Flying the flag for the Isle of Wight at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show (10th-19th September) will be Boatfolk East Cowes Marina.
Now part of the Boatfolk community, this local marina is 1 of 11 situated across the UK. These marinas try to work with the environment and have created Coastline Deadline.
Their message is:
”We take our environmental responsibilities very seriously. As a boating business the coastline is our lifeline, and we need to protect it for the generations to come. We believe that people and places can inspire, educate, and influence behaviours. We want the Boatfolk community to have a positive impact on the marine environment (and the planet) and we know that this change must happen soon. That’s why we created Coastline Deadline- our platform for change.”
Boatfolk is also supporting the Andrew Simpson Foundation on Stand EO43.
This year sees several UK and show debuts for electric-powered craft including the brand-new Whisper 300 from Swallow Yachts. With green credentials a priority, the Whisper 300 is made entirely from wood and bio resins.
Talking of Green credentials… Mike Golding OBE, the first person to race around the world in both east and west-about directions, has agreed to become the patron of Green Blue. He will be at the show on the first day to present sustainability awards. Find Green Blue on stand J117 where they will be introducing visitors to their Wild Oyster Project, displaying a life-size eco-mooring and enable visitors to take part in protecting our seagrass habitats educational activity. This is for young people and adults and forms part of their involvement in the LIFE ReMEDIES Project.
Mike will also be on stand J372 where in association with B&G sailing systems and Yachting Monthly, the winner of the Brian Black Memorial Award for environmental writing will be announced.
This year’s show welcomes some fantastic debuts, from the first UK reveal of the stunning Sunseeker 88 Yacht and 65 Sport Yacht and further show debuts of the Sunseeker all-new Predator 55 EVO ™, Manhattan 55, and Predator 74 XPS, to the world premiere of the Salona 46 sailing yacht, and affordable inflatables with the Riber 322 iSUP.
British Marine CEO Lesley Robinson says:
“We’re delighted that so many brands have chosen Southampton International Boat Show as the venue for their UK or world debuts. It endorses our importance and standing in the world of international boat shows with manufacturers choosing the UK and Southampton as their key launch platform.”
Following their race programme and ‘regatta within a regatta’ during Cowes Week, Sunsail will be joining with The Moorings (stand J155) to remind sailors that it is hoped that far-away places will be open to visitors next year.
It was also during Cowes Week that the Cruising Association presented a new cup to race for. Appropriately the winner was ‘Chameleon of Cowes’. At the show, the Cruising association will be promoting its increasing and unrivalled range of support services to the expanding sail and motor cruising community. The talking point for visitors to the stand will undoubtedly be the latest version of the organisation’s exclusive-to-members app, Csptain’s Mate, which is being previewed and they have an excellent prize draw for visitors to enter.
Even boat engine manufacturers are now being as environmentally friendly as possible. At the show, Barras, Mercury and Zodiac engines will be showing their latest models.
Although a boat show, there is always a place for cars, perhaps to get you to your boat in style. Bentley is showing the Flying Spur Mulliner on stand SO20 – its first time on public view in the UK.
With the new 6 show ‘zones’ (already previewed on Island Echo) there is certainly a new look to this year’s show. Featured next to the main entrance which is near West Quay Centre there will also be the Festival Green not only making a welcoming, and perhaps necessary, open space but at the end of each day this space will remain open for food and drink and evening entertainment, all underneath hundreds of twinkling lights. It will be open into the evening.
Visitors from the Island can have easy access to the show from the Red Funnel Terminals in Southampton. With the show’s main entrance just a short walk from the terminals or use the free (with a RF ticket) ‘Connect Bus’, to West Quay.
