uk yacht show

The Best UK Boat Shows in 2024

Introduction

2024 is jam-packed with an array of boat shows, sailboat shows and yachting events galore! We have curated a list of the absolute best boat shows in the UK, tailored specifically for boat and yacht enthusiasts like yourself. We cover when the events take place, their standout features, and more. Dive into this blog and allow it to serve as a boat events calendar and explore the top and exclusive boat shows happening across the UK this year.

If you have a yacht or boat, or are thinking of purchasing one, contact Admiral Marine to get the best yacht insuranc e for your vessel. Admiral Marine deals exclusively with yacht and boat insurance.  Our team has a wealth of marine insurance experience and understands what sailors want from their yacht or boat policy.

Oceanology International , a biennial event established in 1969, serves as a global platform for showcasing the latest ocean technologies and developments. With events across the globe, including the UK, Middle East, China and San Diego, the event facilitates knowledge exchange and networking opportunities among industry stakeholders, academia, and government bodies, making it a vital forum for advancing marine science and technology. Oceanology will take place from the 12 th -14 th March at Excel London.

Boat Show London

Boat Show London , also known as London Luxury Afloat, is a prestigious event set to take place at the St Katherine Docks Marina in London from April 9th to 14th, 2024. Presented by British Marine this luxury yacht expo is located in Central London’s only marina that is surrounded by waterfront bars, cafes, and restaurants, offering an excellent location for any global boat show. This London boat show is tailored to prospective buyers, showcasing some of the most luxurious sail and motor yachts in the world. St Katherine Docks also provide a wide variety of cuisine, making it a perfect venue for a yacht event.

South Coast and Green Tech Boat Show

The South Coast and Green Tech Boat Show , fuses two premier events; a comprehensive showcase of global power and sail brands alongside innovative eco-friendly products. The show starts in April, from the 19 th to 21 st , in Ocean Village Marina, Southampton, the event offers free visitor attendance and the opportunity to explore over eighty new boats while also providing access to ancillary services such as finance and insurance , making it a must visit for serious buyers.

The British Motor Yacht Show

Slated for May 16 th to 19 th , The British Motor Yacht Show offers a curated selection of luxury motor yachts from renowned brands like Fairline, Princess, and Sunseeker. Hosted by Premier Marinas, the event provides an unparalleled opportunity for prospective buyers to engage with industry professionals and explore the latest offerings in the luxury yacht market.

Crick Boat Show

The Crick Boat Show , running from May 25 th to 27 th , offers a unique, not-to-miss experience at Crick Waterside & Marina, renowned for its picturesque setting and convenient amenities. Boasting a range of boats and a friendly atmosphere, the show attracts boating enthusiasts seeking both relaxation and exploration. When planning your visit, make sure you schedule in activities such as boat handling taster courses, seminars and boat trips.  

Can you believe Europe’s largest on-water commercial marine and workboat exhibition is right here in the UK? Seawork is going to mark its 25 th anniversary this year, taking place from June 11 th to 13 th at Mayflower Park in Southampton. Seawork also provides an invaluable opportunity for networking and business development within the commercial marine and workboat sector. Co-located with Marine Civils, the event offers tailored conference sessions, government briefings, and industry forums. Attendees can expect to explore the latest advancements in equipment, services, and vessels at the Seawork Innovations Showcase. On opening day the European Commercial Marine Awards are held, making Seawork a must attend event for professionals in the industry.

Southampton International Boat Show

The Southampton International Boat Show, scheduled from September 13 th to 22 nd , promises a captivating experience for families, water sport enthusiasts, and boat buyers alike. Taking place in Mayflower Park in Southampton, the week-long event features a diverse array of marine brands showcasing everything from paddleboards to superyachts. With expert advice on hand and ample opportunities to get out on the water, the Southampton International Boat show offers an immersive experience for all attendees.

Conclusion In conclusion, given the array of upcoming yacht and boat shows, it promises a thrilling year for marine enthusiasts. From the grandeur of royal yacht events to the innovation showcased at UK boat shows, each event offers a unique glimpse into the latest in nautical excellence. The UK’s 2024 maritime calendar is brimming with opportunities to connect with the heart of the yachting world. Don’t miss the chance to partake in these unparalleled yachting experiences, set against the backdrop of some of the most prestigious nautical exhibitions and marine events.

After completing a BSc degree at University in 2000, Cristelle started a career in the financial industry in a private pension company.  She began her career in insurance in 2007 and subsequently with Admiral Marine in 2008, focusing on the provision of yacht insurance worldwide. Her career at Admiral Marine has progressed from Underwriting Assistant to Deputy Underwriter to now Lead Underwriter and Cristelle now has over 15 years’ experience in the yacht insurance industry. 

Cristelle can be contacted via phone or email.

Admiral Marine is a trading name of Admiral Marine Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 306002) for general insurance business. Registered in England and Wales Company No. 02666794 at 1st Floor, One The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6DG

If you wish to register a complaint, please contact the Compliance and Training Manager on  [email protected] .  If you are unsatisfied with how your complaint has been dealt with, you may be able to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).  The FOS website is  www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Southampton Boat Show 2023: Your essential guide to Britain’s biggest boat show

• Theo Stocker
• September 4, 2023

Theo Stocker takes a look ahead to the 2023 Southampton Boat Show, and finds a massive event packed with new boats, gear and activities

Boat show season starts in earnest in the autumn as boat builders begin launching their models for the next season. Cannes, with its French glamour, is the first of these (12-17 Sept), where the major European builders have a big presence, followed by the Southampton Boat Show (15-24 Sept). Thereafter, most of the shows are indoors, notably Paris and Düsseldorf, followed by more local shows in the spring and early summer.

