Southampton has a long maritime history and this week the city will come alive with some of the top names in maritime manufacturing.
Hundreds of boating companies are signed up to appear at the PSP Southampton Boat Show, including top UK manufacturers Sunseeker, Princess and Fairline.
The 10 day show, which starts on Friday, provides a valuable opportunity for marine businesses to showcase their work and unveil their newest products. There will be over 1,000 boats on display and yacht manufacturers will be unveiling 20 new yacht models.
The show has built up a reputation within the industry as the place to launch new yachts and this year will see the launch of the Sunseeker 80, Discovery 57, Hallberg-Rassy 412 and two from Oyster – the Oyster 725 and 885.
As the show covers all aspects of the leisure maritime sector, which is said to be worth £2.9bn to the UK economy, there will be plenty of opportunities for all parts of the maritime industry to showcase their work.
Among the exhibitors, Portsmouth-based Raymarine, a marine electronics manufacturer, will be launching a new range of navigation and communication gadgets.
Beta Marine, a marine engine specialist, will be showcasing their low emission engines including the Beta Hybrid engine which they claim can reduce fuel consumption by 75%.
Hampshire-based Tek-Tank, specialists in water, waste and fuel tanks, will be celebrating at the show after being chosen to supply custom built tanks for the restoration of the ‘Blue Marlin’ – a 12 metre yacht that was built by renowned naval architect Charles E. Nicholson in 1930.
As well as boats, yachts and their peripherals, there will be plenty of other attractions at the show including a pub, oyster festival, cooking displays from celebrity chef Mark Sargeant and demonstrations from the Royal Marines.
In the wake of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, which have pushed sailing further into the public consciousness, athletes from the British sailing and rowing teams will open the show. Also attending the opening will be Sydney 2000 Olympic medallists Mark Covell and Ian Walker.
The show is in its 44th year and last year attracted over 10,000 visitors. Over the ten days there will be daily flotillas which will include a boat modified for use by Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II, The Green Parrot, ex-Yacht of the Year Danegeld and Amelie Rose, a stunning replica Isles of Scilly pilot cutter.
Frank Dixie, managing director of PSP, the Southampton Boat Show sponsor, said: “We are incredibly excited about this year’s show, which marks half a decade of our sponsorship. The PSP Southampton Boat Show is a stimulant for the south’s booming marine economy and provides a unique opportunity for manufacturers and vendors to sell their wares face to face with customers.
“What excites us most about the show is that it brings the joy of sailing and boating to a whole new audience. The Olympics have brought the sport of sailing to the forefront of the public eye once again and I hope that this, coupled with this year’s PSP Southampton Boat Show, will inspire even more people to get out on the water.”
The show runs from Friday 14 September to Sunday 23 September. Tickets to the first day cost £21 in advance or £25 on the door. After that, one day tickets cost £16 in advance or £20 on the door. Children are free with a full paying adult.
For more information go to www.southamptonboatshow.com
