The PSP Southampton Boat Show, which takes place from Friday September 12 to Sunday September 21 at Mayflower Park, Southampton, is this year celebrating its 40th birthday.
The Show, which includes Europe's largest purpose-built marina, claims to be the sixth largest consumer exhibition in the UK, and more than 135,000 people are expected to attend. National Boat Shows (NBS) will be taking the Show back to its roots, celebrating the heritage and history of the past 40 years.
Andrew Williams, managing director of NBS, said: “We're delighted to be celebrating our 40th show. We've got a great new sponsor in PSP and there's a whole host of fantastic features that will really draw in the visitors. The extra space available this year means that the Show will now be bigger than ever before in its 40 year history.”
With over 600 exhibitors and 700 boats on display, visitors won't be short of things to see, from power boats, sailing yachts and dinghies to chandlery, clothing, holidays, charters and much more.
For the 40th show, the Hydropool Marina will be bigger and better than ever before, with nearly 400 boats on the water for visitors to explore.
Ashore, the feature stage and big screen will be at the centre of spectacular birthday celebrations, bringing the show's 40 years to life with retro-style fashion shows, guest appearances and short films celebrating the history of the show and highlighting the last four decades of boating.
Among the feature boat line up will be Spirit of Mystery, the replica vessel that Pete Goss intends to sail to Australia from the UK in mid-October without the aid of modern electrical or navigational systems.
Younger visitors will have the chance to experience sailing first hand through OnBoard, an initiative organised by the RYA, supported by the British Marine Federation and sponsored by TeamOrigin - also a show partner. This free feature, aimed at 8-16 year olds, aims to promote sailing as a sport for all - whatever the needs or ability of the individual.
Visitors to the show will again have the opportunity to get out on the water with the established Try-a-Boat feature. For the 40th Show there will be more boats to try than ever before.
A new and improved Guinness Village, Sunseeker Champagne Bar and the show's own restaurant will provide refreshments.
For the visitor looking for a little bit of luxury, the show has introduced a new platinum ticket. For £85, platinum ticket holders will have their own hospitality lounge enjoying complimentary tea, coffee, lunch and refreshments throughout the day.
Platinum ticket holders can also enjoy the Millionaire's Yacht Experience - a 40-minute trip on a luxury 60-foot power boat, including a glass of champagne. This exclusive ticket is limited to only 108 people a day.
“We have listened to what our visitors have said, taking on board their feedback, and have decided to launch a premium ticket service to those visitors who want more from their day out with us,” said Andrew Williams. “From initial indications, we are fully expecting these limited availability tickets to be sold out everyday of the show."
All show visitors can enjoy great value for money with the flexible combi-ticket which covers full days at either the Southampton or London Boat Shows, or one day at both the NBS shows. The combi-ticket deal costs just £20 in advance or £25 on the door.
And visitors can once again make the most of the Kids Go Free promotion, where children aged 15 or under get free admission provided they are with a paying adult.
To book tickets or plan your day at the show visit www.southamptonboatShow.com.
In case you're wondering what PSP stands for, Hampshire-based Premier Shipping & Packing Limited (PSP) has become the first-ever title sponsor of the Southampton Boat Show, having agreed a three-year contract with NBS.
PSP was established in 1998 and has grown into one of the country's leading logistics companies, specialising in boat transportation, marine spares and international express couriers, among other services worldwide.