This is a quick preview of what’s coming up at the 2023 Southampton Boat Show which, for UK readers, probably provides the most interest. It’s remains a good indicator of what’s new in the world of sailing.

Meet the team

The Yachting Monthly team will, as ever, be at the 2023 Southampton Boat Show. We’ll be announcing the winners of this year’s Brian Black Memorial Award – our competition for the best article and the best video about coastal biodiversity as seen from a cruising boat. Judged by Mike Golding, Dee Caffari and Monty Halls, among others, there will be drinks and nibbles on the B&G stand (J377) in Ocean Hall at 1530 on Friday 15 September.

This will be followed by ‘Meet the Yachting Monthly’ team drinks at the Guinness Bar from 1700 on Friday 15. Come along, grab a drink, and say hello to the editorial staff and some of our expert contributors. We’d love to see you and to have a chat over a pint.

Yachting Monthly, along with Practical Boat Owner magazine, will also be sponsoring the Foredeck Stage this year, so keep an eye on the programme for talks by us or some of our expert contributors.

Foredeck stage highlights

• How to pass your Yachtmaster – Theo Stocker, Rich Falk and James Stevens (13:00-13:30, Mon 18/9)
• Sailing with spinnakers – Theo Stocker and Rachel Sprot (15:30-16:30, Mon 18/9)
• VHF radio etiquette – Theo Stocker and Andy Du Port (12:30-13:00, Weds 20/9)
• Jeanne Socrates in conversation with the Cruising Association and Practical Boat Owner magazine (15:30-16:00, Thurs 21/9)

Download the full schedule and the Southampton Boat Show map here (5.6MB PDF)

Things to do at the 2023 Southampton Boat Show

If you want to get on the water, there will be plenty of opportunities at the ‘On the Water’ zone, all for free, though booking may be required. The Try a Boat area includes a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 from Flexisail, single-handed and double-handed dinghies, kayaks and paddleboards, with instruction and kit provided by Rockley Watersports.

The tall ship Thalassa will be in the marina, with evening sails aboard for a small fee. For kids, there’s a show-wide treasure hunt, knot tying in the classic boat section, face-painting (at the weekends), scuba diving mini-pool and a watersports lake, as well as flyboard and jetski demos and a whole host of food stalls to choose from, plus live music on the Heart Stage.

If you’re a purist, don’t miss the full range of chandlers, sail makers, electronics, hardware and charter operators at the show. There’s more than enough to keep you busy for a day or two.

Souhtampton Boat Show 2023 ticket offer

Use the code YM2023 when you buy tickets to Southampton Boat Show to claim your discount for a single any-day ticket at £19.99, instead of £32.

Two children under 15 can be admitted for free with each adult ticket. Concessions costing £17 are available to anyone who works for the NHS, armed forces, emergency services, or who is a student, over 60 or disabled. Carers also get in for free.

Must see boats at the 2023 Southampton Boat Show

It’s a world debut for the newly launched Hanse 410

Coastal cruisers

There are a host of cruising boats to see at this show, including a few premiers. The Bavaria C46 is making it’s debut as the latest edition to the high-volume, but seakindly and powerful C-line yachts.

Of the four Hanses at the show, the Hanse 410 is brand new, and the Hanse 510 almost as new. The 410 aims to offer unparalleled living space, while being fun and easy to sail.

It’s a good opportunity to see the whole line up of the Beneteau Oceanis range, where you can step aboard the 30.1, 34.1, 40.1 and the 46.1, though sadly not the new 37.1.

French builder Jeanneau will have most of its new-style Sun Odyssey range on show, including the Sun Odyssey 380, which I tested and enjoyed sailing recently. These boats are set apart by their step-free access to the sidedecks via an incline from the helm.

Bringing two factory-fresh models, Dufour is showing the Dufour 37 and the Dufour 41 , both of which are coastal cruising boats with hulls and sailplans to offer more performance, better sea-keeping and more living comfort with Dufour’s trademark outdoor living spaces.

If you’re keen to see smaller boats, Swallow Yachts, Cornish Crabbers, Astus, Viko and BTC are all worth looking at, and Highlander boats offer a very pretty range of small clink GRP dinghies.

The first image of the new Arcona 50 under sail

Bluewater yachts

If you’re after a blue-water cruising boat, the aft-cockpit Hallberg-Rassy 400 and the centre-cockpit Hallberg-Rassy 44 on the pontoons are both yachts that continue to set the bar when it comes to top-end serious cruising boats. By way of comparison, don’t omit a visit to Rustler Yachts, where you’ll find the traditionally-styled and owner-bespoke Rustler 57, with her low, graceful lines and powerful sailplan.

Swan’s 58 is also worth a look while you’re there. The new Arcona 50 is the brand’s first blue-water cruising boat, yet it still stays true to Arcona’s performance pedigree.

Although not on the water, one name that will be familiar to all sailors is Southerly. Like a phoenix from the ashes, the brand is being revived (again) by Concept Yachts in Southampton, with plans for a new model based around the tried-and-tested lifting keel technology (stand W001).

Tested by us in the next issue, the new J45 from J-Boats is a powerful entry into the cruising sector

Performance cruisers

There will an amazing range of powerful, high-end cruising boats at the show, many of them new to the show, if not the UK.

