ribbon to officially open the 57th Southampton International Boat Show at Mayflower Park
Try-a-Boat and J/70 Racing
The show's Try-a-Boat programme offers visitors the opportunity to head out on Southampton Water aboard sailing yachts, powerboats and RIBs, while dinghy experiences are being provided by Rockley Watersports.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are available on The Lake, while a Dive Tank offers an introduction to scuba diving.
Visitors can also step aboard a selection of attraction vessels, including Helen Mary R, the 2026 ASTO/MCA Sail Training Vessel of the Year; the 1928 gaff ketch Tectona; and Clipper RX, the new generation of ocean racing yacht developed for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
The RNLI, named the show's Charity of the Year for 2026, has brought a Shannon class all-weather lifeboat and the new Atlantic 85 Mk4 to Southampton, with crews providing water-safety advice.
More than 25 world, UK and show boat debuts are being presented during the event, alongside over 20 launches of new marine technology, equipment and gear. Competitive sailing also features on Saturday, September 26th, when the marina hosts the Key Yachting J/70 Invitational Cup.
Six identical J/70s will contest the one-day knockout regatta in close-quarters racing.
Knox-Johnston and Hare Lead Speaker Programme
More than 110 talks, workshops and demonstrations are scheduled over the ten days, with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and offshore sailor Pip Hare among the headline speakers.
They are joined by marine biologist and broadcaster Monty Halls, sailor and adventurer Jazz Turner, yachting broadcaster Tom Cunliffe and the Maclean Brothers following their Pacific Ocean rowing achievement.
Traditional boatbuilding also has an expanded presence through the Wooden Boat Stage, with demonstrations covering steam bending, ropework, paddle making, sailmaking, deck laying and figurehead sculpture.
Craft Tradition: The expanded Wooden Boat Stage brings traditional maritime skills to life at Southampton, with demonstrations ranging from steam bending and sailmaking to ropework and figurehead sculpture
A new Wooden Boat Stage Afloat extends the theme into the marina with a collection of wooden and classic craft.
Spitfire flypasts are scheduled over Southampton Water during the opening weekend, while live music and entertainment continue at The Shipyard. Late-night opening operates on Fridays and Saturdays.
Children aged 15 and under can attend free when accompanied by an adult.
Southampton International Boat Show continues at Mayflower Park until Sunday, September 27th.
