The Southampton Boat Show, Europe’s largest outdoor festival of boating with over 2km of pontoons, launched today and promises to delight visitors with ten days of exciting attractions, exhilarating water-based activities, and over 120 world-class boats making their debut.
Now in its 47th year, the Southampton Boat Show offers a host of attractions for the whole family to experience, from exploring rock pools, corals and anemones in the Show’s purpose built Aquarium, through to the largest number of ‘on-the-water’ activities ever offered at the Show – including the child-friendly On The Water presents Get Afloat, Adventure River Canoe Ride and Stand up Paddleboarding (SUP). For those who prefer to stay dry, there is the opportunity to explore boats including the magnificent Earl of Pembroke tall ship, recently restored and refitted to its full glory, as well as the Red Arrow J109 yacht, which serving members of the RAF use to compete in world-famous sailing events
In addition, launch day saw Formula 1 and former Gadget Show presenter Suzi Perry, accompanied by Britain’s Got Talent winners Collabro, open the Sunseeker stand, whilst Saturday will see the Red Arrows put on a show-stopping display for the very first time in the Show’s history.
Murray Ellis, Managing Director of British Marine Boat Shows, commented, “This year’s Southampton Boat Show will be spectacular, with exciting attractions, thousands of UK and international boat and brands on display, over 120 boats making their debut, and the opportunity for people to get out onto the water for free.
“We want all our visitors to experience something new, whether it is sailing a yacht or dinghy, feeling the speed of a RIB, paddling a canoe, or enjoying the legendary build and designs from global boat manufacturing superstars.
“With new attractions and hundreds of boats to climb aboard at the Show – there really is something for the whole family to enjoy.”
Tickets to the Southampton Boat Show can be purchased from www.southamptonboatshow.com and start from £15.