With September's international boat shows at Cannes in France and Southampton in England now over, one of the most noticeable conclusions from leading Irish boat brokers was the increase in Irish interest in boat buying in Eurozone France compared to the drop in interest at Southampton.

Irish exhibitor Gerry Salmon of MGM Boats who attended both shows says he saw a noticeable reduction in Irish buyers on the UK south coast, where the UK market is no longer seen to be as accessible by buyers after Brexit. 

Cannes welcomed over 50,000 visitors, with almost 600 yachts on display in the south of France and has become the go-to European Autumn show over the past several seasons, especially with Irish buyers.

Salmon, an experienced exhibitor with over 25 years in the business, put the Irish Autumn boat buying perspective succinctly: "[There was] a noticeable reduction in Irish buyers where the UK market is no longer accessible but an increase at the Cannes Show instead, which was welcomed and overall a good two weeks".

County Wicklow broker BJ Marine at Greystones Harbour were also in attendance at both Cannes and Southampton shows.

"We found Cannes to be a particularly busy show this year, helped no doubt by a number of world premieres for new Beneteau models", James Kirwan of BJ told Afloat.

"With flights to Nice, Cannes is very easy for our Irish visitors to get to", he added.

Southampton certainly saw fewer Irish visitors than in years gone by, but as Beneteau dealers in the UK with our Bangor, Cardiff and Pwllheli offices, it still holds an important place in the BJ Marine show diary, Kirwan said.

The 54th Southampton International Boat Show drew to a close on Sunday, 24 September 2023, and despite the weather causing havoc mid-week, with high winds and driving rain, organisers say exhibitors, sponsors and visitors have heralded the show a success. Covering 70,000+ square metres, the show welcomed over 650 craft, with over 350 boats berthed in the marina alone, an increase of 17% year on year.

This year marks the first full Southampton show after bouncing back from Covid and since last year’s closure out of respect for the Queen’s passing and "the feedback from exhibitors from across the industry has been positive, with many indicating strong sales”, commented Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine.

Nick Burnham of YouTube channel AQUAHOLIC has some very positive things to say about X-Yachts — and specifically the new X4³ which was on display at the Southampton International Boat Show in September.

As previously noted on Afloat.ie, the latest version of the X4³ sees the model get a serious makeover with a completely new hull and deck design, together with many other improvements since its successful predecessor.

If the X4³ looks like the boat for you, reach out to either Debbie Weldon or Stuart Abernathy at X-Yachts GB & Ireland.

Can’t make it the Southampton International Boat Show this year? If so, why not join X-Yachts and ‘Experience the Brand’ at its Open Week in Hamble after the show?

Between next Tuesday 27 September and Sunday 2 October, you’ll have the chance to view the X4⁰, X4³ and X4⁶ at Hamble Point Marina — with the possibility of a test sailing, subject to availability.

Register an appointment with Debbie Weldon, and in the meantime you still have a chance to catch Debbie with Julien Renault and Stuart Abernathy at the X-Yachts stand as the Southampton International Boat Show continues till this weekend.

Southampton International Boat Show, Britain’s biggest festival of boating, returned today, and Irish exhibitors are among the stands at Mayflower Park.

To mark the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, the show will hold a minute’s silence on Friday, 16, Saturday, 17, and Sunday, 18 September and will close on Monday, 19 September.

Following a successful stint in Cannes last week, Ireland's MGM Boats will be on the Prestige and Jeanneau stands for the duration of the Show.

As Afloat reported previously, the Dun Laoghaire-based boat sales agents will have a full sales team working the show and available to show a host of new boats from its ranges.

X-Yachts GB and Ireland are also there in style. As previously noted on Afloat.ie, you can see the latest, upgraded version of the X4³ at the X-Yachts stand M455.

The new X4³ has gone through a serious makeover with a completely new hull and deck design, together with many other improvements since its successful predecessor.

X-Yachts GB & IRL team of Debbie Weldon, Julien Renault and Stuart Abernathy will be in attendance for the duration of the show. 

Dufour Yachts and Crosshaven Boatyard have a portfolio of special offers for the September Show season. But hurry as these will be on a first-come, first-served basis, according to Hugh Mockler of Crosshaven. 

The Key Yachting team attends Southampton every year and will be there to show the new Grand Soleil, the latest J-Boat model, and the Nautitech catamaran range. 

