From 10th -19th September 2010 UK’s leading outdoor boat show, The PSP SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW, will be held at the Mayflower Park in Southampton. The exhibitors will include such companies as Sunseeker International, Princess Yachts, Fairline Boats, Raymarine and many others.
In association with ITV Meridian, the Show, which returns for the 42nd edition, offers an essential interactive experience for everyone with an interest in boats, on-water adventures and an active lifestyle.
Andrew Williams, managing director of National Boat Shows (NBS) comments: “The PSP Southampton Boat Show is an unmissable showcase of the best of the UK’s marine marketplace. The sheer range of boats, products, equipment and services that our exhibitors will bring to Southampton is a testament to the strength and versatility of the British marine industry.”
With boats of every shape and size, ranging from dinghies to powerboats, sailing cruisers to catamarans and inflatables to kayaks, there is no better place to experience the variety and scope of boating. Yet the Show is not just about boats, it is also the perfect shop window for marine products, accessories and services; browse the latest clothing ranges, chandlery, electronics, engines and more, discover your local sailing club, enroll on a course or gather inspiration for your next holiday.
Over the Show’s 10 days, there is plenty to keep you occupied while soaking up the atmosphere in Mayflower Park.
Exhibitors
NBS is expecting some 500 exhibitors to assemble in Southampton this year. Joining the Show from all corners of the UK, visitors will encounter the likes of:
- Westwood Marine will debut its new A390, the first 39ft aft-cabin motor cruiser built in Britain for several years.
Greg Houlston of Westwood Marine said of the A390: “As a small boat builder in a recession, rather than release some of our excellent staff, we decided to keep them and develop our very own 39’ aft-cabin boat from scratch. With the assistance of leading marine architect Andrew Wolstenholme, we have developed and built the A390 and already achieved five orders.”
- Maritimo will show a range of Enclosed Flybridge Motor Cruisers, including the new 2010 specification M48 long range Enclosed Flybridge Motor cruiser. Overall length 51.6ft, Beam 17.1ft Draft 4ft.
- Sunseeker International will bring a collection of 12 yachts, including the world launch of its 40 metre motor yacht, and Manhattan 63 flybridge motor yacht.
- Berthon Boat Company will showcase a selection of its Windy Boats and plan to debut the new Windy 40 Typhoon sports cruiser. Ben Toogood of Windy said: “The new Windy 40 will appeal to the experienced yachtsman for whom performance and sea keeping are key.”
- Fairline Boats is introducing the all-new Squadron 41 at this year’s PSP Southampton Boat Show, following the unveiling of plans for the model last September. The two cabin, two en-suite Squadron 41 is making her UK debut as part of a 9-model line-up on display. Making her first appearance at the Show, the new Targa 58 GRAN TURISMO will also be showcased.
- Showcasing more boats at the 2010 Show than ever before, Clipper Marine is moving from a land stand to a marina berth to launch no less than three Bavarias, including the UK launch of the new Cruiser 40 and 45 as well as the new Sport 38 Hard Top.
- Rodman Yachts is set to launch a new three-model range of boats at the Show, starting with the entry-level Spirit 31. All three models will be available in either open, hard top or flybridge styles and are the result of Rodman’s work with designer Fulvio de Simoni.
- Wittney Marine will bring a range of performance cruisers from Salona. Among these will be the Salona 37, a new model specially developed for the UK market and the Salona 41, which will make her world debut at the Show.
Mayflower Park will also play host to a fantastic selection of Show attractions and features, including:
The Marina
The PSP Southampton Boat Show boasts Europe’s largest purpose built marina, with construction of the 2km long pontoons taking well over a month. This year, National Boat Shows expects to host approximately 350 boats on the marina, which is considered by many to be the crowning point of the Show. From ocean rowing boats to luxury ocean cruisers and everything in between – the PSP Southampton Boat Show marina is a real summer highlight.
Feature boats
The marina will also host an exciting selection of feature boats, which are always popular with visitors to the Show. The first to sign up is Show favourite, the University of Southampton’s research vessel, yacht Callista. Science ship Callista will be on the marina for the duration of the Show and encourages curious minds to come aboard to see, feel and touch the fascinating ‘other world’ of life beneath the ocean. Once onboard Callista, visitors can take part in real experiments, see live specimens and play with the onboard gadgets.
