RNLI named Southampton Boat Show charity for 2026 

The RNLI has been named Charity of the Year for the 2026 Southampton International Boat Show, which takes place from 18 to 27 September. 

The partnership will give visitors opportunities to learn about the charity’s rescue and water safety work, meet members of its teams and support its activities through optional donations when purchasing show tickets. 

The RNLI says its volunteer lifeboat crews, beach lifeguards, water safety advisers and international teams rescue people in danger and promote water safety through education and prevention. 

The RNLI programme will include opportunities to step aboard lifeboats, speak with engineering specialists and learn practical water safety skills. A Shannon class all-weather lifeboat will be moored in the show’s purpose-built marina and opened to visitors. The RNLI will also display its new Atlantic 85 Mk4, which the announcement says features Raymarine navigation and communication technology designed to support crews during rescue operations. Members of the RNLI’s Engineering & Supply Team will also appear on the Boating Stage to discuss the development of the Atlantic 85 Mk4, including its engineering, technology and design. 

Visitors to the show will be able to speak with RNLI representatives at stand H38 about staying safe on and around the water and responding when an emergency occurs. 

The advice is intended for boaters, watersports participants and people who spend time around the coast. 

People booking tickets for the show will be offered the option to donate to the RNLI. Activities during the event will also provide opportunities to support the charity and learn more about its work. 

Organisers say the 10-day show will feature more than 250 boats in the marina, more than 500 watercraft and more than 700 marine brands. They also expect the event to attract over 90,000 visitors.