The Southampton International Boat Show opened its doors this morning (15 September) and will be showcasing hundreds of exhibitors from across the marine sector, with the event running to 24 September.

The 54th edition of the show will see at least 60 new boats making their world or UK debut.

At the opening ceremony, Alastair Welch, director, Associated British Ports, highlighted the importance of the leisure marine industry and the historic ties of the seafaring city of Southampton.

southampton boat show ribbon cutting on opening day

“Southampton is steeped in maritime history, the British marine industry is world leading and forms an integral part of the British economy,” he said.

Latest news from Southampton Boat Show

Barton Marine has announced this morning its plans to move into the land yachting sector, partnering with Odyssey Land Yachts from the US as OEM distributor. Barton says it will be selling four different kits and packages for the growing land yachting sector.

Dufour Yachts has also released details of new vessels available with Sunsail for the Mediterranean 2024 season.

The Dufour range for Med charter seasons sailing with Sunsail includes the Dufour 37, Dufour 41, Dufour 44 and the Dufour 530. These will be available for charter from March 2024 in Greece and Croatia.

On the pontoons, the vibe was positive. “Southampton has always been the most important show for the UK market. It’s a realistic, lovely environment to show our boats to the best. An outdoor show is where it is at. And, it’s the right time of year for making decisions for the following season,” says Chris Warwick, Universal Yachting owner.

On the pontoons, the vibe was positive. “Southampton has always been the most important show for the UK market. It’s a realistic, lovely environment to show our boats to the best. An outdoor show is where it is at. And, it’s the right time of year for making decisions for the following season,” says Chris Warwick, owner of Universal Yachting (left).

Members of the public showed their support on the opening day, with some highlighting the importance of the ‘home’ boat show. “It’s great to be here, to see a lot of boats in a convenient place by the water. I’m just having a look. I’m already lucky enough that my dad has a boat,” commented Oliver Baudains from London.

Show highlights

One of the key highlights for this year’s show will be the world debut of the all-new Fairline Squadron 58.

Sunseeker is hosting UK debuts for two new boats at SIBS this year, with the Sunseeker 100 Yacht making a splash as the biggest boat at the 2023 Southampton International Boat Show.

More show debuts include Princess’ S72, Sunseeker’s Superhawk 55 and 75 Sport Yacht, the Dufour 41, Bavaria C46, Swan 58 and Spirit Yachts 72 Deckhouse.  

Yamaha is at the show with an extensive selection of outboards (2.5hp to a whopping 450hp), WaveRunners and inflatables, as well as its new touchscreens, videos and displays.

The fleet of Yamaha powered craft will also be in the marina on berths M035 – M044 – including the new Yamarin 80DC.

The MIN team will be at the show daily and are looking forward to networking and see industry friends and new faces.

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