J-Boats has had decades of success with its racing boats and is looking to appeal to the cruising market with its lovely new J45 , which I tested earlier this summer – the review will be in the next issue (YM, Oct 23).

Beneteau has two brand new performance cruiser racers – the First 36 and the First 44 . The 36 in particular is designed to be fast, fun and exciting to sail without being too demanding on crew or bank balances, with some innovative design touches.

In addition to Jeanneau’s cruising range, I’m very much looking forward to seeing the launch of the very racy Sunfast 30OD, which has been developed in conjunction with racing bodies such as RORC.

Dehler will also be bringing the latest generation of its boats, with the 38SQ and 46SQ. I tested the 46SQ last autumn in some pretty meaty conditions, where the boat showed itself to be quick as well as a proper cruiser.

And don’t miss X-Yachts stunning new fast cruiser, the X43 , which we put through her paces recently.

Nautitech’s Open 44 is aiming for more performance than earlier models

Key Yachting will be showing the brand new Marc Lombard Nautitech 44 Open , which features the trademark helms aft and outboard on both sides, featuring a larger, more powerful sailplan than on earlier models.

Other multihulls we think would be worth paying a visit include Neel’s offering – the innovative and lively 43, which we reviewed earlier this year – as well as several interesting offerings from the likes of Fountaine Pajot, Dragonfly, Excess, Lagoon, Bali and Astus.

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20 of the best new boats at the 2022 Southampton Boat Show

• Top stories

We pick out 20 of the best new boats heading to Britain’s biggest boat show, the 2022 Southampton International Boat Show.

When: Friday 16 to Sunday 25 September (excluding Monday 19 September – closed for the Queen’s Funeral) Opening time: 10am – 6pm (5pm on 25 Sept) Where: Mayflower Park, Southampton SO15 1ST

There’s something infectious about an outdoor show with an on-water display in a proper nautical city – and once again, the Southampton International Boat Show looks set to make the very most of its natural assets.

As home to Europe’s largest purpose-built exhibition marina, it will feature a Get Afloat initiative, involving dinghies, kayaks and paddleboards. And it will also adopt a redesigned layout ( download 3MB PDF ) with new activity-focused zones for Watersports, Dinghies, Classic and Day Boats.

But what most of us go to Southampton for are the latest motor boats to hit the UK market and, in that regard, the 2022 Southampton Boat Show will be a spectacular showcase. We’ve sifted through the entire exhibitor list and cherry-picked 20 new boats, each of which is due to make its show, UK or World debut on the south coast.

They encompass everything from cats and monohulls to RIBs, day boats and flybridge cruisers. They go from 25 to 70ft in length and while some are targeted upgrades on existing models, others are completely new boats from the ground up.

Of course, you might still decide to trawl Europe’s autumn show circuit in search of big-ticket glamour. But if you want a simple way to get on board the best new boats around, there’s no more entertaining way to achieve it than this.

21 of the best new boats at the 2022 Southampton Boat Show

The Aquila 44 is a proper wide-beam cruising cat

With a beam of 21ft 6in, the Aquila 44 is nearly 50% as wide as it is long, and that enables it to incorporate a walkaround layout with wide side decks, without restricting the open-plan design of its beamy saloon.

At the aft end of that space, a well-placed galley, with retractable partition and fold-out bar, makes excellent use of the threshold between the saloon and the cockpit.

And with a convertible saloon dinette, plus three ensuite double cabins, there’s ample space to sleep up to eight.

Read more about the Aquila 44

The Archipelago 47 is an aluminium cat with global ambitions

Archipelago 47

Capable of running at speeds of up to 30 knots, sleeping up to eight people in four separate cabins and cruising continuously for more than 3,000nm, the new Archipelago 47 is all about expanding your horizons.

As a robust long-distance aluminium power cat , it leverages the design input of Chartwell Marine, a firm of naval architects whose primary area of expertise is powercats for the offshore windfarm industry.

But the Archipelago 47 isn’t just about pared back practicality. According to Archipelago, it combines that with the “homely feel of a family cruiser” and it also happens to be one of the most stylish examples of its type you are ever likely to see.

Read more about the Archipelago 47

Since it appeared on the scene in 2019, British adventure brand, Arksen Yachts , has been busy developing a range of rugged off-grid cruisers with keen expedition capabilities, like self-righting hulls, tough aluminium construction and vast cruising ranges of up to 7,000nm.

But while its larger ‘Supeyacht Explorer’ models (the Arksen 65 and Arksen 85 ) are built by the Wight Shipyard Company in Cowes, the new Arksen 45 is slightly different.

Constructed in collaboration with Ring Powercraft in Itchenor, this first of Arksen’s new Adventure Power Series is designed as a “premium SUV” for rapid, all-action weekend adventures.

Read more about the Arksen 45

The Axopar 25 is the point at which the game pushes beyond simple open dayboating to incorporate authentic weekend cruising. Available as a Spyder or T-top, it subtly alters the open walkaround deck of the Axopar 22 with a starboard helm console, a port walkway and a two-berth cuddy with toilet.

But with a 7ft 4in beam and a weight of just 1,750kg plus engine, it remains easily trailerable. And with a price that starts at €121,000 and a claimed fuel flow rate of just 1.2 litres per nm at 25 knots, it looks pretty affordable to own and run too.

The final part of the package is some welcome deck flexibility. In addition to the two-person bow sunbed, the cockpit has a pair of reversible helm seats and a choice of three aft layouts: a simple forward-facing aft bench for two; a U-shaped dinette for six; or a central storage unit with convertible seating and sunpad.

