Plymouth Boat Fest sets date for 2027 event

Plymouth Boat Fest will return to Plymouth Yacht Haven on Saturday 12 June 2027, with organisers inviting marine businesses to book exhibition space for the third edition of the boating event.

Hosted and organised by Plymouth Yacht Haven, the festival brings together recreational boating, marine services, technology, training, and conservation organisations to showcase the South West’s maritime sector. The programme is expected to include vessels on display, on-water demonstrations, marina exhibits, and shoreside stands.

Plymouth Boat Fest builds on first two editions

The event launched in June 2025, with its inaugural edition attracting more than 50 exhibiting companies and 30 vessels, according to organisers. Exhibitors represented a range of sectors, including leisure boating, marine technology, services, and conservation.

The 2026 edition attracted more than 60 exhibitors and thousands of visitors, according to organisers. The programme included an expanded pontoon display, live demonstrations, and a Marine Technology Zone featuring businesses working in maritime autonomy, including Marine AI, Fugro, Thales, and SEA-KIT. Demonstrations ranged from autonomous vessels to e-foiling, alongside activities involving the RNLI and local sailing organisations.

The 2026 event also built on the show’s community focus, with organisers highlighting opportunities for visitors to meet marine businesses and learn about employment and training in the sector. Further details of the 2027 programme have yet to be confirmed.

“Plymouth Boat Fest was created to showcase the breadth and strength of the South West’s maritime sector while providing an enjoyable and accessible event for the local community,” says Steve Cox, marina manager at Plymouth Yacht Haven.

“Since launching in 2025, the show has grown year-on-year, but our vision remains exactly the same: to celebrate boating in all its forms and highlight the people, businesses and organisations that make this region such an important centre for maritime activity. We are looking forward to welcoming visitors, exhibitors and vessels back to Plymouth in June 2027.”

Marine technology and regional industry

The Marine Technology Zone is set to feature again in 2027, with a focus on marine autonomy and innovation. Other planned elements include marina displays, shoreside exhibitors, career and training information, and organisations working in marine conservation.

Plymouth Yacht Haven provides a base for the event on the Cattewater. The marina and boatyard is part of Yacht Havens Group, which also operates a dry-stack marina at Yacht Haven Quay in Plymouth. The wider area has an established marine business presence, including companies working in maritime technology and autonomous systems.

The festival offers these businesses a public-facing platform alongside its appeal to boat owners and enthusiasts. Its mix of vessels, demonstrations, equipment, and services is intended to connect the commercial marine sector with the wider boating community.

Exhibitor bookings for Plymouth Boat Fest 2027 are now open. Further information is available on the official Plymouth Boat Fest website.