91,200 visitors to Southampton International Boat Show

Southampton International Boat Show officially opens © Southampton International Boat Show

The 56th Southampton International Boat Show drew to a close on Sunday 28 September, wrapping up ten extraordinary days of boating, entertainment, and adventure. With more than 500 watercraft, 700 brands, and a packed programme of features and experiences, the show once again confirmed its place as the UK's biggest and best celebration of life on the water.

This year's show welcomed over 91,200 visitors, who enjoyed a whole host of in, on and under water activities, bustling feature zones, and packed stages.

Over 50 world and UK premieres were unveiled across the showground and marina. Standout debuts included those from Fairline, Sunseeker, Princess Yachts, Oyster, Spirit Yachts, Rustler, and Axopar, reinforcing Southampton as a premier stage for global boating brands.

Thunder Child II, one of the world's most advanced wave-piercing powerboats, made a dramatic entrance on opening day accompanied by a Captain Jack Sparrow look-alike and remained a must-see throughout the show. It was joined by an impressive line-up of featured boats, including the 52ft Outerlimits Good Boy Vodka, the Clipper 70, High Speed Launch 102, and the Landing Craft F8, with the latter wrapped in pride colours to mark 25 years since the lifting of the ban on gay people serving in the UK Armed Forces.

Thanks to Rockley Watersports, Flexisail, Andark and the Ocean Scene team, more than 9,500 visitors had the chance to get afloat. Families and first-timers embraced the thrill of dinghy sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, RIB rides, motorboating, and even diving. The Watersports Lake, managed by Rockley, proved a constant highlight, whilst for those who preferred to watch the action, the high-octane On the Water Stunt Show wowed audiences with flyboarding, jet skiing, wingfoiling, and hydroflight displays.

This year's show also introduced exciting new zones and stages, including the Cockpit, presented by Powerboat & RIB Magazine, and the Powerboat Hub, where visitors tested simulators and discovered the latest innovations in powerboating. Additionally, the Explore Boating Zone guided newcomers through every step of getting afloat. The Wooden Boat Stage celebrated traditional craftsmanship, while the Boating Academy inspired visitors with expert tuition. Chef's Ahoy combined food and lifestyle with live demonstrations, and The Shipyard once again proved a buzzing social hub with live music, street food, and late-night sessions.

Celebrity guests added star power throughout the show. Adventurer Aldo Kane, Olympic sailor Hannah Mills OBE, TV and radio favourite Scott Mills, and yachtsman Conrad Humphreys all made appearances, while the Rustic Chef, Matt Dawkins, delighted crowds with his cooking flair. Reality TV star, Captain Jason Chambers, from Below Deck Down Under brought an unrivalled insight from a career managing luxury yachts around the world and in a unique moment for the boat show, officiated a marriage vow renewal for one lucky couple.

Other show highlights included:

• A tour by HRH The Princess Royal, who met with exhibitors and industry leaders
• An inspiring talk from legendary sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston
• A parachute jump display from the world-famous Red Devils, the British Army's parachute display team

This year's official charity partner, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, engaged visitors with youth workshops, music, and fundraising activities, raising awareness of their vital work supporting naval families.

Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine, added: "Southampton International Boat Show brings the marine community together — from newcomers taking their first steps afloat to seasoned boaters exploring the latest innovations. With the support of our exhibitors, partners, and sponsors, we continue to deliver the UK's leading leisure marine showcase: a marketplace and platform where exhibitors and visitors connect, creating opportunities that drive the whole industry forward. We are already shaping exciting new features for 2026, keeping the public inspired, supporting businesses, and celebrating the best of our sector".

The 57th Southampton International Boat Show will return from 18-27 September 2026.

What our exhibitors said:

Approved Boats - David O'Rourke, Managing Director

"It's been a great show for us bolstered by several UK Premières from our Absolute Yachts and Fairline brands against the backdrop of glorious weather — we've sold multiple boats to the value in excess of £7m right here at Southampton. What really stands out is how the show keeps evolving, moving with the times and finding creative ways to engage people. It's the perfect platform for us, and this year has been one of the best yet".

Fairline - Miles Moorhouse, Sales & Marketing

"The highlight for us has been the quality of visitors over the last 10 days. We've had a number of detailed conversations and issued several quotations for new boats. What's been particularly valuable is meeting people we didn't already know—that's really what a boat show is all about, wherever it takes place in the world. We now have plenty of follow-up work to do with a view to selling new boats for next season."

Suzuki - Mark Beeley, Head of Marine and ATV

"We've had a really successful show. We've raised around £3,000 for Wetwheels through coffee sales, sunglasses giveaways, and other merchandise. We've also taken more than a thousand visitors out on the water for RIB rides, which has been a great experience.

The stand has had fantastic footfall. We've made sales at the show, and the partners who use our engines have also had a great response.

The weather has been better than expected, which has really added to the atmosphere. Overall, we're really happy with how the show has gone, and we're excited to keep building on this success."

