BOATS2020 revving up for a powerful display

With two boat shows opening this week in Southampton, today MIN takes a quick look at what’s on offer at BOATS2020. This ticketed event (£12.50 per person) is organised by British Marine and runs from 11th – 20th September 2020 in Mayflower Park. All tickets must be purchased in advance, there will be no tickets available on the door.

After a long spring/summer of uncertainty about Southampton International Boat Show and whether it could proceed, the decision was communicated that a smaller version would take place, and BOATS2020 was subsequently announced.

“This year’s been extremely different for everyone in industry,” says Ian Cooke, President of British Marine. “But, we’ve seen an uplift in watersports and boating. People have really taken to it, and the weather’s helped.

“Who knew something so dreadful would have such an effect? It’s our responsibility to keep that interest going.

“The interest’s been phenomenal and very helpful to the sector. We want to carry it on into next year and our [BM’s] and the RYA’s efforts to increase participation are ongoing.”

Part of maintaining interest is running a show, in whatever form.

“There was clear demand and interest in having an event,” Cooke says. “We worked hard to make it work. There’s been a big effort to come to this point. It’s not just an event for visitors to look at boats or for builders to sell. The show affects a much wider sector of the industry with 10-15 people in the supply chain sitting behind each company.

“I really do have high hopes that interest seen will return sales and give a boost to the end of the boating season. It’s extremely exciting.”

BOATS2020 is turning out to be mainly about power, and features over 80 models on display via the show’s 5m wide pontoons.

As expected, there are some well-known names in the mix.

“At Princess Yachts, we are extremely keen to showcase boating locally,” says Kiran Haslam, chief marketing officer for Princess Yachts, who is bringing eight boats. “Over the past months we have seen more and more people moving their yachts for the summer boating season to the UK from places such as the Mediterranean. As a UK boat builder, this makes us immensely proud. BOATS2020 will not be a typical boat show as per shows of the past, but we believe in local boating and we celebrate local manufacturing being on display. We have felt great pride this summer, seeing some amazing boats up and down the UK coastline.”

BOATS2020 also features a landside exhibition area with deck equipment, sailmakers, electronics, watersports, and more.

Watersports exhibitors include The SUP Company. It had no qualms about attending a smaller version of SIBS in the current climate.

“We’ve been going to the boat show for the last six years,” says Robert Nagy, marketing executive. “We’re not sure how it will pan out this year, but hopefully it will be similar to previous years. It’s always been quite successful for us, so we keep going. We see visitors from all around the country. Although we’re based in Southampton, the shop is mainly e-commerce and we ship all over the country.

“Paddle boarding ties up with boat owners, a lot of owners have a paddle board onboard if they’re going on holiday.”

It’s even offering a free giveaway of a complete Fly Air Premium package from Fanatic including board, bag, paddle, pump, leash, fin and waterproof phone case to visitors to the show and the wider public.

Alongside the pontoons, there will be a selection of UK debuts (details below) including:

• Fairline Yachts‘ F//LINE 33 and its Squadron 68
• The Fjord 41 XL – hosted by Inspiration Marine Group
• The Pearl Yachts 62 and the Windy 37 Shamal debuted by Berthon International
• The Prestige 460 – the UK show debut of the new three cabin layout presented by Ancasta
• The Seakart 335 (hybrid jet ski and RIB) – brought by Searific Marine Distribution (https://searific.co.uk/)

Also on offer is a power pick and mix with the aforementioned Princess, Sunseeker and more from Prestige.

Ancasta will also be showcasing the Prestige 520, a Best of Boats International 2018 award winner, featuring the XXL Flybridge, unique on a 55ft motor yacht. And the Prestige 590, which features a generous flybridge and sleek radar arch to enhance onboard comfort and promote a powerful look. Unique in her category, the 590 offers the option of an independent crew cabin or a large tender garage.

Princess is bringing eight boats, including the all-new Y85, claimed to be a triumph of contemporary design.

Sealine Boats F430 Flybridge and the award-winning C330 Coupe (family boat) will be on display.

Joining Fairline’s line-up is the Squadron 50 and the Targa 45 OPEN (express cruiser).

Sunseeker is bringing its Manhattan 68 to make its show premiere which features Sunseeker’s innovative ‘Beach Club’ to bring guests closer to the water. The substantial bathing platform is suitable for launching a Williams Sportjet 395.

Sunseeker will also be showcasing the Predator 60 EVOTM, 95 Yacht, 76 Yacht, 74 Sport Yacht and Predator 50.

More about:

• New Fjord 41 XL — from the Hanse Group Shipyard, designed by Patrick Banfield, includes unique features such as single-level deck layouts, huge T-Top, solid bulwarks, modular deck configuration concept and exceptional seakeeping.
• The Pearl 62 — created by the successful collaboration between award-winning naval architect Bill Dixon and world-renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen, MBE, the spacious flybridge is complete with a covered dining area, bar and comfortable seating, while on the main deck forward, large sun pads create the perfect set up for lazy days on the water. Offers four luxurious cabins, plus the option of an additional crew cabin or garage.
• The Windy 37 Shamal — the latest release from Windy Scandinavia and its first production collaboration with world renowned super yacht designer Espen Øino. Conceived primarily as a day boat, the Windy 37 Shamal has a spacious two cabin arrangement. There is a large forward cabin with a double bed and a roomy centre cabin with twin beds.
• The Prestige 460 — designed by Garroni Design and engineered by JP Concepts, the Prestige 460 offers contemporary and timeless design. Highlight features include enlarged wheelhouse windows, which bathe the interior in light, as well as a class leading flybridge.
• The Seakart 335 — said to be a hybrid combining the speed and excitement of a jet ski with the safety and comfort of a RIB designed for families wanting a fun weekend small boat, or a yacht owner looking for a cross between an entertaining watercraft or a tender. At 3.5m long and 2m wide, with a choice of the superb two 4-stroke Yamaha jet engines being 110bhp and 180bhp with max speeds of 45mph and 65mph respectively, the Seakart 335 is also suited for towsports and water skiing to add another level of fun.

Tickets for some days are close to selling-out, say the organisers. Tickets must be purchased in advance.