Read more about the Axopar 25

The new Azimut 53 is all about serious high-volume tri-deck flexibility on a relatively compact platform. Naturally then, it uses Volvo Penta’s IPS system, not just in pursuit of improved pace and fuel efficiency but also as a means of increasing lower deck living space.

In practice, that gains about 2ft over a traditional shaft-drive set-up and that’s enough to enable Azimut designer, Alberto Mancini, to create a full-beam owner’s cabin with a large bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, plus a pair of ensuite guest doubles.

There’s also the option of a single crew cabin aft but if you’re a self-drive cruiser (as most people will be at this length), it’s equally handy as a storage locker for your toys. On the main deck, there’s a fairly conventional saloon-forward, galley-aft layout with external dining stations both fore and aft.

And up on the flybridge, a distinctly convivial arrangement, with sunbeds forward and a wraparound dinette aft, puts the skipper right at the heart of the party.

Read more about the Azimut 53

Bavaria SR36

The Bavaria SR36 is a clever boat. The cockpit, for instance, provides two very enjoyable dining zones – one on the port side of the main cockpit opposite the huge wet bar. And another more intimate C-shaped dining area that faces out over the aft swim platform.

This is slightly offset to port to create a larger starboard side deck and this laudable user-friendliness is also reflected in the options list. You can choose either a full hardtop with or without sliding doors across the back to enclose the cockpit, or a skimpier one with a gap between the windscreen and the roof for the full wind-in-the hair experience.

Down below, the midships owner’s cabin can be rigged with a large double or two separate berths and the long couch can also double as an occasional extra berth.

Up in the bow, the guest double can be specced as a private room or you can choose a more open-plan layout to maximise light and space by linking the forward cabin with the big central saloon.

Read more about the Bavaria SR36

The new Beneteau Antares 8 comes in Cruising and Fishing variants

Beneteau Antares 8

The Beneteau Antares 8 has been doing good business as a versatile family companion for more than a decade now but the 2022 model appears to be the slickest yet.

At the heart of the latest Beneteau Antares 8 overhaul is accessibility. A new starboard side gate makes access to the pontoon much simpler.

The wide aft swim platforms sit flush with the deck for easy movement into the cockpit. And the starboard walkway has been widened for better access to the sunbathing area at the bow.

Read more about the Beneteau Antares 8

The bold styling of the Bluegame BGX60 instantly demands your attention

Bluegame BGX60

The BGX70 was one of the major talking points of the 2019 Cannes Boat Show owing to its unique layout, with a water-level aft sundeck leading to a sunken saloon on the lower deck.

Bluegame has applied the same formula to this 60ft model, which was announced at the 2020 Genoa Boat Show and will be making its Southampton debut later this month.

The Bluegame BGX60 is the brainchild of celebrated Italian custom yachting specialist, Sanlorenzo . And when you step on board, that absolutely shows.

The lower saloon, for instance, is a spectacular asset. Positioned deep down and way aft, it opens out onto a vast stern deck, creating a watersports , relaxation and party zone that feels like the Beach Club of an authentic custom superyacht .

Read more about the Bluegame BGX60

The Dale Classic 37’s semi-planing hull can reach 28 knots

Dale Classic 37

During its 60-year history on the beautiful waters of Milford Haven, Dale Motor Yachts  has come to epitomise what artisan boat building is all about. Strong hulls, bullet-proof build, classic lines, impeccable joinery, lovely materials, easy customisation.

And in the form of the lovely-looking new Dale Classic 37, conceived during lockdown, there’s every reason to get excited once again. The idea behind the new boat was to create a beautiful cruiser in the classical style but with more sleeping space than the Dale 35 and more manageable proportions than the Dale Classic 45 .

To help guarantee serious offshore cruising abilities, it would be built upon the same Category A semi-displacement hull as the Dale 40 . And to ramp up the flexibility, it would come with a fully enclosed wheelhouse and the capacity to sleep four people at a time.

Read more about the Dale Classic 37

Power has been upgraded to twin 250s on the SUV model

Dromeas D28 SUV

Looking for a boat that taps into the modern appetite for multi-purpose recreation? Then the Dromeas D28 SUV is for you.

This new wheelhouse model uses the same twin-stepped deep-vee hull as the existing Walkaround and Centre Console variants but adds an enclosed pilothouse and a pair of 250hp outboards for serious year-round fun.

The central pilothouse itself uses a large sunroof, twin sliding side doors and wraparound glazing for big views and an open boating feel, ensuring it stays warm in winter but not too hot in summer.

Read more about the Dromeas D28 SUV

Fairline Squadron 68

Fairline’s flagship flybridge cruiser has received a serious overhaul for 2022. There’s a new galley design on the main deck with extra workspace plus a sociable bar area that straddles the space between internal saloon and external cockpit.

You can also now opt for a tri-fold patio door aft, as well as a starboard side door, which is great for single-handed helming, for extra ventilation in warm weather and for unobstructed movement around the boat.

Available with either three or four cabins, the master suite comes with a kingsize bed, a starboard office and a port settee – and the VIP guest cabin has been given some useful extra space, plus twin beds that convert into a double at the touch of a button.

Updated materials and finishes, as well as a tweaked window line, add extra dynamism to the 68, bringing it well into line with the styling exhibited by the rest of the fleet. And up on the flybridge, the redesigned hardtop now comes with a retractable canvas sunroof and an integrated electric aft sunshade for extra day boating flexibility.