Also on the marina will be Calypso from the Jeremy Rogers yard, a greener version of the iconic Contessa 32. Embracing hybrid engines, hydrogen fuel cell technology, solar panels and reclaimed and recycled fixtures and fittings, Calypso embodies a green vision, a classic yacht, a legendary boat builder and a hunger for sustainability, all supported by the only bespoke environmental boating programme of its kind from the British Marine Federation (BMF) and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) – The Green Blue.
Get afloat with Laser
Encouraging the Show’s younger visitors to get out on the Solent’s calm waters, Get Afloat with Laser offers 8-16 year olds a free 90-minute sailing lesson with a qualified instructor. Parents are advised to sign up at the booking point situated at A001, as places will be limited and filled quickly.
Nautical Imaginarium Challenge Stage Show
Based in Solent Park, the Imaginarium Stage Show encourages visitors of all ages to take up challenges set by a nautical guru. Visitors can either compete by themselves or as part of a team with friends to become Nautical Masters. With challenges ranging from nautically themed quizzes to knot tying, from learning the language of the sea to more physical challenges such as the bosun’s chair run; this highly interactive feature allows visitors to get involved and immerse themselves in the Show.
Try-a-Boat
Visitors are advised to book early on in the day for the Show’s signature feature, Try-a-Boat, to experience the thrill and excitement of being out on the water – all for free! The booking office for Try-a-Boat is situated in the Arena, stand A001.
Try-a-Dive
in association with Andark, the ever popular Try-a-Dive is back. Held on the Andark stand just before the first bridge, Try-a-Dive is fully supervised by qualified professionals in a purpose built four-foot deep tank to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for that first experience of scuba diving.
Ladies Day
Thursday 16 September will see the fairer sex take over the Show with the third consecutive Ladies Day. In association with the Southern Daily Echo, Ladies Day will centre on the Piper Heidsieck Champagne Bar, ensuring the day is suitably glamorous from start to finish. With a range of prizes to be won for the Best Dressed Lady and TV presenter and former Capital Gold DJ Mike Osman heading up the proceedings, the event is set to be the best yet. Ladies Day at the PSP Southampton Boat Show is one stylish day out and it’s all in aid of the Wessex Cancer Trust.
Hydrozorbing
Following the success of Hydrozorbing at the 2008 Show, NBS is thrilled to present Water Warriors in 2010. These giant inflatable spheres will be floating on a pool in Solent Park and will allow visitors to climb in and literally walk on water, with absolutely no danger of getting wet – perfect for the conservative thrill-seeker!
Girlguiding
The Girl Guides will be celebrating their centenary year at the Show. Visitors to the Girlguiding South West England stand will be able to try out kayaking machines and other fun activities, learning about the water based opportunities that Girlguiding offers its members. The Girl Guides actively encourage boating, with qualifications at all levels from the Brownie Water Safety Badge to Adult Instructor, equipping members with the knowledge and experience to keep safe and have fun both on and around water.
Science of the Sea
Whether you work in the marine industry or are a budding marine engineer, scientist or archaeologist of the future, the interactive joint University of Southampton and National Oceanography Centre stand has something for everyone. There’s the chance to navigate a model Roving Underwater Vehicle (ROV) around a challenging course; find out how the pressure of going to extreme depths of water can affect the body; and complete a RNLI rescue mission in the fastest possible time.
Planning your day at the Show
Tickets to the Show can be booked in advance via the website or by calling the ticket hotline on 0871 230 7140. Tickets booked in advance will be priced at £13, while tickets bought on the door will be £18. Tickets to the Show are excellent value for money and offer a great day out for the family as each ticket admits one adult and two children under the age of 15.
For those visitors wishing to treat themselves to a more elite experience at the Show, the Platinum Ticket with Princess is the perfect option. In addition to a free Show guide, exclusive use of the Platinum Lounge which is situated in the Mayflower complex, complimentary tea, coffee and a selection of pastries in the morning, buffet lunch and afternoon tea, the Platinum Ticket also offers the chance to get out on the water with a luxury power boat experience aboard a Princess yacht.