JUST WEEKS TO GO UNTIL SOUTHAMPTON INTERNATIONAL BOATSHOW RETURNS FOR 2024

There are now only a few weeks to go before the Southampton International Boatshow (SIBS) opens in Mayflower Park and the surrounding area, including the ever-popular on-the-water displays based on the pontoons. As always, Isle of Wight companies are attending the show to showcase their goods and services. These include Island Photo Centre based in Ryde (Stand W046), Boatfolk Marinas, East Cowes (Stand E044), Cherry Godfrey (Stand J126) and Seascape  Boats from Bowcombe. Having attended the show for over 30 years, this company will have their Seascape Dory and Microboats on show on stand H006. This Show (13th-22nd September, 10:00-18:00 most days) is owned and operated by British Marine, the trade association for the UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry. It supports over 1,300 members and represents an industry which employs more than 38,000 people in the UK. From paddleboards to superyachts and everything in between, the Southampton International Boat Show is an on-water event, one of the largest in Europe and the biggest and most popular of its type in the UK. Welcoming thousands of visitors, the event provides a showcase for everything the leisure marine industry has to offer and provides an exciting family day out with many chances to get afloat. There will be boats and watercraft galore, including well-known brands such as Sunseeker, Oyster, Fairline and Princess, with a whole host of UK and World debuts. For those wanting to get on the water, there will be the opportunity to get a real taste of maritime life in various craft, enabling you to compare different boating and water sports experiences. Specialist Zones -‘shows within the show’ – are tailored to specific interests, making it easy to find exactly what you are looking for will feature. These include water sports and classic boats. Expert talks will be held throughout the show. Don’t miss insights from yacht designer Tony Castro and Sir Chay Blyth, the first person to sail non-stop, ‘the wrong way’ round the world, plus many more. Try a Mini Cruise – Relax on a tranquil voyage around the Solent aboard the Ocean Scene, with stunning views and onboard refreshments or you can become a deck hand on board the 47m classic tall ship Thalassa by upgrading your entry ticket to include a late afternoon sail on board this unique ocean-going Tall ship.  There are plenty of food/drink outlets across the site, including the Guinness Bar sponsored this year by MDL Marinas one of Europe’s largest marina groups. Activities and attractions include an On the Water stage stunt show and interactive educational experiences whilst The Shipyard music stage brings a festival vibe to the show with DJ sets and live music. On both Saturdays of the Show (14th & 21st) The Shipyard will be open from 10:00-21:00. It’s the perfect place to grab a drink, enjoy food and music and reflect on a fantastic day at the show. Over the past few weeks, Red Funnel supported ‘Light The South’ arts trail, showcasing a selection of model lighthouses that has been on display at various venues in Southampton and on the Island. During Cowes Week, a group of the lighthouses were showing at the Sir Max Aitken Museum in Cowes High Street and other venues including Medina Books and Rosalie’s. Now, to hopefully raise more funds for Southampton Children’s Hospital, an auction will be held at SIBS. As a grand finale to “Light the South”, the large lighthouse sculptures will be on display at SIBS, before being auctioned off on 20th September at the event. All proceeds will continue to support the vital work of the Southampton Children’s Hospital, helping them continue their specialist care for babies, children, and young people across the South of England, including the Isle of Wight. As a partner of the show, Red Funnel has a deal on tickets for Island residents. By quoting RF2024 when booking, there will be a special price for combined Red Funnel/Show tickets. See the Red Funnel website for more details.