Queen Elizabeth tribute

The show entrance is home to a tribute where visitors are encouraged to leave plastic-free flowers and a timeline of Her Majesty’s time in Southampton is also on display within the show. The Royal Navy also have a memorial showcasing Queen Elizabeth II’s connection to the Royal Navy over the years.

The Queen Elizabeth II tribute at Southampton Boat Show

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Europe’s largest, purpose-built show marina, the much-loved show is back better than ever for another year. Crowds were out in full force to see Prestwood, on the water, cut the official ribbon mid-summersault while bright blue smoke filled the air.

CEO of British Marine, Lesley Robinson opens the 53rd show

The 53rd edition of the show sees opening day visitors exploring multiple attractions and zones, including Watersports, Dinghy, Classic & Day Boat alongside the On the Water Zone and the brand-new Quayside Club VIP experience. Newbies and seasoned pros took to the water on stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and RIBS, giving them the chance to soak up the atmosphere and sample life on the water.

CEO of British Marine, Lesley Robinson says: “British Marine and the whole UK marine leisure industry were deeply saddened by the loss of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We’ve all agreed that closing the show as a mark of respect would be the most appropriate course of action to join the nation in remembering The Queen on Monday 19 September.

“As we open the doors on our fifty third show, we are pleased to see such a big turnout and are excited to welcome many more visitors over our nine-day run. Our aim is to get as many people as possible out on the water regardless of ability. There are many opportunities for visitors to try something new, from taking a high-speed RIB ride to testing their balance on a stand up paddleboard.”

Key features at this year’s Show include:

‘On the Water’ zone - The On the Water Zone allows you to get afloat! Whether its dinghy sailing or paddleboarding. With Try-a-Boat you can try something new or sharpen your existing watersports skills with experts from Rockley Watersports on hand to help, there’s something for everyone.

Exhibitors - All the best British and international marine brands showcasing the latest technology in boats and gadgets. Ticket holders can also find holidays, books, courses, all types of clothing from specialist offshore kit to the latest fashions, SUP… The list goes on and on.

Quayside Club VIP experience - Brand new to the show, the Quayside Club VIP experience is available to add a touch of luxury to any day offering hospitality of the highest level. Three exclusive VIP packages are available, White Sea, Coral Sea and Black Sea.

Mayflower Park - Offering a chance to relax and soak in the atmosphere – from fresh-out-of-the-water oysters, an array of international street food, delicious cocktails, and chilled Champagne, you won’t be short of food and beverages throughout the show and within the

Quarterdeck Bar & Restaurant. Also returning to Mayflower Park is the Ocean Hall and Guinness Bar, both firm favourites with show visitors.

The Dinghy Zone - The place to be for sports and sailing dinghies, trailer boats, cruisers, boat builders, high-performance equipment, sailing clubs, holiday providers and training options in one place.

Foredeck stage - From leading experts on a whole host of topics from Swallows and Amazons to buying a boat; rowing the Atlantic to flare disposal. You’ll be able to ask the experts your burning questions and enjoy conversations with likeminded enthusiasts.

Classic and Day Boat Zone - Celebrate the boats and craftsmanship that stand the test of time in this zone. Classic boat enthusiasts and seasoned boaters will be able to find all the equipment they need to keep their treasures gliding across the water.
In its fourth year of a five-year sustainability pledge, Southampton International Boat Show is proud to announce the launch of the new Environmental Innovation Showcase (EIS), located in Ocean Hall. The showcase will shine a spotlight on the best of the marine industry’s new products, highlighting to consumers how the marine industry is becoming greener and cleaner and what they can do to become a more environmentally conscious boater.

It will provide a unique opportunity to showcase those businesses working towards a cleaner marine environment and provides a fantastic opportunity for exhibiting businesses to promote their innovative products or services to boat show visitors.

Adult tickets are on sale now for £26 and up to 2 children aged 15 and under are permitted free entry to the show with every paying general admission adult ticket. 

DATES: Friday 16 September 2022 – Sunday 25 September 2022

(Please note, show is closed Monday 19 September)

TIMES: 16–24 September 10am – 6pm, 25 September 10am – 5pm

LOCATION: Mayflower Park, Southampton

Following a successful stint in Cannes last week, MGM Boats will be on the Prestige and Jeanneau stands for the duration of the Southampton International Boat Show which kicks off this Friday 16 September.

