SIBS 2024 opens for business on bright day with large crowds

Southampton International Boat Show 2024 is open. The ceremony was co-hosted by Robert Parton, president of British Marine and (below left) capt. Glenn Shephard from Below Deck (the horribly addictive series about crews working on superyachts).

Visiting a show can be overwhelming at the best of times, especially when you have to make time to see an Oasis tribute band (Saturday afternoon) and Rufus the seagull hunting hawk.

Companies to keep an eye open for at SIBS 2024

Williams Jet Tenders is debuting its refreshed SportJet 520 and a limited-edition TurboJet 325 both of which highlight the company’s customisation capabilities.

The SportJet 520 is powered by a 230hp Rotax engine and now features improved bow seating, a 1.2m boarding pole, and a sturdy step pad option for easy boarding. The limited-edition TurboJet 325, celebrates Williams’ 20-year legacy with a custom colour scheme and suits smaller garages and bathing platforms of yachts ranging from 16-21 metres. This tender features improved fuel efficiency and a catalytic converter.

Universal Yachting is presenting the UK debut of the Dufour 44 on stand M539. This new model, which builds upon the success of the Dufour 41, has an extended hull chine to offer smoother sailing and increased stability. A considerable change with the latest hull designs is the additional volume achieved, which is immediately noticed below decks.

Sunseeker will be displaying 10 new yachts and its all-new Ocean 156.

Sunseeker’s Ocean range stands alongside the shipyard’s established ranges – Performance, Predator, Sport Yacht, Manhattan, Yacht and Superyacht. The company introduced the 90 Ocean in 2020 and the Ocean 182 in 2023.

“Sunseeker is thrilled to maintain its position as a premiere exhibitor at the Southampton International Boat Show,” says Andrea Frabetti, CEO at Sunseeker International. “Our display this year presents a special showcase of the most technically advanced and beautiful yachts in the market.”

Setag is unveiling its most ambitious project to date: the complete transformation of a 2013 Princess 72. The yacht’s been completely stripped and rebuilt to a custom personalised specification, along with extensive engineering rework. The aim is to demonstrate how a pre-owned yacht can surpass opulent new builds, offering unparalleled value for money.

RS Sailing is running a show offer on new RS Aero purchases. Customers who buy a second RS Aero rig get a 20 per cent saving when bought with a new or used boat. Additional accessories, such as padded foil and spar bags, will be available with up to 40 per cent off.

Plus, RS Sailing is offering ten 50 per cent off entry fees to the 7th RS Aero World Championships, which are taking place from 28 July to 2 August 2025 in France. The brand-new RS Aero 7 will be available from £7,990, including a launching trolley and top cover.

Optima Yachts (berth M322) is making its debut at the show and launching a new e14 model. That measures 14m (46 feet) in length, and is powered by a 100 per cent electric drive system. Its range is 150 nautical miles on one single charge. There will be open, t-top and enclosed versions available. The e14 supports fast DC-charging and is compatible with existing marina infrastructure, including 16A and 32A systems. Solar panels are also integrated, offering renewable energy for extended stays away from shore.

The Marinedi Group is offering industry operators, boating enthusiasts and all those interested in learning about Marinedi Group’s initiatives for an aperitif at its stand on 14 September at around 5pm. And during that time? Guests will be told about the company’s marina network along the Italian coast, and its range of dedicated services. The company offers stopovers (like the one pictured below) for British and European boat owners and nautical bases with flexible annual contacts.

New show exhibitors Goat Marine will be debuting a new high performance plaining race boat, which is currently still to be named.

Expedition Zero is unveiling its innovative yacht design during a 30-minute Foredeck Stage presentation on 16 September 16th at 11.45 am. It’s been meticulously designed to be the world’s most environmentally friendly adventure sailing vessel. Joining Expedition Zero on stage is Innovation Yachts, winners of the 2023 Ocean Tribute Award.

Arksen makes its global debut of the Arksen 8 – the first model in its Discovery Series. It’s said to have the capability to handle cross-channel and inter-island voyages with ease. With its extended range, enhanced power, and spacious interior, it measures eight metres in length with a 2.9-metre beam and can host up to 12 passengers.

The 24° deadrise deep V hull form, complete with detailed spray rails and an optimised forefoot, is engineered for ocean swells. Alongside the Arken 8, the company’s Foul Weather Jacket will also be on display. New for Autumn/Winter 2024, the jacket is reinforced with Cordura elbow and seat panels and is fully waterproof.

Ancasta Group‘s showing a plethora of craft. Catamarans from Lagoon, high-performing RIBs from Protector, innovative motor yachts from Prestige and a range of sail and motor yachts from Beneteau will be on display including the award-winning Beneteau First 44 and the Beneteau Oceanis 37.1 (a UK debut).

Advance Yacht Systems is launching Italian-made Paguro generators on stand J336. The line-up includes the Paguro 5.5 Mini Y, the Paguro 14 VK, the Paguro 18 VK, and the Paguro 22 EK. “We’re excited to introduce the latest range of Paguro generators,” says Rob Cotterill, MD at Advance Yacht Systems.

“The VK range of generators provides OEM boat builders with size and weight advantages at higher power outputs, while the Paguro 22 EK caters to the largest power demands. The Paguro 5.5 Mini Y, in particular, offers an an exceptional balance of power and compactness, building on the success of the Paguro 4 Mini Y.”

World and UK debuts taking place at SIBS 2024

This year British Marine says that more than 40 boats will be making either their world or UK debut at the show. Amongst the world debuts is the new Rustler 41MY, the first ever motor yacht from Rustler Yachts (below).

Sunseeker International will unveil the all-new Sunseeker Ocean 156.

Concept Marine Group/Southerly Yachts new flagship model, the limited edition Southerly 580 will make its world debut as will Ribcraft – unveiling the limited edition 5.85m Ribcraft, and Williams Jet Tenders launching the new SportJet 520.

The UK debuts line-up includes the Dufour 44, Beneteau Oceanis 37.1 and the new 37ft, Hanse 360 plus there’ll be Saffier Yachts SE24 LITE (pictured), SE27 LEISURE and SE33 LIFE and X-yachts new Xc 47.

For catamaran lovers, there’s the UK debut of the new Excess 14 Catamaran which has just arrived in Southampton and Key Yachting’s Nautitech 48.

Power boaters can check out JR Yachts Classic 7 fully electric picnic cruiser, Compass 190 BR powerboat, the new Stormforce 1150 Leisure RIB (pictured) and Azimut’s Seadeck 6.

Also making its UK debut is the Parker 700 Pilothouse and Parker Sorrento 100, Cormate Chase 35 Supermarine and the Cormate Utility 27 Supermarine.

Look out for the stylist new 6m Sabre sports boat, Greenline 45 Fly and Highfield Boats new EJET330 powered by ZeroJet.

Also the FJORD 39 XL, Nord Star 33+ Outboard and the Texas 540, Texas 605 and Texas 690.

Prestige Motor Yachts will debut the Prestige 4.9, as well as UK debuts of the Rand Roamer 29, Regal LS9 and Sargo 45. Also joining the UK powerboat debuts are the Interboat Intender 850, Corsiva 750, Targa 41 and Marex 440 alongside The Absolute Navetta 48.

New show exhibitors Navan will be debuting the C30, whilst the bright red and yellow Roto-Tech 450RCC is perfect for rescue use by the emergency services.

Keep abreast of which boat shows and events are coming up over the next few months.