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Southampton International Boat Show 2026 is under way with more than 500 watercraft

The 57th Southampton International Boat Show is under way at Mayflower Park until 27 September, with more than 500 watercraft, 110 talks and hands-on ways to get afloat.

21 Sep

Edited September 21, 2026

Content by Elaine Veale

Ribbon-cutting at Southampton International Boat Show, with a robed civic dignitary and guests beside the marina yachts.

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What is on at the 57th Southampton International Boat Show?

The 57th Southampton International Boat Show is under way at Mayflower Park, running from 18 to 27 September and bringing together more than 500 watercraft. Over 250 are boats in what organisers describe as Europe’s largest purpose-built show marina, alongside headline speakers and demonstrations.

Paddleboarder beside a large white motor yacht in the crowded show marina at Southampton International Boat Show

The range on offer was illustrated at the show’s opening by an unlikely pairing: the Dorset-built Sunseeker 90 Ocean, the largest boat at this year’s show at 27.1m in length, alongside a paddleboard from Rockley Watersports, in what became a ‘David and Goliath’ moment. Rockley is celebrating its 50th year in 2026 and runs the show’s purpose-built The Lake. The contrast, according to the organisers, captured the range of boating and watersports at the show, from a multi-million-pound luxury motor yacht to one of the simplest and most accessible ways to get afloat.

There is nothing quite like seeing Southampton International Boat Show come to life. From the moment the gates open, there is a real buzz around Mayflower Park and the marina, with so much for visitors to explore, experience and enjoy.
We are expecting thousands of people through the gates each day and that creates an incredible atmosphere. Whether you have spent a lifetime on the water or have never stepped aboard a boat before, there is so much to see, try and discover.

Earle Stanner, Chief Executive Officer of British Marine, owner and organiser of the show

How can visitors get on the water at the boat show?

Activities included in the ticket price suit seasoned boaters and first timers. Try-a-Boat offers trips aboard yachts, powerboats and RIBs, with dinghy experiences from Rockley Watersports. Visitors can also try kayaking and paddleboarding on The Lake, or scuba diving in the Dive Tank.

Attraction vessels open to visitors include Helen Mary R; the 1928 gaff ketch Tectona; and Clipper RX, the next generation of ocean racing yacht developed for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

To find out more about the attraction boats on show this year, visit:

The RNLI, the show’s Charity of the Year for 2026, is displaying its Shannon class all-weather lifeboat and new Atlantic 85 Mk4, with water-safety advice. More than 25 World, UK and Show boat debuts are being presented, alongside more than 20 launches of new marine technology, equipment and gear. On Saturday 26 September the marina will also host the Key Yachting J/70 Invitational Cup, a one-day knockout regatta featuring six identical J/70 sailing boats.

Which talks and entertainment are on beyond the marina?

More than 110 talks, workshops and demonstrations are planned throughout the show. Speakers include sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, offshore sailor Pip Hare, marine biologist and broadcaster Monty Halls, adventurer and sailor Jazz Turner, yachting broadcaster Tom Cunliffe and the Maclean Brothers, following their Pacific Ocean rowing achievement.

The expanded Wooden Boat Stage demonstrates steam bending, ropework, paddle making, sailmaking, deck laying and figurehead sculpture, while the new Wooden Boat Stage Afloat puts wooden and classic boats on the marina.

Spitfire flypasts were scheduled above Southampton Water across the opening weekend, and live music at The Shipyard includes Blue Water Giants. Late-night opening on Fridays and Saturdays continues the music, food and entertainment.

Southampton Boat Show tickets and family information

Children aged 15 and under can attend free when accompanied by an adult, with family activities taking place throughout the show. Adult tickets are available online from £29, with concessions from £23.