Thousands attend Southampton International Boat Show

Kicking off on Friday, September 13, the Southampton International Boat Show returned for its 55th year at Mayflower Park, boasting Europe’s largest purpose-built marina showcase.

City residents and visitors from far and wide were able to explore everything sailing and maritime from paddle boards and kayaks to superyachts.

Experts with decades of sailing experience were on hand to speak to visitors who browsed stalls and marvel at the fleet of yachts and sail boats costing in the millions.

Archie and Sue Parson (Image: NQ) Visitors, Archie and Sue Parson said that they were not big on sailing but thought the show was a "brilliant event for the city".

Archie said: “It’s the hug ambiance and feel of the event – its great for the city to have something like this.

“We aren’t boating people, but it really is a great family day out – I just love it here.”

Sue added: “It brings in so many people from up and down the country – I think one of the things that the Boat Show does best is catering for the whole family.

“We saw little ones have a go on the paddle boards with supervisors and I thought that’s brilliant.”

World champion jet skier, Jack Moule (Image: NQ) Audiences watched on as a jet ski professional performed high-octane stunt in Southampton water.

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World champion jet skier, Jack Moule, performed stunts and flips as stunned attendees cheered from the Quarterdeck bar & restaurant.

Nigel and Lin Callow (Image: NQ) Couple, Nigel and Lin Callow had travelled all the way from Nottingham to see some of their dream boats in all their glory.

Nigel said: “We have been coming here for the last 20 years – I just can’t believe how expensive the boats have become these days.

“When we bought our boat in 1991 it cost nine grand, the equivalent boat today cost £44,000.

“We have just seen my dream boat here, the Marex 440, sadly for us it costs over a million pounds.”

Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, said: "It is absolutely fabulous to be celebrating our 55th year here in Southampton.

"And what a great celebration the show is of Southampton and the maritime industry, and the 10-day event is expected to welcome 100,000 visitors.

"There are 350 boats on the water and 100 on land.

"We want to get 15,000 people out on the water this year, whether that is on a kayak, RHIB, dinghy, or our own mini cruise, Ocean Scene."