Read more about the Fairline Squadron 68

The new entry-level Fjord is a very attractive party platform

Fjord 38 Open

While it might be the baby of the fleet, the 38 Open is pure unadulterated ‘Fjord’. In line with its larger siblings, the Fjord 38 Open is all about big walkaround decks and relaxing alfresco day spaces, with weekending facilities in the bow and elegant (though minimalist) styling.

Essentially it’s a dayboating party platform and it commits to that with its deck furniture. At the heart of the cockpit, beneath a low-profile T-top with extendable aft sunshade, a pair of three-person benches face off across a dining table.

They use reversible backrests that also fold flat, enabling you to turn this section into forward facing benches, a full sunbed or both.

Read more about the Fjord 38 Open

This is exactly what makes Galeon special

Galeon 510 Skydeck

The Galeon 510 Sky Deck is based squarely on the award-winning 500 Fly. It takes the same hull and lower deck arrangements and then modifies the upper deck to upgrade the style, drop the centre of gravity and sharpen up the handling.

The flybridge is of course reduced in size but it still has room for wraparound bench seats and a pair of loungers on either side of the central helm. And the shifting of the fly deck aft also frees up the space for a huge glass sunroof above the lower helm.

Read more about the Galeon 510 Skydeck

Racing pedigree comes as standard

Iron Boats 767

Being the second largest of the four models in the fleet, the Iron Boats 767 is a great showcase for this new Scandinavian brand.

Designed as “a unique concept in hybrid RIB/sportsboat design”, it uses a low-slung D-shaped fender to drop the centre of gravity and add protection without the internal volume penalty incurred by a traditional air-filled RIB collar.

Like the rest of the fleet, the hull of the Iron Boats 767 has been designed in Sweden with input from the celebrated Mannerfelt Design Team. That has been matched to a centre-console layout that keeps the decks clear and the weight where it belongs.

Read more about the Iron Boats 767

The Nord Star 36+ Fly offers serious versatility

Nord Star 36+ Fly

With three decks and five-berth accommodation in a sub 40-footer, the Nord Star 36+ Fly certainly packs a lot of functionality into a very manageable package.

In spite of its secure walkaround layout, the central pilothouse still has room for a large aft dinette, a starboard sideboard and helm seating for three.

There’s also an unobstructed internal walkway, twin doors to the side decks and a permanent aft door for direct access to the aft cockpit.

Read more about the Nord Star 36+ Fly

Princess F65

Princess proclaims that this new flagship of the F Class “sets the direction for an all-new design language… with an emphasis on sculptural surfaces and lengthened feature lines”.

On the inside, a choice of four colour schemes will be offered, with oak and walnut cabinetry options available. Accommodation is for up to eight guests split across four cabins and the layout puts a strong emphasis on socialising.

Practicality is also evident in the side access door adjacent to the lower helm station and the split foredeck sunpads, which should make mooring easier.

Read more about the Princess F65

The Saxdor 270 is all about fast, accessible day boating fun

The scale of the gap between Saxdor’s original 200 model and its award-winning 320 has always seemed a bit surprising, but it looks like the Saxdor 270 is set to remedy that.

Entering the fray as direct competition for similarly sized fast weekenders from XO , Axopar , Ryck , Nimbus and Quarken , the new Saxdor 270 looks every bit as slick and polished as you would expect.

At just under 28ft in length, it uses Saxdor’s twin-stepped hull with a finely angled bow and vertical stem, alongside single outboard options of up to 300hp.

Read more about the Saxdor 270

Sunseeker Predator 65

Although we tested the new Predator 65 in our August issue, this is the first chance for UK showgoers to get a proper look at it. It may lack the 65 Sportyacht’s fancy outside helm position but there’s a vast carbon fibre sunroof over the internal helm that lets the outside in when open but still allows masses of natural light to filter through when closed.

In the aft cockpit, the standard layout uses a port bar, plus a central bench backing onto a sunbed above the garage. That garage is big enough for a Williams 345 jet tender plus a whole range of watersports toys – and you can also spec it as a Beach Club, with ambient lighting, freestanding furniture and rain shower.

Down below, a three-cabin layout for up to six guests features a full-beam ensuite master cabin, plus two ensuite guest cabins and a separate day heads. But again, there are plenty of options, including an owner’s office, a galley-down arrangement and a lower saloon.

Read more about the Sunseeker Predator 65

Twisted T300S

Twisted Automotive started life as a company ‘re engineering’ Land Rover Defenders for clients with a penny or two to rub together. Following the company’s purchase of a Salcombe-based marine engineering firm, it’s now diversified into modifying existing powerboats in a similar vein.

Unlike the Twisted T450 , which is based on a Cobra hull, this time Twisted have gone for the Axopar 25 as the basis, and this high performing chisel-chinned stepped hull has gained a solid following over the last decade.

It certainly looks the part, especially in the case of the Bahama Gold Twisted T300s with black powder ‘adventure roofrack’ and suspension seats, towed behind a matching Landy.

Read more about the Twisted T300S

Vertical bow, forward raked windscreen and an enclosed pilothouse mark a major change of direction for Wellcraft

Wellcraft 355

While American brand Wellcraft is best known for its fast centre console sports fishers , the 355 is entirely different. Part fast weekender, part four-season adventure boat, the new model comes with a trendy plumb bow, an enclosed wheelhouse and distinctly Scandinavian styling.

