SPOTLIGHT ON: CLASSIC & DAY BOAT ZONE

The new Princess S72 will make her show debut at Southampton. Princess will also showcase a line-up of a further six yachts including Flybridge models F65, F50 and F45, Princess V40 and V50 and a second S Class model, the S62. Show visitors will find Princess Yachts in Mayflower Park, stand number E055.

Women In Marine Events

British Marine will once again be hosting its popular Women in Marine events at the Southampton International Boat Show.

Riding on the coat tails of last year’s women’s SIBS agenda, where an array of presentations including a mental health and wellbeing session were introduced, this year there will be more events aimed at inspiring and encouraging future industry individuals.

This will culminate with the Women in Marine Drinks and Nibbles Networking event, which features a panel discussion from peers in the trade industry on 21 September. The dates and times of the other WIM events are being confirmed.

Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine said: “We are delighted to be supporting a variety of Women in Marine events. We hope that by regularly holding more events like this we can all work together to ensure that the marine industry is more inclusive and diverse, ensuring that a person’s sex, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or religion is not a barrier to working in the sector.”

The Superyacht UK Young Designer competition returns, sponsored by Marine Resources. University design students will produce a General Arrangement sketch from a brief created by the judging panel. The competition will start on 19 September and run until 20 September, when entrants will have 20 minutes to present their designs. The winners will be announced on 21 September, and internships offered to the first and second prize winners.

From luggers to day boats, gaff rig clinker classics to sleek launches with electric propulsion systems, opportunities to learn classic boat building skills, getting hands-on with ropemaking and knot tying to meeting the stars of Swallow and Amazons, there is something for everybody at this show within a show.

Visitors can get hands-on, watching and learning the age-old traditional boat building skills required to make these craft. A crowd-puller will be the staff and students from the International Boat Building Training College, who will be building a classic boat throughout the show demonstrating all aspects from steam bending wood through to carving and routing.

If you have ever fancied making a monkey’s fist, a lanyard or rope fender, or just learning how to tie knots, then look no further than Sue Pennison of the International Guild of Knot Tyers. Sue will be demonstrating the art of knot tying and canvas work, giving visitors the chance to get hands-on.

Another famous face at the show will be Swallows and Amazons star Sophie Neville. In 1973, aged 12, Sophie played Able Seaman Titty and was the inspiration for many youngsters as she was filmed sailing and rowing the sturdy 14ft standing lugsail craft Amazon in this popular classic film.

The Arthur Ransome Society managed to acquire and restore the clinker-built dinghies Swallow and Amazon, and Sophie will be at the show talking about her experiences as a child film star, the process of raising funds to purchase these classic craft, their restoration and the opportunities to now sail in these boats.

Image: @emilythephotographer.com

Tickets: www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets

Take advantage of the discount code AAS2023 - any day general admission ticket for £19.99

Upgrade your visit with the Quayside Club VIP package: www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip

The show is open from 10am – 6pm daily except the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm.