The Southampton Boat Show 2025 once again turned Mayflower Park into the beating heart of UK boating. Across ten days (19–28 September), more than 91,000 visitors poured through the gates to explore over 500 boats, 700 marine brands and a packed programme of on- and off-water experiences.
From world debut yachts to wave-piercing powerboats, kids’ activities to late-night live music, the 56th Southampton International Boat Show really leaned into its tagline as the UK’s “ultimate marine festival”.
Here’s a rundown of the standout moments and why the 2025 show has everyone already talking about 2026.
The 2025 Southampton Boat Show at a glance
This year’s Southampton Boat Show felt familiar but noticeably refreshed. The organisers introduced a reworked layout with clearer zones, a more compact footprint and better visitor flow, which many exhibitors felt gave the whole event a busier, more focused atmosphere.
Headline numbers from the show:
● 10 days of boats, brands and entertainment (19–28 September 2025)
● 91,200+ visitors through the gates
● 500+ watercraft afloat and ashore, spread across a purpose-built marina and landside displays
● Around 700 marine brands represented, from boatbuilders and engine manufacturers to chandlers, electronics, clothing and more
● 50+ world and UK premieres, cementing Southampton’s status as a serious boat-launch platform
For visitors, that translated into mile after mile of pontoons and stands to wander, plus loads of chances to actually get afloat, one of the hallmarks that continues to set the Southampton Boat Show apart.
Show-stopping boats and big premieres
If you came to the Southampton Boat Show 2025 for new boats, you weren’t disappointed. Over 50 world and UK debuts were unveiled across the marina and the showground, with big names like Sunseeker, Princess, Fairline, Oyster, Spirit Yachts, Axopar, and Rustler all bringing new metal (and GRP) to the party.
Sailing stars in the marina
On the sailing side, the pontoons were packed with everything from compact daysailers to serious blue-water cruisers. Some of the standout premieres included:
● Dufour 48 (World debut) – A headline launch for cruising sailors, mixing a beamy, sociable cockpit with a performance-orientated hull.
● Performance Marine Group “Rascal” (World debut) – A sharp, contemporary design aimed at sailors who like things fast and fun.
● Hallberg-Rassy 69 (UK debut) – The Swedish yard’s flagship drew crowds all week, showcasing long-range luxury and trademark build quality.
● Bavaria C46 (UK debut) – A versatile cruiser that hit a sweet spot for family and charter sailing alike.
● Dufour 44, Fountaine Pajot 41 and Lagoon 38 (UK debuts) – Bringing a strong multihull and mid-size cruiser presence to the show.
If the new yachts at the show have you thinking about upgrades, Seamark Nunn can help with sails, rigging screws, winches, anchor lines and deck hardwear to get your boat performing at its best.
Power and performance craft
Motorboat fans were spoiled, too. Among the many launches and premieres:
● Hardy 45 European (World debut) – A tough, go-anywhere coastal cruiser with a refined interior.
● Orkney Pilothouse 27 (World debut) and Orkney Dayangler 19+ (World debut) – New models for serious anglers wanting seakeeping with proper shelter.
● Duchy 25 (World debut) – A stylish pocket cruiser with big-boat finish.
● GEMINI 1060 Cabin RIB (European debut) – A rugged, offshore-capable cabin RIB designed for rough-water adventures.
● Sunseeker Manhattan 68 (UK debut) and Absolute Navetta 53 / 52 Fly (UK debuts) – Showcasing the latest in luxury flybridge cruising.
● UK debuts from Nord Star, Prestige, Bavaria, Interboat, Highfield, Ockelbo, Bayliner, Poseidon and more.
Powerboat owners can also browse Seamark Nunn’s range of marine electronics, RIB accessories, navigation equipment and our used outboard engines for sale that bring proven performance upgrades onboard.
Princess also used the Southampton Boat Show 2025 to flaunt a trio of very photogenic models, the Princess S65, F58 and a 60th Anniversary edition V40, further showcasing the craftsmanship Princess Yachts is renowned for.
Iconic feature boats and Thunder Child II
Beyond the sales pontoons, visitors flocked to a set of “feature” boats that gave the show real theatre:
● Thunder Child II – The wave-piercing powerboat made a dramatic entrance on opening day, complete with a Captain Jack Sparrow look-alike, and remained a head-turner all week.
● 52ft Outerlimits Good Boy Vodka – Fresh from success at the Cowes Classic, she added plenty of race-boat glamour to the marina.
● Clipper 70 – A chance for many visitors to step aboard an ocean-racing workhorse.
● WWII High Speed Launch 102 and Landing Craft F8 – The latter wrapped in Pride colours to mark 25 years since the lifting of the ban on gay people serving in the UK Armed Forces.
