Southampton International Boat Show opened its 2026 edition with a deliberate contrast on the marina: a 27.1 metre superyacht moored beside a paddleboard, illustrating the range of boating on offer at Mayflower Park this year.
The Sunseeker 90 Ocean, built in Dorset, is the largest boat at this year's show. Alongside it sat a paddleboard from Rockley Watersports, which runs the show's dedicated Lake area and is marking 50 years in business in 2026.
The show runs from 18 to 27 September and brings together more than 500 watercraft, including over 250 boats berthed in what's billed as Europe's largest purpose-built show marina. More than 25 world, UK and show debuts are on offer this year, alongside over 20 new product launches in marine technology, equipment and gear.
Earle Stanner, Chief Executive Officer of British Marine, which owns and organises the show, said: "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."
He added: "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."
No experience is needed to get afloat. Try-a-Boat sessions put visitors aboard sailing yachts, powerboats and RIBs, while The Lake offers dinghy sailing through Rockley Watersports. Visitors can also try kayaking and paddleboarding on the Watersports Lake, plus a Dive Tank for those keen to try scuba diving.
Several notable vessels are open to walk aboard, including Helen Mary R, named 2026 ASTO/MCA Sail Training Vessel of the Year, the 1928 gaff ketch Tectona, and Clipper RX, the next generation of ocean racing yacht developed for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
The RNLI is this year's Charity of the Year. Visitors can climb aboard its Shannon class all-weather lifeboat and the new Atlantic 85 Mk4, meet members of its team and pick up water-safety advice.
On the water, Saturday 26 September brings the Key Yachting J/70 Invitational Cup, a one-day knockout regatta featuring six identical J/70 sailing boats racing close quarters in the marina.
Overhead, Spitfire flypasts are scheduled above Southampton Water across the opening weekend. Live music continues at The Shipyard, including performances from Blue Water Giants, and late-night opening on Fridays and Saturdays stretches the day into the evening with music, food and entertainment.
More than 110 talks, workshops and demonstrations are scheduled through the ten days. Speakers include sailing legend 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.
Traditional maritime skills get their own stage this year too. The expanded Wooden Boat Stage covers steam bending, ropework, paddle making, sailmaking, deck laying and figurehead sculpture. A new Wooden Boat Stage Afloat extends that onto the marina, with a collection of wooden and classic boats moored for close inspection.
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 from £29, with concessions from £23, at southamptonboatshow.com.
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