Boasting one of Europe’s largest purpose-built marinas with over 2km of pontoons, the UK’s popular on-water event, the PSP Southampton Boat Show in Mayflower Park will take place from 14 to 23 September, 2012. There will be up to 1,000 yachts exhibited during 10 days as well as global launches of numerous yachts and products, along with a large number of attractions for experts and beginners alike.
PSP Southampton Boat Show
Throughout the Show, visitors can marvel at boats ranging from £300 dinghies to multi-million pound sailing and motor yachts. With stunning views of the marina, great events for children and parents, as well as the ever popular Ladies Day now in its 4th year, soaking up the atmosphere is just as important as the sensational exhibitions!
The 2011 PSP Southampton Boat Show saw 10,000 people get out on the water and try out boating and watersports. It’s the ideal opportunity to experience something new, learn from the experts and get up close to a variety of fantastic vessels. The Show’s signature attraction, Try-A-Boat sees enthusiasts get on the water for free on a range of yachts from power to sail.
For the younger Show visitor Get Afloat, brought to the Show by Rockley Watersports, lets 8 – 16 year olds get on the water, with qualified instructors, in a 90 minute session in the heart of the Show. Suzuki’s RIB experience offers Show visitors the chance to feel the way of life at speed on the water with free RIB rides.
Back by popular demand, the Sea Theatre Live featuring the Sea Kitchen Theatre and Boat Clinics will all return this year. Pick up hints and tips from chefs and demonstrations in the Sea Kitchen Theatre, boasting a schedule of gastronomic treats. The Boat Clinics are back for the visitors to meet with, learn from and talk to the experts who will be bestowing their knowledge in the daily sessions.
As well as the familiar favourites, new features to discover include:
The Alexandra Shakleton, a replica boat about to take to the waters of the Southern Ocean for the adventurers on the ‘The Shakleton Epic’. This will replicate the gruelling 800 mile Southern Ocean voyage that took place in 1916, when the James Caird was used by Sir Ernest Shakleton in one of history’s greatest rescue missions. The visitors can see how sailors on The Shakleton Epic will cope with the traditional tools and equipment that was available in 1916.
The Whitbread 60 Solent Sailing Experience will let visitors experience the thrill of sailing aboard a round-the-world designed racing yacht. One can test his skills and have a go at taking the helm, pulling on the runners, or using the coffee grinders to rise to the challenge of winching the massive main sail!
The PSP Southampton Boat Show National Inter Club Team Racing Championships in association with the RYA will be on display, demonstrating some of the country’s best team racers going head to head right at the heart of the Show. These top sailors will be battling to be crowned winners at the Show, so the visitors are advised to prepare for an exciting competition to unfold.
In addition to these new attractions, each day will see a commentated must-see flotilla of modern, vintage and iconic boats sail past the marina.
