CANCELLED
British Marine regretfully announces that BOATS2020 has been cancelled.
At 18:34 on Thursday 10th September, on the eve of opening day, British Marine received the devastating news from Southampton City Council that the show could no longer go ahead due to the rising risk of COVID-19 and growing Government fears.
The show, due to take place from 11-20 September 2020, was set to open on Friday 11th following extensive work in collaboration with Southampton City Council to ensure that the existing Public Health England COVID-19 secure requirements were met.
Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, said; “We are desperately disappointed that BOATS2020 will no longer be taking place, especially receiving the news at the eleventh hour before opening. A tremendous amount of work has been put in and it was heartening to see committed exhibitors on-site today getting geared up for opening.
British Marine has remained committed to staging this not-for-profit boat show to support the leisure marine industry and our host city of Southampton, and I am deeply saddened that it will now no longer be taking place. Alongside our exhibitors, we were ready to open a show that exceeded all safety requirements. We are truly perplexed as to why we are unable to run the show at least until Monday in line with the government restrictions imposed yesterday. The global pandemic and unprecedented times mean that the latest circumstances are beyond our control. Public health and safety come first and naturally, as the show organiser, British Marine must comply with all guidance.”
British Marine will be communicating with exhibitors, ticket holders and further stakeholders, and would like to thank all of them for continuing to support the event in these uncertain times.
Featuring over 90 boats afloat on their pontoons, as well as a great selection of stands, BOATS 2020 this year replaces the very popular Southampton Boat Show.
Taking place during the familiar Boat Show slot of 11th-20th September 2020 and in the usual venue of Mayflower Park, Southampton (just a short walk from the Red Funnel terminals), this year’s show will adhere to all the COVID-19 guidelines.
Isle of Wight connections include East Cowes Marina which is now part of Boatfolk Marinas, as reported by Island Echo on the 15th May this year, when marinas nationally were opening up after lockdown. Boatfolk Marinas will be one of the marinas featured on the Yacht Harbour Association stand. They are pleased to be offering a ‘Find A Marina’ service during BOATS 2020 on Stand B023. Appealing to new boat owners who are looking for that perfect berth, current owners looking for a change or simply those interested in taking to the water.
Visitors to BOATS 2020 will be able to talk to representatives about their marina preferences, reviewing an extensive choice of coastal and inland marinas, within the UK and across Europe.
Several major yacht races which have taken place in recent years and featured Cowes as start/finish point have been sponsored by Sevenstar. These include the Round Britain races, the most recent being won by Pata Negra – Giles Redpath (GBR) – in 2018. Sevenstar will have a stand at the show to promote their business of yacht transport.
Some of the World’s most popular boat builders will have their latest models on show at berths on the pontoons of the pop-up marina. These include Sunseeker, Princess and Fairline.
Sunseeker has an impressive line-up of luxury motor yachts including a show premiere for the Manhattan 68 and details on the largest yacht at this year’s Show- the Sunseeker 95 Yacht measuring an impressive 28.06m in length and with a 6.55m beam.
Fairline Yachts has unveiled their stunning line-up for BOATS 2020, including the UK debuts of the F//LINE33 and the Squadron 68. Visit berths M125, M127, M129 and M131 to view them up close.
Meanwhile Princess Yachts has 8 boats on berths off Mayflower Park, including the Princess Y85 a contemporary design with an elegant sweeping profile.
Be reassured that at BOATS 2020 you can enjoy yourself in a safe environment. The show has been specially developed to include all the necessary COVID-19 secure measures you would expect, including social distancing.
Preview report by Alan and Suzanne Whitewood
Not going this year, but still smile everyday when I look the prize I won last Year.
I still remember the first Boat Show back in 1969 – the year man supposedly landed on the Moon . The show lasted for about 5 to 6 days. Mayflower Park was where in my teens mates and myself used to meet up on a Saturday. Whilst still at school in Southampton back in 1966 I used to work on the pleasure boats that operated from the Royal Pier before it mysteriously burned down. Well remember listening to the boats radio when England won the World Football Cup. Been there many times over the years but not too sure about this year. Good luck to the organisers and hope it’s a success.