Best Boat Guide

The Southampton Boat Show is a truly massive event that is held both outdoors and indoors and includes some of the finest boating craft in the world.

Located on the south coast of England, in an area steeped in maritime history, the Southampton Boat Show has Europe's largest show marina which is complemented by some of the world's finest maritime shops. There is something so alluring about the show and the beauty of so many of the craft that families, boating enthusiasts and professional organisations make the trip to the Boat Show an annual pilgrimage.

Attracting at least 500 exhibitors, the Southampton event is often used to launch a new class of yacht and exciting new boating products. People travel from around the world to enjoy the Southampton Boat Show which attracts nigh on 130,000 visitors keen to get up close and personal to some of the most luxurious craft in the world. Very few people can resist going home without a few essential items of clothing or useful tools and gadgets.

Held annually, the event is in September and covers 10 days. Considered more apposite than the London Boat Show owing to its history and proximity to the sea, the Show is hosted by the British Marine Federation. There is so much to see and do for everyone who visits the Southampton Boat Show including sea displays that remind us all of Britain's former maritime prowess.

Taking place from the 11th to the 20th of September, this outdoors event has fantastic amenities for exhibitors in locations to help ensure maximum footfall. Attractions at the show include the Hydropool Marina that moors over 350 boats and offers chances for visitors to try a dinghy and have rides on luxury boats. Also in the marina will be opportunities for people to look at supercharged powerboats and motor yachts and superbly graceful ocean-going sailing yachts.

Of course, where would old sea dogs be without the RNLI and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency providing search and rescue support 365 days a year? Technology is improving all the time and to show how the RNLI and Search and Rescue have improved over the years there will be sea and air displays during the Southampton Boat Show. Easy to get to and inexpensive, the Southampton event is a truly great annual event for exhibitors and visitors alike.