A warm, sunny Friday heralded in this year’s Southampton International Boat Show – with the show continuing until Sunday (28th September).
For anyone travelling from the Island, with the main entrance now in the park, it is just a short walk from the Red Funnel terminals.
Island Ribs based at Somerton Industrial Estate were on the Marina at MO31. Owner Alex told us he had linked up with Yamaha Engines, Raymarine navigation systems and Pantaenius Insurance for the show. They design and manufacture ribs, ranging in length from 6.8 to 10 metres in-house on a single site. He employs a young and eager apprentice who is keen and eager to progress further in the marine trade. Alex supports the RYS Foundation which offers help and advice to young people wanting to enter the marine sector.
In the Explore Boating area, BVD Marine, who produce its Microboats, Coastworker and Seaspray boats at Bowcombe, were on stand AO26.
Island Photo Centre were showcasing a wide range of binoculars in the Lake Club section at LO22.
Visit Isle of Wight could be found in the main hall on HO56 with their ambassadors on hand to advise on what the Island offers for visitors.
Hours before SIBS opened, it was announced that Premier Marinas had taken over the Boat Folk portfolio of marinas, which includes one on the Island at East Cowes. Manager Mike Townshend said he could see no immediate change to the day-to-day operation of the site.
On the Marina M350 Thunder Child 2, named after the torpedo ram in HG Wells’ War of the Worlds, has a top speed of 54 knots and holds 6 speed records.
Power Boat 52 Outer Limits at M358 recently won this year’s Cowes Torquay Cowes Powerboat Race, under the sponsorship of Good Boy Vodka. More recently it has been circuit racing in the USA.
At M 643 Ocean Scene was undertaking mini cruises courtesy of Blue Funnel Cruises.
In the New Wave Hall, regional staff of HSBC Bank (H216} were on hand to guide customers, including any from the Island, who might have concerns or questions on their banking. Also in this hall the RNLI were looking to sign up new members and Sunsail, one of the supporters of Cowes Week, were launching their new Seychelles adventures and Dee Caffari presented prizes, sponsored by Sunsail, to young people who had won a competition for undertaking sailing projects
The show continues until Sunday (28th September 2025).
I might pop along and buy a dinghy
some come with benefits such as
free 5 star accommodation and free
dental care.
Bargain