That puts it on a collision course with the likes of Axopar, Saxdor and Nimbus – but given the muscle of parent company, the Beneteau Group , it’s likely to be very competitive. With its stepless, deep-vee hull and triple 350hp outboards, it should push well beyond 50 knots.

But with its offset pilothouse, it also offers year-round useability and easy movement along the wide starboard side deck. Inside the wheelhouse, there’s a starboard dining area, three forward-facing helm seats and a basic galley to port.

A pair of skylights, an opening sunroof and all-round glazing deliver great visibility. And in spite of a sociable bow, there’s still ample room below for a double vee-berth and a separate heads with shower.

Read more about the Wellcraft 355

Prestige F5.7 first look: Stylish new flybridge

New boats at cannes boat show 2024: swan arrow, new boats at cannes boat show 2024: cranchi 62, latest videos, how to mark your anchor chain: 6 top tips from our expert, watch: galeon 560 fly sea trial – the best galeon flybridge you can buy, bluegame bgm75 sea trial: the €6.8m powercat that thinks its a monohull, cormate chase 32 tour: fast, stylish and practical weekender.

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WELCOME TO BOATLIFE

Welcome aboard the UK's annual boating exhibition and lifestyle show! Prepare yourself for a maritime excursion to the NEC Birmingham to indulge in immersive experiences, industry networking, and fun!

Catering to professionals, enthhusiasts, and everyone in between, we are happy to gather attendees from around the country for the UK's premier marine industry show.

There is no better place to escape the winter this February than BoatLife 2025! With the added benefit of see the latest products, network with professionals, and prepare for the season ahead

London Boat Show 2024

Happening april 16 - 20, 2024.

London Luxury Afloat 2024

The London Boat Show is an elite event held at the historic St. Katharine Docks Marina, London, UK, with the 2024 show scheduled to take place from the 16th to the 20th of April . This five-day event will feature the best the marine world offers, with anticipated debuts and yachts ranging from classic to modern. 

Along with the boats on display, accessories for boats can be viewed and purchased, as well as other luxury objects. Set in Central London’s only marina, London Boat Show attendees will enjoy a wide choice of waterfront bars, cafes, and restaurants, ensuring a superb show setting.

Presented annually by the British Marine and also known as London Luxury Afloat 2024, the London Boat Show offers the ideal place to browse luxury boats and marine accessories and to meet with leading yachting brands.

London Boat Show 2024 Highlights

Exclusive Exhibits : A range of shoreside exhibitors will complement the boats on display, offering products and services designed to enhance your yachting experience.

Culinary Delights : Indulge in a culinary journey with authentic French classics, Turkish cuisine, Dim Sum, and the freshest shellfish, seafood, and fish from the British coast. St. Katharine Docks offers a plethora of dining and drinking experiences.

Easy Access : Whether you choose to travel by road, rail, or river, St. Katharine Docks provides ample nearby parking and easily accessible transport links.

Step aboard to experience the pinnacle of luxury and performance at Boat Show London 2024.

Know before you go

What’s on show at the london boat show 2024 .

Boat Show London 2024 will showcase an exquisite collection of sailing, motor, and super yachts. Previous show exhibitors include Oyster, Sunseeker, Hallberg Rassy, Fairline, and Azimut. Tailored to prospective boat buyers, London Luxury Afloat 2024 will present some of the world’s most beautiful and luxurious sail and motor yachts, making it a haven for yachting enthusiasts.

When and where will the London Boat Show 2024 take place?

The London Boat Show 2024 will take place at St Katharine Docks Marina, London, UK, from April 16th to 20th, 2024. 

What is the London Boat Show 2024 also known as?

This exceptional event is presented by the British Marine and is alternatively known as London Luxury Afloat 2024.

What makes St Katharine Docks Marina a unique location for the London Boat Show 2024?

St Katharine Docks Marina is Central London’s only marina, offering a stunning backdrop surrounded by various waterfront bars, cafes, and restaurants. This location enhances the overall show experience.

What types of yachts and brands can I expect to see at the London Boat Show 2024?

Boat Show London 2024 will feature a diverse collection of well-appointed sailing, motor, and super yachts from leading brands. Previous show exhibitors include Oyster, Sunseeker, Hallberg Rassy, Fairline, Princess, and Azimut.

Is the London Boat Show 2024 open to the public, or is it tailored for a specific audience?

The event is designed to cater to prospective boat buyers and yachting enthusiasts who wish to explore and appreciate some of the world’s most luxurious sail and motor yachts. If you would like to attend the show with a luxury yacht broker, contact Northrop & Johnson. 

What are the additional offerings at the London Boat Show 2024 besides the yacht displays?

Boat Show London 2024 provides a curated experience with shoreside exhibitors offering products and services to enhance your yachting experience. You can also savor various culinary delights, from French classics to British coastal seafood.

How can I access St Katharine Docks Marina for the London Boat Show 2024?

Whether you prefer traveling by road, rail, or river, St Katharine Docks offers convenient nearby parking and accessible transport links. 

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We are regularly in attendance at the world’s most luxurious and exclusive yachting events across the world. Our global visibility ensures we are at the forefront of the latest and greatest luxury events, be it the prestigious Cannes Film Festival or the high-octane Monaco Grand Prix.

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British Motor Yacht Show reveals lineup

Wednesday, May 8th, 2024

Written by: Marine Industry News

The British Motor Yacht Show, organised in collaboration with Fairline, Premier Marinas, Princess, and Sunseeker, has unveiled the complete lineup for the 2024 event, which takes place at Premier Swanwick Marina in Southampton from 16-19 May 2024.

