Southampton International Boat Show 2025: Exclusive CEO Interview Reveals Major Changes and New Features

HMS. There has been mounting expectation over this year’s show. The word is that it will include something of a ‘relaunch’, a new look and feel… Is this correct?

LR. Yes, we have a new look and feel in store for the show this year. These changes come off the back of extensive research, including visitor and exhibitor surveys, and working groups with our exhibitors. As guardians of this historic event in its 56th edition, we’re committed to keeping things fresh, engaging, and relevant – striving for excellence so the show continues to thrive for the good of our industry.

It’s no secret that these are challenging times for our industry. That’s why we’re taking thoughtful, practical steps to support both our visitors and exhibitors. This year, we’ve adjusted the layout to help people reach the heart of the show faster, make the entrance simpler to find, give exhibitors greater visibility, improve navigation, and create an even better atmosphere by consolidating the space. We’ve also introduced price waves, offering visitors the chance to get in early and enjoy better value. These are the first steps in a longer-term plan for positive change.

Likewise, we’ve invested in much-loved favourites and key experiences, including Try A Boat, the Lake Club, the Quarterdeck, the ‘On Water Stage’, the Marina, and the Shipyard — ensuring that they continue to deliver unforgettable moments for visitors.

We’ve curated fresh and exciting features that highlight innovation, craftsmanship, and engagement. Highlights include The Powerhub showcasing the latest in powerboats, engines, and personal watercraft, alongside The Cockpit a brand-new stage celebrating speed, innovation, and marine engineering – both presented by your own, prestigious, Powerboat & RIB Magazine!

This isn’t just a relaunch in look and feel – it’s a thoughtful evolution that prioritises quality, engagement, and visitor experience, ensuring everyone who attends can connect with the very best of boating and watersports in a more focused and dynamic environment.

HMS. So, tell us more, what can we all expect to see in the way of upgrades, changes, and new initiatives?

LR. Visitors to the Southampton International Boat Show 2025 can look forward to a host of exciting upgrades, changes, and new initiatives across the 10-day event, ensuring there’s more to see, do, and experience than ever before.

There will be new feature boats on display throughout the marina, offering visitors an unrivalled chance to explore the latest in marine innovation, from famous, high-performance vessels like Thunder Child 2 to the inclusive powerboating experiences of Wetwheels, plus the HMS Blazer P279, Landing Craft F8, High Speed Launch 102, and ‘Good Boy Vodka’, the winner of this year’s world famous, Cowes-Torquay-Cowes race, as presented by the British Powerboat Racing Club – we have a great line up of special powerboat attractions.

Also, of particular interest to those who love their powerboats, located beside the main entrance in the new Explore Boating zone, you’ll find a purpose-built stage designed to immerse visitors in traditional and modern boatbuilding skills, while expert speakers and tutors inspire the next generation of designers and naval architects.

The Shipyard stage, open throughout all 10 days of the show, will feature live music for every taste, staying open until 9pm on Saturdays to give visitors extra time to enjoy the festival atmosphere. Headlined by BBC Radio 2’s, Scott Mills, on Saturday 20 September, the stage showcases a dynamic lineup of rising stars, tribute acts, and live music curated by The GiG.

The opening weekend on Saturday 20 September will feature a flypast by two Spitfires, marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day and the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. On Saturday 27 September, the British Army’s world-famous parachute display team, The Red Devils, renowned for spectacular, boundary-pushing displays, will perform above Southampton. Following their jump, they will appear live in The Cockpit, presented by Powerboat & RIB Magazine, for an up-close encounter.

HMS. Especially from the standpoint of PBR’s audience, I’m sure they’d love to know more about the Powerhub and the Cockpit initiatives you have planned for this year’s show…

LR. Especially for Powerboat & RIB Magazine’s audience, the Powerhub and The Cockpit, both presented by Powerboat & RIB Magazine, promise to be two of the most exciting destinations at this year’s show. The Powerhub will be a dedicated showcase for the very best in powerboats, engines, and personal watercraft, bringing together some of the biggest names in the industry, including BHG Marine, Boatsmart, Brig Ribs, Excel Marine, Gala Boats, Highfield Boats UK Ltd, Honda, Mercury, NordKapp, Suzuki, Tohatsu, and Wills Marine to name a few. Whether you’re in the market for your next vessel, curious about the latest marine technology, or simply love the thrill of performance boating, the Powerhub is the place to explore, compare, and be inspired.

At the Cockpit, visitors can get an up-close look at the Falcon Multispark from the British Powerboat Racing Club. This 42ft Fountain, owned by throttleman Dean Stoneman, claimed victory in the 2024 Cowes–Torquay–Cowes and is powered by two Mercury engines delivering up to 1600hp. It’s a rare opportunity to see this champion of the racing world in person and appreciate the engineering behind its success. The Cockpit stage will also feature a packed programme of talks, interviews, and presentations — celebrating speed, innovation, and the personalities that drive the world of performance boating. Amongst others, these are set to include interviews with the likes of John Caulcutt, the first man to ever circumnavigate Britain in a RIB – way back in 1969. Also, world-class film stunt woman and offshore powerboater, Sarah Donohue. Leading RYA powerboat instructor, PBR writer and author of the RYA Powerboat Handbook, Paul Glatzel, will be sharing his practical knowledge with the show audience. International champion powerboat racers, Ben Jelf and Miles Jennings, will be likewise sharing their experiences and high seas dramas to all in attendance.

For those wanting more than just a look or a listen, the Try-a-Boat experience will include the chance to get out on the water aboard the 37XC Axopar, an accessible powerboat from Wetwheels, and a high-performance RIB from Team Endeavour Racing — giving visitors the chance to enjoy the thrill of performance boating first-hand. The On-The-Water Stage also offers plenty of excitement, featuring jet ski stunts and fast-paced water displays. Performers like Jack Moule, Jetsurf, and Team Endeavour Racing bring high-energy action throughout the event, making it one of the show’s most thrilling attractions.

HMS. What are your wider aims in terms of the show, as regards the pastime of boating in general and of course the marine industry, which your federation represents?

LR. Our wider aim with the Southampton International Boat Show, beyond connecting marine businesses with potential customers, is to make boating truly accessible and inclusive, welcoming everyone from complete newcomers to seasoned enthusiasts. Over the years, we’ve made significant investments in both our purpose-built lake, which provides a safe environment for those new to watersports and our show marina, which accommodates around 300 boats. This setup creates an accessible environment for newcomers to discover boating, while also delivering the scale, variety, and high-quality vessels that experienced boaters expect.

In an age where so much happens online, we’ve also focused on creating real-world experiences that bring people together. Beyond offering a great day out, our attractions and features are designed to connect those who share the same passions. The in-person exhibition experience also gives visitors a unique opportunity to see a huge variety of boats up close, compare models, and even try them out, all in the same day. Plus, with a wide range of food and drink options – like a mini food festival in its own right – and our Shipyard live music stage, we’ve created the perfect setting for shared experiences. Ultimately, the show is for everyone, the spectacular boats, expert advice, and vibrant atmosphere appeal to all levels, helping to grow the community and support the industry’s future.

Of course, PBR readers can take advantage of a 40% show ticket offer. Children aged 15 and under can attend the show free of charge when accompanied by an adult.

For marine industry professionals, we also introduced a brand-new Trade Ticket. Priced at £45, it offers unlimited weekday access (Monday-Thursday) to the show, early entry via a dedicated Trade gate, and access to the British Marine Trade Lounge.

Together, we believe all these elements highlight the best of powerboating and live water entertainment, giving visitors a chance to experience the excitement and innovation to be found at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show.