The 55th edition of the Southampton International Boat Show launched in spectacular style on Friday (13 September), kicking off a thrilling 10-day celebration that has already wowed thousands of visitors. A highlight of the opening weekend was a visit from HRH The Princess Royal, adding a touch of royal elegance to the proceedings. Fans of Below Deck Sailing Yacht were also in for a treat as Captain Glenn Shephard and Chief Stewardess Daisy Kelliher made special appearances.
Meanwhile, Rufus the Hawk, the show’s ‘Head of Seagull Security’, ensured visitors could enjoy their snacks in peace, keeping the skies free of pesky feathered intruders. Some of the 40 eight-foot ‘Light the South’ lighthouses that greet guests at the entrance The show features a range of on-water experiences, from sailing and kayaking to adrenaline-pumping water sports, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the boating lifestyle. With hundreds of boats on display — from luxury yachts to sleek powerboats, paddle boards to jet skis — there’s something for everyone, from seasoned boating enthusiasts to first-time attendees.
The excitement continued into the evening, with the show’s first-ever late-night Saturday event. Legendary DJ Chris Moyles headlined the party with his “’90s Hangover” set in the Shipyard, sponsored by GAC Capital. A thrilling flyboarding display by daredevil James Prestwood With seven more days of excitement still ahead, the Southampton International B.