There will be over 80 motor yachts on display, including the new Fairline Targa 40, the Princess X80 and the Sunseeker Superhawk 55, both winners of the 2024 Motor Boat Awards.

Sanlorenzo Yachts and Candela join the event for the first time, making their show debuts. Italian yacht brand Sanlorenzo will showcase its cutting-edge design and artisan craftsmanship with an SL90A . At 28 metres, it will be the largest yacht on display at the show.

Meanwhile, the electric hydrofoil Candela C-8 , the only one of its kind in the UK, will also have its show debut, providing eco-conscious enthusiasts with a glimpse into the latest in green technology. The addition of the Candela C-8 also complements the previously announced presence of the Virtue V10, a high-tech, low-carbon yacht presented by S6 Marine .

Returning to the show, marine adventure brand Arksen will present a range of vessels, including the Arksen 30 and 28, alongside several of its outdoor products. These join a lineup of adventure boats, including the UK debut of the Axopar 29, the Brabus Marine Shadow 900 and 500 and the XO Crossover DFNDR 9 and EXPLR 9.

“Once again, the British Motor Yacht Show surpasses itself, presenting a meticulously curated boat show experience,” says Andrew Lewis, sales and marketing director of Premier Marinas. “Brands such as Jeanneau, Bavaria, Bluegame, Galleon, Chris Craft, Hinckley, DALE Motor Boats, Nord Star, Protector, Pearl Yachts, Wellcraft, Aquila, Azimut, Sealine, Sea Ray, Rodman and many more will be on display during the four-day spectacle at Swanwick Marina. It truly is a must-attend event for anyone in search of the epitome of luxury and cutting-edge technology in yacht ownership.”

Beyond the marine displays, guests at the 2024 British Motor Yacht Show can explore Bentley Motor Cars and MOKE cars on display. Caravanilla and Eat The Street will provide food, and Hambledon Vineyard will be on hand with its range of English wines. Registration for the British Motor Yacht Show 2024 is now available online , and remains open right up to and including the actual event.

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This article was written and/or edited by the UK-based MIN team.

MIN magazine

Dive into MIN’s print edition which is now online for your convenience. More stories, more in-depth features, more product news and more exclusive interviews. Enjoy thoughtful analysis of the marine trade sector from across the world and get onboard with new trends.

St Katharine Docks    Coming 2025

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Whilst we are busy planning for the show in the prestigious St Katharine Docks in 2025, there is another opportunity for you to showcase your brand. Reach over 100,000 potential customers at the Southampton International Boat Show. 

VERY BEST IN LUXURY YACHTING

Bringing the very best of luxury yachting to the heart of London, London Afloat is the ultimate showcase for prospective boat buyers, where some of the most beautiful and luxurious sail and motor yachts in the world can be found.

Featuring a wide range of well-appointed sailing, motor and super yachts from leading brands including Azimut, Oyster, Princess and Sunseeker.

Step aboard to experience the ultimate in luxury and performance.

IN THE HEART OF LONDON

The historic setting of St. Katharine Docks, with its many boutique bars and restaurants, alongside Tower Bridge, provides the perfect backdrop for visitors to compare the very best of the high-end yacht market in a single location.

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Kick start the boating season 2024 - Book your tickets now for the UK's largest indoor boat show! Featuring some well known faces on the live stage, family activities, indoor pool, demos, over 200 boats and more... This fantastic annual event is for the entire boating community to come together and celebrate their love of life on the water and the joy of adventure!

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Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Southampton Boat Show 2024: all you need to know

• Katy Stickland
• August 5, 2024

From boat and gear launches to legendary sailors and a chance to get on the water, here is your complete guide to the Southampton Boat Show 2024

The show marina will be changed for 2024, and will be laid out in zones, based on the types of boat to make it easier for visitors

The Southampton Boat Show 2024 is one of the biggest boating events in the UK calendar, held annually at Mayflower Park in Southampton.

Here is your guide to make sure you don’t miss anything!

When is the Southampton Boat Show 2024 open?

The Southampton Boat Show 2024 will run from 13-22 September. It will open at 1000 each day and will close at 1800, except on 22 September when it shuts an hour earlier at 1700.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are available via the boat show website: www.southamptonboatshow.com.

PBO readers can get any one-day adult ticket for £19.99. Simply enter the promo code: PBO2024.

There is a range of general admission tickets on offer ranging from £39.99 for a two-day ticket and £29.99 for any one-day ticket to £19.99 for concessions which apply to NHS and emergency staff, the Armed Forces, students, the over-60s and disabled visitors. A valid ID is required.

Visitors can spend time on the water, either on a yacht, dinghy, RIB or motorboat

A carer over 14 years old who is assisting a guest who has a disability can enter the show free.

Two children 15 and under can also enter the show free with each adult ticket.

Full details of the ticket options is available on the above website.

There are also VIP tickets available from £164.99 per person, which includes access to the Quayside Club Waterfront Lounge, complimentary drinks throughout the day and a buffet lunch.

How do I get to the Southampton Boat Show 2024?

Entrance to the show has been relocated adjacent to the Quays Swimming and Diving complex in Southampton.

Within a 5-minute walk, there are plenty of parking spaces if travelling by car. Alternatively, the show is a 5-minute walk from the main bus station in the town.

