Southampton Boat Show 2017 - The best show ever?
Chris Hogan, 1st August 2017, Boat
There's something for everyone at the country's top boat show, this year running from the 15th to the 24th September. What's on offer?
This is the 49th year of this fantastic celebration of all things nautical, with live music and entertainment running alongside it.
Attractions for this year include:
- Paddle River Experience (new) - a woodland stream where you can try out paddleboarding or canoeing.
- Passenger boat (new) - trips around the Solent to see the Boat Show from a whole new angle.
- Bell Boating (new) - these very stable craft, effectively two canoes alongside each other, are excellent for first timers and up to 12 people at any one time can have a go.
- Try-a-Boat - these hugely popular sessions run by outdoor experience company On The Water are returning again. Try out the latest watersports activities!
- Adventure River Canoe Ride - this family friendly attractions allows even the youngest visitors to have a go at canoeing in complete safety.
- Get Afloat - kids (ages 8-16) can try a stand up paddleboard or dinghy for free.
- Global Challenge Sailing Experience - a premium experience offering an exhilarating sail onboard a 72ft Ocean Race Yacht.
- VIP Platinum Experience - a cruise on a luxury motor yacht.
See all the boats
With all that going on, sometimes it's hard to remember that there'll be lost of boats, yachts and equipment on display too!
The exhibition halls house all the latest gear - electronic gadgets, sailing equipment and clothing - everything you need to enjoy your boat to the fullest. There'll be show offers and discounts too.
At the adjacent Marina, manufacturers, dealers and distributors will have over 300 of the latest boats spread over two kilometres of pontoons. Have a look at your favourites, come onboard, take photos and videos - it's the best place to see the boat of your dreams and compare different makes and models.
Record attempt
One fun item that passed us by last year was a successful attempt to beat the world record for the largest human image of a boat. If you're unsure what that means (and we weren't) then take a quick look at this one-minute video on YouTube which explains it all.
What will they dream up this year? Why not go along and find out?
Ticket info
The show takes place in the Mayflower Park and Town Quay area in Southampton. The postcode SO15 1AG will take you to the show entrance but parking at the West Quay Podium and Multi-storey and taking a five minute walk is encouraged to avoid congestion.
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