PSP Southampton Boat Show: 11 - 20 September
Discover, explore and enjoy all that boating has to offer at the 2009 PSP Southampton Boat Show, which takes place from 11 - 20 September in Mayflower Park.
The PSP Southampton Boat Show is set to break records this year - literally. National Boat Shows (NBS) is aiming to break a number of world records throughout the duration of the Show, with a helping hand from the 122,000 visitors to Mayflower Park.
The UK’s leading outdoor social event showcases boating, watersports and lifestyle. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just keen to learn the ropes, everyone can enjoy boating at the Show. With headline sponsor PSP on board for another year, the Show in association with ITV Meridian will display almost 1,000 boats and 500 exhibitors throughout the 10-day marine extravaganza.
Facts and Stats – The show at a glance
• 41st Show
• 10 days
• 122,000 visitors
• 1,000 boats
• 375 of those on water
• 500 exhibitors
• 120,000m² of space
• 1.6km of marina
This year's show features:
Exhibitors - With over 500 exhibitors and 1000 boats on display, visitors to the most exciting Show on the South Coast won't be short of things to see. Whether its power boats, sailing yachts or smaller dinghies; guests attracted to Show have plenty to explore. Those visitors looking for marine accessories at the Show will also be spoilt for choice, with many exhibitors offering chandlery, deck equipment, clothing, holidays, charters and much more!
The Marina - Housing exhibitors who wish to showcase their vessels on-water alongside an exciting line up of feature boats, the marina is always a big draw to the Show; and is Europe’s largest purpose built show marina measuring an impressive 1.6km long.
Tall Ship - Following the massive popularity of HMS Bounty in 2007 and Jeanie Johnston last year, NBS will shortly be announcing 2009’s featured tall ship. The ship is to be moored alongside Solent Park for the duration of the Show and will cater for fans of a more traditional type of sailing vessel.
The Record Breaker Stage Show - Providing a focal point for the Show, the Stage, located in Solent Park, will not only feature the Show’s Official Opening on 11 September, but will also see the organisers and visitors work together in attempts to smash world records every day of the Show.
Search and Recue - Three times a day, every day, the MCA and RNLI will stage live demonstrations of a search and rescue operation from both air and sea perspectives. Whilst a spectacle in itself, the demonstration aims to highlight the element of danger present at high sea, and the rescues made by the everyday heroes within the MCA and RNLI.
Try-a-Boat - The on-water location provides a perfect setting for one of the Show’s most popular features. With the choice of trialling a RIB, powerboat or yacht for free, anyone looking to get out on the water should head down to the booking stand early to avoid disappointment.
Make The Most of Your Day - The Show will also host the Guinness Village, a favourite of Show visitors. It offers the perfect meeting point for visitors who want to catch up with old friends and acquaintances, as well as those who simply wish to rest their legs with a refreshing beverage. The Champagne Bar - Overlooking the marina, is the ideal spot for refined relaxation, serving seafood and bubbly throughout the Show. Local caterers, Delicious Dining, will also be bringing two of the South Coast’s favourite restaurants to the Show, Dockgate 4 and Banana Wharf
Opening Hours
| Friday 11 September | 10am – 7pm | Press & Preview Day * |
| Saturday 12 September | 10am – 7pm | Public Day |
| Sunday 13 September | 10am – 7pm | Public Day |
| Monday 14 September | 10am – 7pm | Public Day |
| Tuesday 15 September | 10am – 7pm | Public Day |
| Wednesday 16 September | 10am – 7pm | Public Day |
| Thursday 17 September | 10am – 7pm | Public and Ladies Day |
| Friday 18 September | 10am – 7pm | Public Day |
| Saturday 19 September | 10am – 7pm | Public Day |
| Sunday 20 September | 10am – 6pm | Public Day |
* Press and Preview Day is also a public day
Tickets - Save money and beat the queues when you buy your tickets in advance
National Boat Shows is delighted to offer Southampton Events and What's On users £5 off of each ticket purchased - full ticket price £18. (Offer excludes Public Preview Day on 11 September). Tickets are valid from 12 – 20 September. This offer is available by logging onto the Show’s website at www.southamptonboatshow.com quoting P10 or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 209 0333. Please check the website for any additional online transaction fees
| Type of ticket | On the gate price | In advance discounted price on line or by telephone *quote P10 |
| Adult Ticket* | £18.00 | £13.00 |
| Concession* | £13.00 | £10.50 |
| 2 Day Ticket | £30.00 | £21.00 |
| Preview Day (11th) Adult | £23.00 | £18.00 |
| Preview Day (11th)Concession | £18.00 | £15.50 |
For added value, two children aged 15 and under will be admitted free for every adult ticket purchased.
How To Get There
Mayflower Park is situated on the Waterfront with excellent views across Southampton Water.
If you are using Sat Nav, the post code for this area is SO14 2AQ or a map of the park can be viewed below.
View Larger Map
Visitors are recommended to travel to the show by public transport and you can use the Travel Line web link on the right hand side of the page to assist you in planning your journey.
Parking - Please be aware that this year there are no Park And Ride facilities to the Show. There are approx. 10,000 parking spaces throughout the city centre. Charges vary.
Bus - The closest bus stops to the Mayflower Park are in the Bargate/High Street/Town Quay area. There is a free 'City Link' bus that runs between Southampton Central train station and Town Quay which is near Bugle Street every 15 minutes.
Rail - Southampton Central is the closest mainline station. Please use platform 4 exit to walk to the Boat Show. It’s a 10 min walk to the Showground or you can take the free City Link bus to the Town Quay. For further information on rail services call National Rail Enquiries on telephone 08457 484950
A free overview Entry Map of the Show, features and facilities will be available for visitors to pick up at the Entrance and throughout the Showground.
Southampton has also become 'the' place to be this summer as Sea City 2009, the city's annual festival celebrating Southampton's connection with the sea, attracts thousands of tourists and visitors each year.
If you would like to contact someone in relation to this page, please send an email to: events@southampton.gov.uk