These feature craft, combined with the usual superyachts, RIBs and family cruisers, underscored why the Southampton Boat Show remains such a compelling “shop window” for life on the water.
On-the-water thrills for every visitor
One of the big stories from the Southampton Boat Show 2025 was just how many people got afloat. More than 9,500 visitors headed out on the water during the show, an impressive figure in what’s widely seen as a flat leisure-marine market.
Key experiences included:
● Try-a-Boat – Delivered with partners such as FlexiSail, Rockley Watersports, Portsmouth Historic Quarter, Team Endeavour Racing, Wetwheels and Clipper Ventures, this programme put thousands aboard dinghies, RIBs, motorboats and yachts for taster sessions.
● The Lake – A purpose-built watersports lake where families could try paddleboarding, kayaking and more in a controlled environment.
● On-the-Water Stage & Stunt Show – High-energy jet-ski and hydroflight displays kept crowds glued to the railings.
If the show inspired you to get afloat, Seamark Nunn stocks a full range of lifejackets, buoyancy aids, paddles, and watersports accessories ideal for beginners and experienced boaters alike.
For many first-timers, those short bursts afloat will be the spark that turns a “day out at the show” into a long-term love of boating.
New zones, stages and experiences
The 2025 event also introduced and expanded a range of feature zones, making it easier to tailor your day to your interests.
The Boating Academy
The Boating Academy served as the show’s knowledge hub, with expert-led talks on everything from first-time boat buying and passage planning to electronics and safety. The emphasis was on giving visitors confidence to get more enjoyment out of their time on the water.
Powerhub & The Cockpit
New for 2025, the Powerhub, presented by Powerboat & RIB magazine, pulled together powerboats, jet skis and high-speed toys into one buzzing area. At its centre was The Cockpit Stage, hosting interviews, technical talks and panel discussions.
Wooden Boat Stage & Explore Boating Zone
The Wooden Boat Stage showcased traditional craftsmanship with live demos from the Wooden Boat builders’ Trade Association, the Boat Building Academy and Women in Boatbuilding.
Nearby, the Explore Boating Zone guided beginners through choosing a boat, moorings, training and essential kit, practical, hands-on help for newcomers.
The Shipyard, Chefs’ Ahoy and food & drink
The Shipyard returned as the social hub of the show, with live music, street food and evening entertainment. Highlights in 2025 included Scott Mills and tribute acts to Queen and Elton John.
Another popular new feature, Chefs’ Ahoy, brought top chefs together to demonstrate delicious, practical onboard cooking ideas.
A greener, more responsible boat show
Sustainability was a core theme in 2025, driven by priorities outlined by the organisation’s chief executive. Key initiatives included:
● A new carbon-offsetting programme for exhibitors, developed with Yacht Carbon Offset.
● The 2025 Environmental Award, recognising brands who embed genuine sustainable practices into their show presence and operations.
Educational talks and sustainability-focused exhibits helped underline the show’s commitment to positive environmental change within the marine sector, aligning with the wider maritime initiatives long championed by the Princess Royal.
A big week for the marine industry
For trade professionals, Southampton continues to be a crucial business platform, supported by industry leadership from British Marine. 2025 highlights included:
● Trade Tuesday, dedicated to industry visitors.
● A programme of talks and forums across multiple stages.
● Events such as Women in Marine, the SYUK Young Designer Competition, the Environmental Awards, apprenticeship celebrations and the TYHA Marina of the Year Awards.
Exhibitors widely reported strong leads, healthy sales and a productive atmosphere.
What the Southampton International Boat Show means for boat owners
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Inspiration and ideas
Seeing so many boats and new products in one place helps you understand emerging trends, innovations and even explore marine finance options if you’re considering a purchase. -
Hands-on comparison
You can stand aboard multiple models, compare layouts and talk to brand experts, something online browsing can’t replicate. -
Skills and confidence
The Boating Academy, Wooden Boat Stage and Explore Boating Zone offer practical advice useful for beginners and experienced owners alike. -
Gear wish-list
Most visitors leave with plans for upgrades: new lines, electronics, safety kit or even a new tender or outboard.
This is where a specialist chandlery like Seamark Nunn becomes invaluable, helping boat owners turn boat-show inspiration into real-world improvements with a vast range of equipment and expert advice.
Looking ahead to 2026
The 57th Southampton International Boat Show is confirmed for 18–27 September 2026, promising more innovation, more on-water action and more of the festival atmosphere that makes the event such a highlight of the boating calendar.
If the Southampton Boat Show 2025 has left you itching to get back on the water, now’s the time to:
● Start planning your 2026 visit
● Schedule your winter maintenance and upgrades
● Turn your boat-show wish list into reality with trusted suppliers like Seamark Nunn
Because as this year proved, Southampton isn’t just a showcase, it’s a reminder of why we go boating in the first place.
