PSP Southampton Boat Show - All change for the RYA

by Emma Slater on 4 Jun 2014 If you are a regular visitor to the RYA Stand and members lounge at the PSP Southampton Boat Show then you’ll know we’ve been situated in the far corner of Mayflower Park over the last few years. Well this year we’re on the move.

Our stand (JO66) will now be situated amongst RYA Training Centres and holiday and charter companies in the large Mayflower marquee opposite the entrance to the marina area.

'We believe this a much better location for the RYA stand and will mean we are easier to find', commented Show Manger, Guy Malpas. 'The stand will mirror the new look stand we launched at the London Boat Show earlier in the year following the positive feedback we received from visitors.'

'With greater interactivity, space to sit and chat with members of RYA staff and improved look and feel, we believe this move will help us better engage with existing and prospective new members.'

As well as the new location for the stand the exclusive RYA members lounge is also on the move. RYA members will now find the lounge located in the Holiday Inn hotel, situated at the very heart of the show.

The new look lounge comes with the enhanced benefits of private table service, dining area, self-service cloakroom and a separate lounge area where you can sit and relax, with easy access to a Starbucks coffee station and the Holiday Inn bar if you fancy something a bit stronger! RYA members will also be able to take advantage of the Holiday Inn’s Spirit Health Club throughout the duration of the show, including gym, sauna, pool and Jacuzzi.

'Following extensive feedback from our members who visited the lounge last year we’re improving the members lounge offering', explained Conor Swift, RYA Membership Development Manager.

'Members told us that they wanted better overall quality and feel, better food, table service, barista style coffee, bar access, easier access to toilet facilities and access for disabled visitors and a wider variety of menu, all of which the new venue will provide and we are confident that members will be delighted with the changes.'

The new lounge will be well signposted, making it easier find and friendly RYA and Holiday Inn staff will be on hand to assist visitors on their arrival, pointing out all the facilities now available to members and their guests (up to three guests per member).

Members who visit the lounge will also have the opportunity to take part in the free prize draw to win a weekend stay at any IHG hotel in the UK, courtesy of IHG. IHG also provide an exclusive RYA members benefit offer of 30% off at Crowne Plaza® hotels and resorts, Hotel Indigo®, Holiday Inn® hotels and resorts and Holiday Inn Express® hotels, and 20% off at InterContinental ® Hotels and Resorts, when you book a weekend break more than 21 days before your first stay day. Find out more here.

During the show the RYA will also once again be hosting the extremely popular Active Marina Experience, offering a range of shorebased sessions on the Which Marina? stand and on water sessions down in the marina. Look out for more information coming soon.

'We are really excited about all the new changes in store for the show this year, giving a fresh new feel to the RYA’s presence at the show, which we feel our members will enjoy.

'We are committed to attending and supporting the PSP Southampton Boat Show and making the most of what the show has to offer for members and potential new members', concluded Guy.

More information about events and activities from the RYA at the PSP Southampton Boat Show available soon.

To find out more about the PSP Southampton Boat Show click here

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