The Dun Laoghaire-based boat sales agents will have a full sales team working the show and available to show a host of new boats from its ranges.

For the Prestige marque, that means the 420F, 460F, 520F and 590F motor yachts, alongside Jeanneau’s Sun Odyssey (380, 410, 440 and 490) and Sun Fast 3300 sail boats.

Powerboats from Jeanneau on show include the Cap Camarat (7.5 WA Série3, 9.0 WA and 10.5 WA Série2), Merry Fisher (795 Série2, 795 Sport Série2, 895, 895 Sport an1095) and NC37.

And the Lagoon Catamarans brand will be represented by the Lagoon 46 and Lagoon 42.

The MGM Boats sales team looks forward to seeing you in Southampton. For more details, get in touch with [email protected].

There’s only a few days to go until the start of this year’s Southampton International Boat Show on Friday 16 September — and X-Yachts will be there in style.

As previously noted on Afloat.ie, you can see the latest, upgraded version of the X4³ at the X-Yachts stand M455.

The new X4³ has gone through a serious makeover with a completely new hull and deck design together with many other improvements since its successful predecessor.

X-Yachts GB & IRL team of Debbie Weldon, Julien Renault and Stuart Abernathy will be in attendance for the duration of the show, 16-25 September from 10am to 6pm each day.

The team will also be sharing details of the X5⁶ — the new sailing flagship of the Pure X Range — which is available for viewing offsite but strictly by prior appointment only. Contact Debbie to arrange a booking.

And don’t forget you can configure the X4³ and X5⁶ to your own specifications on the X-Yachts website.

The latest, upgraded version of X-Yachts’ X4³ will be on display at the Southampton International Boat Show next month.

As previously noted on Afloat.ie, the new X4³ has gone through a serious makeover with a completely new hull and deck design together with many other improvements since its successful predecessor.

You can see the X4³ at the X-Yachts stand M455 during the Southampton International Bay Show from 16-25 September, where the X-Yachts GB & IRL team of Debbie Weldon, Julien Renault and Stuart Abernathy will be in attendance for the duration of the show from 10am to 6pm each day.

Also at the show will be the X5⁶ — the new sailing flagship of the Pure X Range — however viewing is strictly by pre-show booking only. Contact Debbie to arrange an appointment.

And don’t forget you can configure the X4³ and X5⁶ to your own specifications on the X-Yachts website.

Organisers of Southampton International Boat Show (10-19 September 2021) say they will reveal a bold new layout this year bringing exciting developments and changes to enhance the visitor’s show experience.

Following the Prime Minister’s recent roadmap announcement, British Marine, organisers of the Southampton International Boat Show, say that Britain’s biggest festival of boating will return safely and with style this September. Bringing back the successful boat show formula, including Europe’s largest purpose-built marina with hundreds of marine brands together in one location, the 52nd edition of the show will be complemented by some refreshing changes.

Working in partnership with Southampton City Council, British Marine is pleased to confirm additional land has been agreed for use at this year’s show, making the show bigger than ever before. This larger space creates the opportunity for a new entrance to the show and festival area outside Southampton’s Westquay shopping centre.

Once inside the show, visitors will be immersed in the world of boating and watersports through new zones that cater for specific interests to give a tailored show experience. The first zone will be for paddle boards, kite surfers, kayaks and windsurfers, accompanied by a stage, street food, music and a lively vibe to showcase the watersports lifestyle and simplicity of getting afloat. There will be a Dinghy Zone geared towards the interest of dinghy sailors and high-performance sailing. This will flow into a Classic Boat & Day Boat Zone aimed at celebrating the boats and craftsmanship that stands the test of time. Moving into Mayflower Park and the massive marina, there will be hundreds of power and sail boats, equipment and services on show.

Mayflower Park itself will be bigger and better than ever, with the stunning backdrop of Europe’s largest purpose-built marina remaining a show centrepiece. There will be a wide range of exhilarating on-the-water experiences for everyone as the natural arena between pontoons and shore is utilised further to create a safe and constantly active water park with opportunities to demonstrate, compete, entertain and get more people out on the water, all with live commentary. This will showcase how getting out on the water really is for everyone, and that access to water sports is easier than people may think – in craft of all shapes and sizes!