Princess - Roger Lipman, Sales Director

Princess Motor Yacht Sales and Argo Yachts, representing Galeon and Pardo, are very happy with the way the Southampton International Boat Show has gone for 2025, having achieved sales, and look forward to catching up further with our visitors in the coming weeks.

Clipper - Ella Nieper, Recruitment Team

We've had a fantastic week with huge interest and enthusiasm from visitors. Through the Try a Boat scheme, we've taken nearly 50 people out on the water, and around 300 guests have joined us on board each day — many of them hearing about the race for the very first time.

It's been inspiring to see people step off the boat eager to apply, and we've really enjoyed delivering talks and being part of Women in Marine Day. Conversations about future career paths — not only with Clipper but across the wider sailing industry — have been a real highlight.

Sailing Holidays - Ivan Fircks, Head of Operations

"We've had an absolutely lovely time at Southampton International Boat Show this year. It seems busier, even though the show is slightly smaller. The weather's been great, loads of old customers booked with us, and it's so worth doing. Princess Anne visited our stand, which was amazing. Great fun, and we'll be coming here for years to come."

The Moorings/Sunsail - Katrina Lawson, Global Brand and Acquisition

"This year at Southampton International Boat Show has been significantly busier than last year. We've had more quotes, more bookings, and loads of great conversations. The new stand location and layout have created a great energy — it feels busy all the time. It's also been really valuable to meet key stakeholders in the marine sector, especially around sustainability."

W Bates & Son - Richard Bates, Managing Director

"The show has been successful for us. We closed sales on Bayliners and Beneteau on the first weekend. It's been a steady week with lots of activity and leads to follow up. Overall, slightly better than last year."

Elvstrom Sails UK - Tristan Walker Hut, CEO

"The show's been nice and busy. We've spoken with lots of sailors, coming with challenges and problems they want to solve on their boats. It's fantastic to work with them and come up with great solutions."

Raymarine - Paul Childs, OEM Sales Manager

"Southampton International Boat Show this year has been really positive. Dealers have been selling product off the stands, which is always good. It's great to connect with our partners here each year. A really successful show so far."

Nautor Swan - Jack Trollope, Sales Manager

"The show is as good as ever. Fantastic weather this week, no need for the spray hood or bimini. We're hoping to be back next year with more success."

SEMCO - Mark Jones, Owner

"Our first time at Southampton International Boat Show and the results have been phenomenal. Footfall has been surprisingly strong and business has been booming. Definitely booking for next year."

Marine Hygiene - Neville Snell, Managing Director

"The new format for SIBS 25 has been somewhat challenging, but we've had our highest sales revenue to date and increased exposure by winning the Environmental Award 2025. We look forward to building on this with the RYA."

ROC Marine Solutions - Richard O'Connor, Marine Systems Engineer

"Our stand has been amazing, probably the main attraction of the show. The smaller format has worked well — visitors say it feels more compact and better overall. Footfall has been good and we've had the same number of leads as last year. After winning best stand last year, we're aiming for it again this year."

A. Hartnell Marine Electricals - Adam Hartnell, Owner

"It's great to be back after last year's success. We've had another great stand, loads of traffic, loads of smiles. It's been hectic — in a good way. We'd love to come back again."

Sea-Doo - Paul Richards, Director, Sussex Marine Watersports

"This year BRP launched the RXTX in a magnificent blue, 325 horsepower, its European debut here. Sales at the start of the show were above expectations, and the sunshine has been perfect. I've done the show 25 years and it's been really good — meaningful business has been done."

Vanclaes - Stian Duijvelaar, CEO

"It's really crowded with a lot of people and the weather is very un-British this week! This is our 12th time here and we've never had such beautiful weather. Everybody's happy, and we're very pleased."

Wooden Boatbuilders Trade Association (BBA) - Colin Henwood, Chair

"This year we've really increased our numbers. The stand position and the support we've had to put it together, along with collaborating with the BBA, has been really good. We're all very happy."

GJW Direct - Glen Wallace, Business Development Manager

"Excellent footfall past our stand and definitely the right visitors. It's been an excellent start and we're looking forward to the final weekend."

Compass Marine - Erica, Owner

"The show has been compact and customers have really enjoyed it. Sales have been good — lots of rope and fenders sold. Looking good going forward."

Onward Marine - Lilly Ross-Smith, Sales Manager

"A very successful show. Financially, it's the first year weekdays have been more successful than weekends. I've really enjoyed the new layout, with a steady footfall and no dead spots. Widely enjoyed by exhibitors."

Seastorm Boats - James Crawford, Managing Director

"The show's been really good. People have really enjoyed our boats and hopefully we'll get more sales after the show."

Tek Tank - Ljolyon Martin, Product Manager

"We've returned after five years away and weren't sure how it would go. We've been pleasantly surprised. Steady flow of visitors throughout the week and lots of enquiries to follow up."

Ruff Day Limited - Joe, Owner

"We recycle rope into dog leads, bracelets, and more. It's our first year at the show, and it's been great — busy weekends with families, trade-focused weekdays, and even loads of dogs around! We've really enjoyed it, been well looked after, and will definitely be back."