THE 52ND EDITION of Southampton’s International Boat Show kicked off in style on Friday with Team GB’s Sailing team cutting the ribbon. 

After a year off due to Covid-19, the show - which will run until September 19 - features five new activity and leisure zones. 

Organisers British Marine said this year’s event aims to make watersports more accessible to the wider public.

Ian Cooke, President of organisers British Marine said: “Because ‘staycations’ have become more popular the interest in watersports has grown immensely. 

“We’re keen to keep that momentum going.

“We want this to be a watersports event, instead of just a boating event, and we want people to know that you don’t have to be millionaire to take part in watersports.
As well as over 500 vessels on display, for the first time the event features five new zones giving visitors the opportunity to get on the water themselves including a watersports zone, an on-the-water zone (which offers paddleboarding), a dinghy zone, and festival green. 

CEO of British Marine, Lesley Robinson said: “This year we want to get as many people out on the water as we can - paddleboarding, kayaking and motor-boating.

“We got 11,000 people in the water last time, we’re aiming for 14,000 this year.”

Keen boater Jon Burgess said he felt like ‘a kid in a sweetshop’ at the event. 

He said: “I come every year, mainly to keep up with manufacturers and this event is on par with previous.

“I’m too old to try out the new activities but anything that gets young people involved in boating is good for the industry.”

The International Boat Show is Britain’s largest boating event, with over 100,000 visitors are expected over the 10 day event. 

On Sunday September 19, residents of postcodes SO14 to SO19 can get a discounted ticket of£14 per adult as part of a community day.

Tickets are available from www.southamptonboatshow.com