Southampton boat show reveals 2025 attendance figures
The 56th Southampton International Boat Show — the UK’s largest marine exhibition — ended on Sunday 28 September, concluding ten days of boating displays, activities and industry engagement. The event featured more than 500 watercraft, 700 brands and a varied programme of demonstrations and presentations.
Organisers have confirmed that this year’s attendance reached over 91,200 visitors. On the marina and across the showground, more than 50 world and UK product premieres were introduced, including launches from Fairline, Sunseeker, Princess Yachts, Oyster, Spirit Yachts, Rustler and Axopar.
The bumper SIBS 2024 edition last year drew 100,300 visitors, and hosted more than 86 world and UK premieres. In 2023, the show drew 92,000 people, despite adverse weather conditions.
Thunder Child II, described as an advanced wave-piercing powerboat, was among the featured vessels. Other notable boats on display included the 52ft Outerlimits Good Boy Vodka, the Clipper 70, High Speed Launch 102 and the Landing Craft F8, the latter carrying a pride-themed wrap to mark 25 years since the ban on gay people serving in the UK Armed Forces was lifted.
On-water opportunities were provided by Rockley Watersports, Flexisail, Andark and Ocean Scene. More than 9,500 visitors took part in dinghy sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, RIB rides, motorboating and diving. The Watersports Lake, operated by Rockley, remained busy throughout. Spectators were also drawn to the On the Water Stunt Show, which included flyboarding, jet skiing, wingfoiling and hydroflight.
The 2025 show also introduced new areas, including the Cockpit, presented by Powerboat & RIB Magazine, and the Powerboat Hub, where simulators and equipment displays were available. The Explore Boating Zone provided guidance for newcomers, while the Wooden Boat Stage highlighted traditional craftsmanship. Other areas included the Boating Academy, Chef’s Ahoy and The Shipyard, which combined food, live music and evening sessions.
Guests during the event included adventurer Aldo Kane, Olympic sailor Hannah Mills OBE, presenter Scott Mills, yachtsman Conrad Humphreys and chef Matt Dawkins. Captain Jason Chambers, known from Below Deck Down Under, contributed by officiating a marriage vow renewal at the show.
Further highlights included a visit from HRH The Princess Royal, a presentation by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and a display by the Red Devils parachute team. The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, the official charity partner, organised workshops, music and fundraising activities during the event.
Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, says: “Southampton International Boat Show brings the marine community together – from newcomers taking their first steps afloat to seasoned boaters exploring the latest innovations. With the support of our exhibitors, partners and sponsors, we continue to deliver the UK’s leading leisure marine showcase: a marketplace and platform where exhibitors and visitors connect, creating opportunities that drive the whole industry forward.
“We are already shaping exciting new features for 2026, keeping the public inspired, supporting businesses and celebrating the best of our sector.”
The 57th Southampton International Boat Show is scheduled for 18–27 September 2026. Ticket sales are expected to open soon.
Exhibitors also gave feedback. David O’Rourke, managing director of Approved Boats, says: “It’s been a great show for us, bolstered by several UK Premières from our Absolute Yachts and Fairline brands against the backdrop of glorious weather — we’ve sold multiple boats to the value in excess of £7m right here at Southampton. What really stands out is how the show keeps evolving, moving with the times and finding creative ways to engage people. It’s the perfect platform for us, and this year has been one of the best yet.”
Mark Beeley, head of marine and ATV at Suzuki, says: “We’ve had a really successful show. We’ve raised around £3,000 for Wetwheels through coffee sales, sunglasses giveaways and other merchandise. We’ve also taken more than a thousand visitors out on the water for RIB rides, which has been a great experience. The stand has had fantastic footfall.
“We’ve made sales at the show, and the partners who use our engines have also had a great response. The weather has been better than expected, which has really added to the atmosphere. Overall, we’re really happy with how the show has gone, and we’re excited to keep building on this success.”
Neville Snell, managing director of Marine Hygiene, adds: “The new format for SIBS 25 has been somewhat challenging, but we’ve had our highest sales revenue to date and increased exposure by winning the Environmental Award 2025. We look forward to building on this with the RYA.”
Not going again – more money for less. So bad that even the Guiness tent had gone.
it was again, greatly reduced in size. only two large tents on the shore. a lot of exhibitions missing . over priced, I would not have gone if I did not get a free ticket at the last minute. £29 is not good value. I would not think of taking my wife unless it was buy one get one free. I went to look at the north side, too much garden building and furniture . the exhibitions has lost it way.
I agree with previous comments. I’ve been going to the boat show regularly for about 50 years. It’s been in decline for a few years but both my wife & I were shocked by the ticket price & how much the show had shrunk this year. Also the options for food & drinks were very limited & expensive. As for the ticket price, absurd. Sadly, I don’t think we’ll be going again.
An unfortunate shadow of its former self..can’t see it being around for much longer…very disappointing that a once great island nation can no longer even put on a spectacular marine fair!
I really enjoy the boat show. it is one of my favourite ‘days out’ if the year (and the only remaining boat show) The activities are great, and some fascinating stands, (my daughter has made a lengthy of rope every year since she was a toddler!). And I will definitely be spending money off the back of it(!), but there are some caveats..
1. Ticket prices, we always scout about for discounts. We wouldn’t go at full price.
2. Food prices are definitely on the wrong side of the laffer curve. We love eating out, but this is definitely a ‘packed lunch’, and then grab a burger once we have left.
3. There seem to be more sheds and none boating stalls, and fewer chandlery type retailers, which is a shame as a lot of my wardrobe has come from the boat show!
It’s good to see the ‘attendees’ giving the real picture of this overpriced and had its day boat show.
Ignore the hype…
There was nothing I especially wanted to see, but was tempted to go: until saw gate ticket price was £32!
I don’t see the point of this show anymore. It used to be a social event as well as a chance to see what’s going on in the marine industry.
There used to be bargains and a chance to pay more realistic prices.
We all know that once the word “Marine” is in the description, the price trebles.
The days of saying ” see you at the show, midday at the Guinness tent!” are long gone.
I’m not sure who the show is aimed at, but it certainly isn’t me.
The entry price is not reflective of the show on offer.
Maybe it should happen every other year, but to be honest, if it ceased to exist, it would not concern me at all.
Full Ticket price at £30 is far too high. We got 1 at £10 and 1 at £20 through RYA membership. We wouldn’t have come without this. We knew it would be smaller from the preshow advertising so we weren’t surprised by this. We expect food and drink at any form of ticketed venue to be expensive but SIBS was top end even against that background. Too few chandlers there and too few chandlery discounts compared to boat show heyday. Who goes to a boat show to buy a Bentley or garden furniture? I love to know what their show sales figures were.