A host of Isle of Wight businesses and organisations are showcasing their maritime credentials at the 57th Southampton International Boat Show.
Held in Mayflower Park, Southampton the 57th Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS) continues until Sunday the 27th.
On entry, one of the first stands you encounter, just outside the New Wave Hall, is Micro Boats (A50) which are built in Bowcombe. Mike from Micro Boats said, “Now that the summers are longer and hotter, what better way to enjoy yourself than being afloat.
We are surrounded by water and being a boating nation we have a long history of boatbuilding on the Island. MB BOATS has been building boats since 1965. Our range of boats suit everyone from the Microboat dory at 8ft9” up to the Seaspray.”
As well as their ever- popular models this year they are highlighting the Cir Craft- a circular design described as a fun boat ideal for corporate events.
Island Optics (W46) had a presence on The Promenade with much interest shown in their range of binoculars. Also on The Promenade was Premier Marinas (W28) which operate 18 South Coast Marinas and Boatyards. On the Island they have East Cowes Marina run by Mike Townshend with Haslar and Gosport nearby.
National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) (H 122) was formed in 1994 and is a registered charity which receives no government funding. They maintain a vigilant visual watch involving almost 3000 highly trained Watchkeepers along the coast. On the island we have stations at Bembridge and Needles, part of a network of 61 around the English coast, all run by volunteers.
Island RIBs (M 935 and M 936) had 2 examples of their vessels in the Marina on floating pontoons. A 10 metre version was alongside the 6.8m RIB used by Cowes Sailability as a support vessel. UKSA (L44) had a presence in the Lake Club area as well as participating in the “Try- a- Boat” scheme on the Marina ( M 926- M 928) using 2 J80 yachts.
Team GOSH (M 828) is the Clipper 70 yacht which won the 2025/ 26 Clipper Race recording 7 stage victories over the 13 leg race.
SIBS charity of the year is the RNLI, which has been saving lives at sea for 202 years. This year is the 25th anniversary of the introduction of RNLI lifeguards.
On the Marina (M 914) was an example of a Shannon Class lifeboat, with each vessel costing about 2.8 million pounds. In the Lake Club (L138) visitors can view an Atlantic 85, the third generation B-class lifeboat, which has been in service for over 50 years. There are currently 136 B-class lifeboats around the UK and Ireland, with each one costing in excess of £325,000. At the moment, the Atlantic 85 is undergoing a Mark 4 upgrade. Improvements include 2×2 seating, plus 2 extra seats and improved suspension with less vibration.
In conjunction with Raymarine, navigation systems have been upgraded and communications are now by a new wireless intercom which can still be used after transfer from the mother boat. Research shows that 98% of all RNLI launches are to incidents within 10 miles of the shore. Therefore, the organisation is trialling a new coastal boat, with a view to introducing them in the near future. Also on the Marina (M 242) was the decommissioned RNLI lifeboat“Guide of Dunkirk”, which has been recently restored on the Norfolk Broads.
For those planning to visit SIBS next Saturday Red Funnel’s Captain Ted will be at the show ready to greet children and a reminder that Red Funnel has special offers for ferry/show tickets.
