Southampton show reveals strong line-up

The 54^th Southampton International Boat Show from September 15-24 is set to feature over 600 exhibitors and more than 300 boats in Mayflower Park, which hosts Europe’s largest, temporary, purpose-built show marina. The UK’s biggest boat show will feature about 60 boats making their world or UK debuts including new models from leading local builders Sunseeker, Princess and Fairline.

Based in nearby Poole, Sunseeker plans to stage nine models including the UK show debuts of the Superhawk 55 and 75 Sport Yacht, which both premiered at the Boot Dusseldorf indoor show in January. Traditionally one of the biggest exhibitors at Mayflower Park, Sunseeker will also display a Manhattan 55, Predator 65, 65 Sport Yacht, Manhattan 68, 76 Yacht, 88 Yacht and 90 Ocean.

Sean Robertson, Sunseeker’s Sales and Marketing Director, said: “We return this September to Southampton for the 54^th edition of the show with a fantastic line-up including two of our most recent launches – the spectacular Superhawk 55 and 75 Sport Yacht. We have models from across our range on display across the 10-day event, offering a fantastic showcase for our guests.”

Princess will have a seven-strong line-up headed by the S72, following its world premiere at Boot Dusseldorf. The Plymouth builder’s display also includes a second S Class model, the S62, along with the F65, F50 and F45 from its F Class of flybridge models, plus the V40 and V50 cruisers.

Simon Clare, Marketing Director of Princess, said: “We’re delighted to have such a strong line-up once again at the Southampton International Boat Show, especially the new S72. We know this exciting addition to our S Class range will be a significant draw at the show for both our UK and international clients.”

Fairline, based inland in Oundle, is staging the world premiere of its much-anticipated Squadron 58, the first sub-80ft motor yacht from a British builder to include large, hydraulically powered balconies on both sides, while other highlights include an innovative bathing platform that doubles in size. The builder will also show the F//Line 33, Targa 45 Open and Targa 45 GT.

James Powell, Fairline’s Sales Director, said: “The beach club balconies and ‘slide and hide’ bathing platform really put the new Squadron 58 in a league of its own, so we’re proud to be turning heads with this new model. The beach club offers unrivalled outdoor living space for a yacht of this size and gives owners the feel of a yacht far larger without the associated ownership costs.”

French builder Prestige will show its new 690, X60 and M48, the first model from its M-Line of multihulls. Jeanneau, also part of Groupe Beneteau, will display its DB/43 luxury day boat as well as models from its Cap Camarat and Merry Fisher lines, while fellow French yard Fountaine Pajot will show its MY4.S sedan-style powercat.

Axopar models include the 28 and 45XC Cross Cabin, Bavaria’s SR33 and the electric, hydrofoiling Candela C-8 are making UK debuts, while US brands include Regal, Sea Ray, Monterey and Wellcraft.

Sailing yachts include the world premiere of Jeanneau’s Sun Fast 30 One Design, with the French builder also showing the Jeanneau Yachts 55 that debuted earlier this year.

Other sailing yachts include the Spirit 72DH, Oyster 595, Swan 58, Arcona 50, Bavaria C46, J-Boats’ J/45, Hanse 410, Beneteau First 36 and First 44, and Dufour 41 and 37. Sailing catamarans include the Lagoon 51, Excess 11, Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 and Nautitech 44 Open.

The show’s new features include a ‘jet-ski car’, which joins back-flipping jet-skiers and breathtaking aerial flyboard acrobatics in the On the Water Stage line-up, while the 47m Dutch tall ship Thalassam will host two-hour evening sails as part of Try-a-Boat+.

On Sunday, September 17, the Rose Road Association mass swim event will be held for a second year, while on the same day the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows return to the show for the first time since 2015.

The following weekend, September 23 events include the final round of this year’s UK Offshore Powerboat Racing Association (UKOPRA) series and a fly past by a Hawker Hurricane fighter aircraft, which will be joined on the show’s final day by another British icon, the Spitfire.

New entertainment venues include the Shipyard food court and music stage, and the Bottle Boat Stage and Bar, which is adjacent to the revamped Guinness Bar, while the Foredeck Stage has a new location in the Ocean Hall.

www.southamptonboatshow.com