The Southampton Boat Show, the UK’s ultimate marine festival, is back for its 57th edition in Mayflower Park. Running from Friday 18 – Sunday 27 September 2026, the event promises ten action-packed days of boating, water sports and entertainment on the waterfront.
At the heart of the show, Europe’s biggest purpose-built show marina will bring together more than 250 craft on the water, including an exciting line-up of UK and world debuts, from the Nautitech 41 Type S and high-performance Dragonfly 40 Carbon to the new Duchy 45 and Fairline Targa 58 GTO.
Visitors can step aboard this year’s collection of showstopping attraction boats, spanning historic vessels to cutting-edge racing yachts. Highlights include Helen Mary R, the 2026 Sail Training Vessel of the Year; Tectona, a stunning 20m gaff ketch built entirely of teak on a beach in India in 1928; Revolution, a spectacular 50ft offshore racing catamaran; and the brand-new Clipper RX, giving visitors the chance to be among the first to step aboard the next generation of Clipper Race yacht. With approximately 500 watercraft and over 700 marine brands on display, the show brings together an unrivalled range for buyers to explore, alongside all the kit and equipment needed to get out on the water.
For those keen to get out on the water, the show favourite Try-a-Boat programme offers several free, hands-on boating experiences, with the chance to test a variety of boats, from RIBs to sailboats. Guests can also take part in a range of water sports on the lake, from paddleboarding and kayaking on the lake to diving at the Andark Dive Tank, where expert instructors give visitors a real taste of diving with state-of-the-art gear.
Designed for all levels of interest and experience, the Boating Stage brings an exciting programme of expert-led talks and live demonstrations, with sessions from sailing champions, industry experts and record breakers, including Sir Robin Knox Johnston, Mike Golding OBE, Pip Hare and Monty Halls. Each session is designed to boost visitors’ confidence and sharpen their skills on the water.
Following a successful debut in 2025, the Wooden Boat Stage, sponsored by Sykes Timber and brought together by the Boat Building Academy (BBA), Wooden Boatbuilders’ Trade Association (WBTA) and Women In Boat Building (WIBB), returns for 2026 with its biggest programme yet. Visitors can enjoy live talks, demonstrations and practical sessions, with speakers including award-winning boatbuilder, designer and educator Daniel Lee, and Mary Montagu-Scott, Director of Buckler’s Hard Maritime Museum. New for this year, the Wooden Boat Stage Afloat will extend the experience into the marina, giving visitors the chance to get even closer to a carefully curated collection of classic and historic boats on the water.
Making its debut on 26 September, the Key Yachting J/70 Invitational Cup brings competitive sailing to the show for the first time, supported by the Royal Thames Yacht Club and British Marine. Twelve teams will go head-to-head throughout the day, battling it out for the win before the champions are crowned in front of the crowd.
Visitors will also have the chance to step aboard The Ghostship and Sailing Solice in the marina, with Jazz Turner joining content creators Mothership Adrift, Ship Happens, Saving Blue Steel and Sailing Project Parrot for live talks, podcasts, Q&As and more throughout the show. A full schedule will be announced soon.
The Shipyardbrings live music to the show every day, with headline acts and standout performances throughout the week. New for 2026, it will stay open late on both Fridays and Saturdays, bringing a festival atmosphere to the waterfront until 9pm. This year’s headline acts include Blue Water Giants, uniting musicians from Procol Harum/Big Country, Status Quo, Simple Minds, Tears for Fears, and Robbie Williams’ band into one into one incredible live act. Britain’s Got Talent finalist The Gloria Estefan Experience will also headline, bringing the sounds of Gloria Estefan to the stage.
The Maclean brothers, the fastest team to row the Pacific, will be appearing on the Shipyard Stage on 24 August to discuss breaking three world records rowing the Atlantic and founding The Maclean Foundation, which raises money for clean water in Madagascar.
A wide range of street food will be on offer throughout the show, alongside the return of the popular Guinness Bar. For something extra special, visitors can upgrade to the Premium Experience, which includes access to the private Waterside Lounge, with lunch, refreshments and a range of additional perks included.
For those looking for a fun-filled family day out, guests can enjoy a packed programme of on and off-water activities to keep all ages entertained throughout the show from a dedicated children’s play area to family quiz sessions at the Shipyard on 20 and 27 September, hosted by award-winning comedy duo Luke and Elliot.
The LEGO Maritime Project comes to the show on 26-27 September, an interactive simulation that lets young people discover the exciting range of careers in the maritime industry, by designing, build and coding their own autonomous vessel to a real-world brief.
There will also be a special appearance from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flying over the show on 18, 19 and 20 September, weather permitting, alongside the HMS Collingwood Band Parade on 26 September, with live performances taking place throughout the day.
Earle Stanner, CEO of British Marine said “Every year, our aim is to get people out on the water and give them a brilliant day on the waterfront. This year’s line-up brings that to life, from an extensive range of exhibitor and attraction boats to world debuts and inspiring talks from boating legends.”
“Whether visitors are lifelong sailors or bringing the family for a day out on the water, we can’t wait to welcome everyone to the show.’
Standard adult admission starts from £29 for a single-day access, with children aged 15 and under visiting for free. For more information, visit https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/
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