The 55th Southampton International Boat Show drew to a close yesterday (Sunday 22 September), celebrating a vibrant 10 days of sun-soaked excitement. Covering over 70,000 square metres and featuring 650+ craft of all shapes and sizes, the 2024 edition has been hailed as one of the most successful yet, attracting praise from exhibitors, visitors and industry insiders alike. 

Image: Martin Allen Photography

The show boasted more than 86 World and UK premieres, with standout debuts including the Sunseeker Ocean 156 and Rustler Yachts’ first-ever motor yacht, the Rustler 41MY. Over 100,300 visitors immersed themselves in everything the show had to offer, from a full spectrum of watersports and boating experiences to interactive marine workshops, informative and engaging talks, sustainable boating innovations, luxury lifestyle exhibits, family-friendly entertainment and boats galore. The event truly catered to every kind of visitor, offering something special for seasoned boaters, newcomers and thrill-seekers alike.

Thanks to the support of Rockley Watersports, Flexisail, Andark, and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the on-water activities were incredibly well received, with over 10,000 people taking to the water throughout the show. From kayaking and paddleboarding on the Watersports Lake, sponsored by Towergate Insurance, to dinghy sailing, yachting, motorboating, RIB rides, and even diving, visitors had access to a whole host of on water experiences. Visitors also enjoyed the rare opportunity to board historic vessels, including the majestic tall ship Thalassa, an F8 landing craft, the high-speed Launch 102.  There was even a mini cruise ship.

“The on-water activities are always a highlight of the show and this year, thousands of people experienced the thrill of getting out on the water. We’ve had fantastic feedback, and it’s a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our watersports partners,” said Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine, owners and operators of the Southampton International Boat Show.

With the show enjoying nine days of warm and sunny weather, drawing in large crowds, the whole show buzzed with energy including down on the purpose-built show marina as visitors explored everything from luxury yachts to sleek powerboats. While the action-packed On the Water Stunt Show, featuring flyboarding, jet skiing, and wingfoiling, kept audiences captivated.

Image: Paul Wyeth

Among the many highlights were appearances from Captain Glenn Shephard star of the popular TV show ‘Below Deck Sailing Yacht’, who officially opened the show on Friday 13 September, as well as providing an insight to life below deck on the Foredeck Stage and hanging out with superfans in an exclusive meet and greet. 

HRH The Princess Royal added a touch of royal prestige as she toured the show and met with many exhibitors and special guests.

Image: Martin Allen Photography

While reality TV star Daisy Kelliher (left), chief stew on ‘Below Deck Sailing Yacht’, also thrilled attendees with her mixology masterclass and daring flyboarding display.

The show was also delighted to welcome beloved TV personality and celebrity barrister, Rob Rinder, on the final day (Sunday, 22 September). Throughout the day Rob immersed himself in the full boat show experience, exploring exhibits, getting out on the water, and putting his judging skills to the test. He also made his debut on the Foredeck Stage where he captivated the audience by sharing highlights from his day and delivering his verdicts on standout boats and displays, in a special awards ceremony.  

Image: Paul Wyeth

Adding a quirky element of charm to the proceedings, Rufus the Hawk, the show’s “Head of Seagull Security,” ensured visitors could enjoy their food in peace, keeping pesky seagulls at bay. While Red Funnel’s maritime legend Captain Ted Funnel, delighted the many young visitors at the show.

The 2024 event also saw the introduction of the first-ever late-night Saturdays, in The Shipyard, sponsored by GAC Pindar. The show’s official opening party on the first Saturday was headlined by legendary DJ Chris Moyles and was a massive hit as attendees danced the night away to ’90s classics, while the official closing party featured Symphonic Ibiza, who provided an unforgettable soundtrack, capping off an incredible 10 days of excitement, entertainment, and fun.

Image: Martin Allen Photography

At the Rose Road Charity Swim, 100 plucky swimmers took the plunge, diving into the iconic Southampton docks for a fantastic cause, supporting families and disabled young people. Swimmers navigated past the tall ship Thalassa and luxurious superyachts on a 1km course in waters usually off-limits to the public, making it a bucket-list event for all involved.

This year the show team up with Southampton Hospitals Charity for the Light the South art trail, raising vital funds for Southampton Children’s Hospital. Forty 8ft lighthouses, adorned with stunning artwork, greeted visitors at the show’s entrance, creating a striking first impression. The lighthouses were later auctioned off, raising over £75,000 to help transform hospital facilities, provide family support, and continue life-changing research.

Image: Martin Allen Photography

Reflecting on this year’s success, Lesley added: “We’ve had an incredible show this year, the positive energy has been absolutely contagious, and the level of engagement—from our interactive watersports to the stunning world premieres—has been truly remarkable. We’ve seen thousands of people take to the water, our new late-night Saturdays have been a huge hit, and the charitable initiatives have made a real impact on the community.

“As we look ahead to 2025, we’re committed to continuing the evolution of the show, bringing fresh concepts, cutting-edge boats, and even more opportunities for everyone to connect with life on the water. We’re already cultivating a whole host of new ideas that will completely reimage the show for the 56th edition which will take place from 19 to 28 September 2025.

“On behalf of British Marine and the whole boat show team I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the visitors, exhibitors, and sponsors who made the event such a resounding success.”

Be sure to keep an eye out for early bird tickets to the new look Southampton International Boat Show 2025—coming soon!

What the exhibitors said:

Caroline Barbour, UK/ZA/AU  Marketing Manager for Sunsail and The Moorings

“The show never disappoints! We’ve had another great year with some fantastic highlights. Our team were incredibly proud to be awarded the Exhibitor Sustainability Award for the second year running, a real testament to the work they have put in over the past 12 months and beyond. We also announced the Funding the Future winners which was celebrated by a fantastic turnout, a huge thank you to everyone who supported the campaign. And finally, it was a pleasure to host various tourist boards, including the Thailand Tourist Board. Special thanks to MasterChef quarter-finalist Yui Miles for serving up traditional Thai food. We can’t wait to return for another great show next year!”

Mike Wimbridge, MD, Pantaenius Sail & Motor Boat Insurance

“We love this show as it’s a great way to meet our clients and catch up with industry colleagues in one place. We’re very much looking forward to seeing the new layout next year to help keep things fresh and appealing to the visitor”

Pete Stirling, Operations Director, PSA Prime Marine

“We have had an amazing show with loads of new contacts made with both prospective clients and industry partners. We’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year.”

Lucy Gray, Chief Operating Officer, Cruising Association

 “The Cruising Association has enjoyed great engagement with visitors to our stand. Our reputation, along with the resources and services we provide, resonates with the cruising community. From exploring inland waterways to offshore passages, the positive feedback we’ve received underscores the value of our expertise in supporting both sail and motorboaters.”

Dominic Zammit, Group Marketing Director, boatfolk

“boatfolk have had a brilliant Show this year, meeting customers new and old from all over the country. SIBS offers us a unique opportunity to showcase the full breadth of what we have on offer, from marinas and boatcare, to boat sales and boat subscriptions. We’ve also been particularly excited to launch our EcoMarine division and #boatgen Sailing Team from this year’s Show. It is the perfect place to bring the boatfolk community together and we have been delighted to be involved once again.”

Charlotte Skinner, Key Account Manager, Garmin

“We had a good level of customer, well received products, good enquiries and a great show. Excited to be back next year.”

The post Boating debuts, on-water adventures, and unforgettable experiences at the Southampton International Boat Show appeared first on All At Sea.