Throughout the show there will be new dedicated features, including stages, live music, entertainment and guest speakers to showcase the wonderful lifestyle that watersports and boating offers and create a buzzing show atmosphere.

As per the Government roadmap, it is planned for outdoor events to run in full format by September 2021. However, the health, safety and security of visitors remains the number one priority. Through engagement with the relevant Government department and Southampton City Council, British Marine will ensure that everyone can enjoy themselves in a safe and happy environment and incorporate any necessary COVID-19 safety measures that may be required at the time.

Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, comments; “After more than a year dominated by the pandemic, we are delighted to be working with Southampton City Council to bring the show back to the city again and plans for the new layout and zone are really exciting. The show will inspire and capture the next-generation and growing number of get-afloat newcomers through the new zone experience whilst balancing the more targeted needs of serious boat buyers through the marina showcasing power and sail craft.

“Our end goal is to build on this national celebration of boating and watersports, offering a great day out for the family in one location and a way of enthusing next generations. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, have never been on the water before or want to enjoy an array of watersports and the accompanying lifestyle all in one place, the show will demonstrate by example how accessible and safe getting afloat is and we’re looking forward to giving people this experience.”

Councillor Jacqui Rayment, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer and Organisation, Southampton City Council, adds; “While we were disappointed that last year’s event couldn’t go ahead, everyone’s health and safety must come first. I’m therefore really pleased to be working with British Marine again as we look to produce a safe, enjoyable and expanded show at Mayflower Park and other sites across the city. The organisers will be working closely with the city’s events safety advisory group, which includes representation from Public Health, to deliver an event that complies with government advice and the national roadmap out of lockdown.

“The Southampton International Boat Show is a key event in our calendar, and with plans for the show’s first ever Community Day and festival area, which aims to connect Southampton residents with the marine community, we are very much looking forward to welcoming boat fanatics young and old to the event and showing everyone what our great city has to offer.”

As momentum and excitement begins to build for the show, and everyone looks forward to being together again, now is the time to register for all the show news and be the first to know when tickets go on sale. Don’t miss out, visit www.southamptonboatshow.com.

The 52nd edition of the Southampton Boat Show UK's, the largest boating event will take place from September 10-19 2021.

British Marine, organiser of the Southampton International Boat Show, has confirmed that the 52nd edition of the UK's largest watersports festival will take place from September 10-19, 2021. The 10-day show, which attracts over 100,000 visitors annually, will showcase sail and powerboats, products and services from over 450 marine brands, making it the number one event for serious boat buyers and enthusiasts in the UK.

With the latest encouraging government announcements on the Covid-19 vaccine, British Marine says it is planning for absolutely every eventuality.

The safety of visitors, exhibitors and staff remain a number one priority. British Marine says it will continue to lobby the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and also work closely with event industry associations in the lead up to the Southampton show.

This includes taking the learnings from 2020 and guidance from larger events like Royal Ascot and the British Grand Prix at Silverstone that are due to take place before next September.

BOATS2020 which was due to take place from 11-20 September 2020 and was cancelled on the evening of Thursday 10 September, despite having a licence which was issued on the 28th July, and having been set up to the strict requirements of Southampton City Council’s Public Health England COVID-19 secure requirements, has failed in its appeal to the Secretaries of State for Public Health and Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Organisers of BOATS2020, British Marine say they had been assured by Southampton City Council that the event was in full compliance with current UK Government guidelines as well as the new rules set to come into effect on Monday 14 September. Just hours before the show was due to open, on the afternoon of Thursday 10 September, Southampton City Council representatives had reviewed the show site and requested only one site amendment: to remove a panel in the site entrance security marquee to increase airflow, which was implemented immediately.

The show plans were developed alongside Southampton City Council using the Events Industry Forum and Digital, Culture, Media and Sport guidance, Association of Events Organisers (AEO) All Secure Standard and other contributions from exhibitors and industry.

Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, said; “I am saddened that our appeal has been rejected and the plight of our exhibitors and the industry has not been recognised by the Secretaries of State. The cancellation of the show will have a considerable financial impact on the marine industry, and also on the city of Southampton. We are now considering all options available and what we can do for British Marine members and all show exhibitors.”

British Marine is continuing to support BOATS2020 exhibitors through publicising their open days and offers online and creating leads and prospects.