Please select your home edition
Edition
V-DRY-X

Southampton Boat Show opens doors and encourages local residents to come and have a go on the water

by Southamampton International Boat Show 23 Aug 2021 03:58 PDT 10-19 September 2021
On the water activities © British Marine

Southampton is a city famous for its connections to the sea, and this year's Southampton International Boat Show is reaching out to local residents to come and enjoy all aspects of watersports with a special Community Day taking place on Sunday 19th September.

"Southampton, a waterfront city, has unique links to the sea with the Mayflower in 1620, the tragedy of the Titanic, as a major shipping cruise liner terminal and with the Boat Show, bringing employment and prosperity to the city. However, many city residents never get the chance to go on the water themselves. This year, thanks to a newly introduced Community Day, we are able to give even more people the chance to get on the water from all walks of life, from in and around the city," says British Marine's Hampshire Ambassador Richard W. Roberts.

British Marine, which organises the internationally renowned Southampton International Boat Show, is keen to encourage anyone living in the locality to come and have a go at all the exciting watersports activities taking place during the show. There is a special ticket offer for anyone living in postcode areas SO14 to SO19, with entry costing just £14 per adult and free admission for children under 15 and senior citizens on Sunday 19th September.

"We want to encourage everyone from the local community to feel welcome and come in and see what fun and exciting opportunities there are - whether you're in, on or near the water," says Richard. "There's so much to see and do, for all the family, no matter what your age or ability. Activities range from cruising on the Solent to having a go at windsurfing, diving, paddleboarding and kayaking. Visitors can go out sailing on a variety of boats from dinghies to yachts, enjoy the thrill of powerboating and racing on a RIB, or choose to be part of the crew on the impressive and historic Morgenster Tall Ship."

Through the exciting five new zones at this year's show, there's plenty to see, try and buy from the hundreds of exhibitor stands and display stalls on the land. On the water there's boats of every size and type to be viewed and explored on the huge marina. Famous faces and celebrities will also be on hand, with a series of appearances and inspiring talks from Great Britain's medal winning sailing Olympians, famous Round the World sailors, and inspirational environmentalists.

There's plenty of action to watch on the water too, from model boat racing to stunning displays of awe-inspiring action-packed stunts and tricks from Flyboarder James Prestwood and world champion stuntmen performing free style jet-ski acrobatics.

When it's time to relax, visitors can head to the Quarterdeck Bar and Restaurant to enjoy a grand stand view of the activities on the water, or wander through the central Festival Green family entertainment area, with music playing throughout the day and into the early evening. With tasty and high-quality artisan street food offerings available throughout the show, for those who fancy top class restaurant cuisine, a visit to Kutis Indian Brasserie in the historic and majestic Royal Pier is a must.

For the grand finale on Community Day, local teams and exhibitors are invited to take part in the Great Southampton Boat Race, starting at 1pm on Sunday 19th September. This is the chance to be creative and build your own eco-friendly cardboard boat and see how your team fares in the race in front of your family, friends and supporters!

Councillor Daniel Fitzhenry, Leader of Southampton City Council says "After the last 15 months, it's time to go out again and enjoy the activities we love doing. Community Day at Southampton International Boat Show is a great opportunity for families to be active together and try different ways to get on the water without travelling far afield. The new show layout gives the event a larger footprint and we are delighted to have the show back in our city this year, ensuring attendants can enjoy the water safely and with minimal Covid restrictions s we can Get Southampton Moving and recover from the pandemic."

Running over ten days, the show is open from 9.30am to 6.30pm, with the Festival Green area remaining open to enjoy outdoor refreshments, food and entertainment until 9.30pm each evening. Tickets are available now to purchase online at www.southamptonboatshow.com

Related Articles

Oliver Heer confirms 2028 Vendée Globe ambition
The Swiss skipper aims to return for the 2028 edition of the legendary solo race with a newer boat After completing the Vendée Globe 2024 on his first attempt, Oliver Heer, the Swiss-German skipper of Tut gut Sailing, has confirmed his intention to return for the 2028 edition of the legendary solo race. Posted today at 8:18 am
SailingFast to provide unrivalled event support
During the WASZP Games at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy SailingFast UK is set to land in Weymouth on the 8th of July and will be on-site until the 26th of July to provide the GOLD STANDARD in event support. Posted today at 7:00 am
2025 29er Europeans at Lake Garda Opening Ceremony
More than 500 sailors paraded through the Riva del Garda's beautiful streets The 2025 29er European Championship officially opened today in stunning Riva del Garda, hosted by Fraglia Vela Riva. More than 500 sailors paraded through the city's beautiful streets in a colorful, high-energy opening ceremony. Posted on 2 Jul
The power of tech
What is the cost of safety? How do you measure it? More importantly, how do you appreciate it? What is the cost of safety? How do you measure it? More importantly, how do you appreciate it? Posted on 2 Jul
Jazz Turner Faces Everything and Rises
Non-stop, solo, unassisted British Isles navigation has captivated sailors & non-sailors alike Jazz Turner's Project FEAR, her non-stop, solo, unassisted navigation of the British Isles in her Albin Vega 27ft yacht has captivated sailors and non-sailors alike. Posted on 2 Jul
GKSS Match Cup Sweden & Nordea Women's Trophy D3
Surprise exits in Marstrand as Quarter-Finalists decided The qualifying round-robin stages at GKSS Match Cup Sweden in Marstrand finished today with the surprise departure of defending champion USA's Chris Poole/ Riptide Racing and Switzerland's Eric Monnin/ Capvis Swiss Match Racing Team from the Open Class. Posted on 2 Jul
Rolex TP52 Worlds in Cascais Day 1
Sled sparkle in Cascais' Atlantic surf to lead After seemingly being starved of boisterous top end conditions for some years now Okura's Sled crew have been relishing a return to big breezes and big waves. Posted on 2 Jul
Freestyle Pro Tour Paros overall
The Meltemi winds once again set the stage for the final day As the riders gathered at the event site of the 2025 FPT Paros for one last time and the Meltemi winds once again began blowing strong, the stage for the final day of the event was set. Posted on 2 Jul
CSA commits to collaboration and sustainability
This year's AGM saw participation from a diverse group of stakeholders The Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) proudly announces the successful conclusion of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Regatta Organizers Conference, held from June 25 to June 28, 2025, in St. Maarten. Posted on 2 Jul
Rolex Fastnet Race: Offshore classics set to race
IRC Zero has a rich seam of ocean-going history running through it IRC Zero has a rich seam of ocean-going history running through it. While French round the world race legend Jean-Luc Van Den Heede (aka VDH) isn't competing in the Rolex Fastnet Race, two of his former steeds will be on the IRC Zero start line. Posted on 2 Jul
C-Tech 2021 SnuffAir 728x90 BOTTOMCyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERArmstrong 728x90 - Performance Mast Range - BOTTOM