Boat shows – Southampton International Boat Show in the UK draws 88,000
Oct 5, 2021
Southampton International Boat Show closed on Sunday 19 September with organisers, exhibitors, sponsors and visitors all hailing the show as one of the best yet.
The event retains its title as Britain’s biggest and best festival of boating, showcasing over 350 marine brands with 500+ boats on display, including many UK and global debuts. The show welcomed over 88,000 visitors across the 10 days – down 14 per cent on 2019 but still a fantastic achievement during a Covid-19 year.
‘Additional Covid-19 measures were introduced at the show, to help keep everyone safe, including proof of negative lateral flow tests. The majority of visitors seemed happy to have these extra measures and, given the circumstances, the Boat Show has been a phenomenal success which proves that confidence is back,’ says Ian Cooke, President of British Marine.
The spectacular show, set against the stunning backdrop of Europe’s largest purpose-build marina, had a buzzing atmosphere, as exhibitors and visitors alike were keen to meet face to face after a difficult 18 months. With the new exciting layout, larger footprint and 5 new dedicated zones – Watersports, Classic & Dayboat, Dinghy, On The Water and Festival Green offering a wide range of products, services and attractions, exhibitors have fed back great sales results and positive conversations with attendees.
The success at the Southampton International Boat Show bodes well for shows here in North America. The new dates for Southampton International Boat Show next year will be 16 -25 September 2022.
