South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2026 Preview: boats, brands and innovation

Things are looking rosy for the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2026 as it returns to MDL’s iconic Ocean Village Marina in Southampton this coming May, with the show once again bringing together leading global power, sail and electric brands alongside innovative eco-friendly products and marine accessories.

‘Guided by Raymarine’, the three-day event takes place from 8-10 May 2026. Following last year’s expansion, the show’s extended waterside area will welcome its largest display yet, with 120 boats showcased throughout the marina.

Visitors can also explore a wide range of onshore exhibitors, alongside essential services including marine equipment, finance and insurance. With its open-air waterside setting and relaxed atmosphere, the show offers a chance to step aboard a wide range of boats and speak directly with manufacturers and industry experts.

The event caters for experienced boat owners, newcomers to boating and anyone interested in marine innovation. From practical family cruisers and performance boats to premium yachts and next-generation electric models, the show highlights the diversity of today’s market and the direction it is heading.

The South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show has built a strong reputation for its focus on sustainability. Visitors will be able to see one of the UK’s most comprehensive displays of electric boats, hybrid propulsion systems and environmentally responsible marine technology.

Manufacturers and suppliers will be on hand to explain how these systems work, the benefits they offer and how boat owners can reduce running costs and environmental impact. From electric outboards and alternative power systems to energy management and charging solutions, the show reflects the growing shift towards cleaner boating.

This year’s on-water line-up features several notable UK debuts and award-winners from world-leading brands such as Sunseeker, Absolute, Finnmaster, Nimbus, Delta, Fairline, Fjord, Hanse, Windy and many more being exhibited by their respective UK representatives, with exhibitors also including brands such Aquila, Axopar, Bavaria, Bellini, Jeanneau, Navan, Nord Star, Pardo, Sargo, Saxdor, Sea Ray, XO and more. Check out the full list at the show website link below.

Alongside boats on display, exhibitors will present a wide range of supporting technology, components and onboard systems designed to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

A central feature of the show is the Innovation Hub, which highlights emerging ideas and new developments across the marine sector.

Taking place on the live stage at the heart of the show, the Innovation Hub will feature an exciting line-up of talks, covering a wide variety of topics from ocean preservation to preparing boats for long-distance cruising. Industry experts at the cutting edge of clean marine technological innovation will deliver these sessions, including an expert-led panel discussion with Q&As.

The Innovation Hub also provides a platform for newer companies to present their work and connect with potential customers and partners.

The show will once again host MDL’s Green Innovator Award, which recognises companies making a meaningful contribution to sustainability in the marine sector.

Open to both established businesses and emerging innovators, the award highlights products and services that demonstrate clear progress in environmental responsibility, design and performance.

Nominations for MDL’s Green Innovator Award 2026 are open. The winner will be announced during the show. To vote or nominate click the button below.

The South Coast & Green Tech Show is the UK’s leading regional boat show and benefits from being staged within one of the finest and most modern urban marina complexes in the country. The standard of the show’s presentation exceeds that of even the Southampton Boat Show in our view, and thanks to Ocean Village’s excellent waterside eateries, as well of course the renowned Harbour Hotel, the event and its location offer much for those visiting – be it for just a single day or perhaps overnight to catch two or more days of the show.

For those seeking to buy, another great benefit to this particular show is that access to open water for the purpose of sea-trialling is conveniently close to hand. The value of being able to take the opportunity to sea trial a craft whilst at the show cannot be overestimated and in this respect, the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show is pretty unique. This feature of the show adds another dimension too for the press and other media and makes the show all the more attractive a proposition for these professionals to attend.

Whilst MDL Ocean Village is impressively urban and modern as a waterside development, the show is not a stark affair lacking atmosphere. On the contrary, the show has a friendly, welcoming vibe, which is complemented by the MDL marina staff who are on hand to assist the public throughout the duration of the event.

This is an event that has grown with each successive year, and it has been good to witness its expansion and the growing list of exhibitors, particularly those companies committing to displaying the great variety of craft the amphitheatre-like event marina increasingly holds year on year.

Shoreside too, the number and variety of exhibits have continued to grow to become a worthwhile element of the show, though, in our view, the ‘Green Tech’ is the lesser of the show’s key elements. “Why so?” you may ask. Perhaps it is for the reason that the UK marine industry still has a long way to go before it begins to even get close to rivalling the types of initiatives and investments our European cousins are making in the area of sustainable boating.

Britain should indeed have a worthwhile number of maritime entities keen to showcase their ‘green’ technologies and products with pride, but sadly, it would appear these are relatively few in number. Nevertheless, the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show is a three-day boat show that should be praised for the bold stance it takes in seeking to provide this greatly needed sector of the market a dedicated platform to promote and showcase its accomplishments, both by means of the show’s Green Tech show element and Green Innovator Award scheme.

Once again, Raymarine will be giving registered visitors the chance to win prizes totalling up to £7,000 worth, featuring a wide range of high-performance marine electronics. All registered visitors to the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show will be automatically entered into the prize draw.

Renegade Brewery will be making a welcome return to the show, supplying a great selection of craft beers, including MDL’s very own Nauti Buoy on draft. Also returning for 2026, Earth to Oven will offer their locally sourced seasonal street food, as well as alcoholic and hot & cold beverages.

Ocean Village Marina offers a vibrant waterfront setting, with a variety of nearby bars, cafés and restaurants open throughout the event, including Banana Wharf, Maritimo Lounge, Bacaro, Casa Brasil, Blue Jasmine, Figurati, HarBAR on 6th and The Jetty. Visitors can enjoy refreshments while taking in views of the marina and boats on display.

Bringing together leading global brands, cutting-edge green marine technology, expert insight and an impressive display of boats on the water, the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show has become a key date in the calendar for serious buyers.

Plan your visit

The South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2026 takes place from Friday 8th May to Sunday 10th May.

Opening hours are 10am to 6pm on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th May, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday 10th May.

Parking is available at the on-site multi-storey Ocean Car Park, using the sat nav postcode SO14 3TJ.

Tickets

Tickets to the show are free and can be booked on the link below.

Exhibitors

For a full list of confirmed exhibitors, and to book appointments to view specific boats or meet with individual exhibitors via a booking portal please visit the website on the link below.

When is the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2026?

The show takes place from Friday 8 May to Sunday 10 May 2026 at Ocean Village Marina in Southampton.

Where is the show held?

The event takes place at MDL Ocean Village Marina in Southampton, one of the UK’s most modern waterside marina complexes.

How many boats will be on display?

The 2026 show will feature around 120 boats, making it the largest display in the event’s history.

Is the boat show free to attend?

Yes. Tickets are free, but visitors should register in advance via the event website.

Where should visitors park for the show?

Visitors should park at the on-site multi-storey Ocean Car Park when attending the show. The postcode for sat nav directions is SO14 3TJ.

Where is the entrance to the boat show?

The entrance to the show is directly across Ocean Way from the multi-storey car park. Visitors should use this entrance to access the event and the pontoons.

Can visitors sea trial boats at the show?

Yes. One of the advantages of the show’s location is that open water access is close by, allowing sea trials to be arranged with exhibitors.

What type of boats will be on display?

Visitors can expect to see family cruisers, performance boats, premium yachts and electric boats from leading global brands.

Will there be electric boats or green marine technology?

Yes. The show features displays of electric boats, hybrid propulsion systems and sustainable marine technology.

Will food and drink be available at the show?

Yes. Visitors will be able to enjoy locally sourced food from Earth to Oven, as well as beers, spirits and other refreshments. There are also bars and restaurants around Ocean Village Marina.