Southampton Central is the mainline railway station closest to Mayflower Park, and is a 5-10 minute walk through the centre of town to the show entrance.

Southampton Airport is available for international visitors; a train regularly runs between the Southampton Airport Parkway Station to Southampton Central.

Over 250 motor and power boats will be on display at the Southampton Boat Show 2024

What can I expect to see at the Southampton Boat Show 2024?

The show is divided up into six zones: Watersports Zone, Dinghy Zone, Classic & Day Boat Zone, Mayflower Park, including the Foredeck Stage sponsored by Practical Boat Owner and Yachting Monthly , The Shipyard and the Show Marina.

Watersports Zone

This year, the Watersports Zone has been extended, offering more on-water interactive sessions for visitors.

The Watersports Lake is larger and will be run by Rockley Watersports. Qualified instructors will be on hand to offer kayaking and canoeing sessions.

Those who want to try scuba diving or snorkelling can take a dip in the Andark Dive Tank. All of these interactive sessions are included in the price of the ticket.

Experienced instructors will be on hand to introduce visitors to scuba diving

For those looking to shop, the zone will house a range of watersports gear and equipment brands including TwoBare Feet, Musto, Helly Hansen, Gill, Dubarry, Crewsaver, O’Neill, O’Brien Watersports, Zhik, Seago, Spinlock, ScubaJet Sandbank Style, Manta5, and Suunto.

Zego Marine and Whaly Boats will also be displaying their ranges.

This is the area to visit if you are looking to buy stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, and wakeboards, kayaks, water-skis and wingfoilers.

The Watersports Zone is a one-stop-shop to compare products, talk tech, and snag show-only deals.

New for 2024, the University of Southampton will be displaying several of its research initiatives including a wave basin demonstration and exhibitions on offshore wind turbines and coastal protection. Visitors can also explore the UK’s first Royal Research Ship via virtual reality.

Dinghy Zone

The Dinghy Zone features a variety of user-friendly boats ideal for beginners and families.

The Dinghy Zone will feature boats and gear for sailors of all levels

Fusion Sailboats will be displaying the Fusion, Fusion 2 and the Maverick, amongst other models, while Topper International Ltd will be presenting an extensive line-up including the Topper, Taz and Topaz range – Topaz Uno System, Topaz Vibe, Topaz Argo, Topaz Omega,

Small motor craft in this zone include Carine Yachts, Northmaster and Specialist Small Craft Ltd, a UK distributor for Roto-Tech boats. 

Classic & Day Boat Zone

If you love traditional boats and maritime craft, this is the zone for you.

Drascombe Boats will return this year, along with Honnor Marine Classic.

The Classic & Day Boat Zone is always popular

Seaspray Boats will be displaying the Microboat; the lightweight double-skinned dory is aimed to be used as tenders or family fun boats

Demonstrations of traditional maritime craft will be held throughout the show, including canvas work and knot tying by members of the International Guild of Knot Tyers.

Staff from the International Boat Building Training College will also be showcasing boatbuilding skills .

Mayflower Park including the Foredeck Stage sponsored by Practical Boat Owner and Yachting Monthly

The Foredeck Stage sponsored by Practical Boat Owner and Yachting Monthly is located inside the Ocean Hall.

Regular PBO contributor, surveyor Ben Sutcliffe-Davies will be the host throughout the show.

To mark 55 years of the Southampton Boat Show, a series of Legend slots will be held, featuring Sir Chay Blyth, Maiden skipper Heather Thomas , Geoff Holt , British Paralympic sailor Hannah Stodel, Tom Cunliffe, yacht designer Tony Castro, renowned knot expert Des Pawson, and Katie McCabe, who sailed around Britain aged 14 .

Heather Thomas, who skippered the Maiden team to first place in the 2023 Ocean Globe Race, will be part of the Legends lineup. Credit: The Maiden Factor-Kaia Bint Savage

Get Knotted with English Braid, where you can learn 10 essential knots will be returning in 2024. Ben Sutcliffe-Davies will also be given daily talks from his Surveyor’s Notebook series.

Talks and presentations not to miss on the Foredeck Stage include:

• Friday, 13 September: PBO Ask the Experts Live. Put your questions to Ben Sutcliffe-Davies – surveyor; James Turner – expert on antennas; Wilf Chaplin – sails and rigging; Dave Johnson – Wessex Resins; and Polly Robinson – Woodworking. Sir Chay Blyth on a grand seafaring adventurous life.
• Saturday, 14 September: Paraplegic veteran  Talan Skeels-Piggins ’ attempt to sail around Britain in a standard 34ft boat; wingfoiler champion, Hugo Dobrijevic.
• Sunday, 15 September: YJA Young Journalist of the Year Award ; Ken Fowler – Going Dizzy in a dinghy: the story of sailing around all 262 islands in England and Wales .
• Monday, 16 September: Wilf Chaplin from One Sails: maximising the long-term performance and life of your sails; yacht designer, Tony Castro.
• Tuesday, 17 September: PBO’s Peter Poland on boat design changes over the last 55 years.
• Wednesday, 18 September: Internationally renowned knot expert Des Pawson;
• Thursday, 19 September: PBO feature editor Ali Wood and Ben Sutcliffe-Davies will discuss what was learned from restoring the PBO Project Boat . Women in Marine Day including talks from Sophie Horne, Founder and Chair at SeaBird Technologies and head designer of the RaceBird, and Rowan Wood who by the age of 18 has sailed over 20,000 sea miles with her family
• Saturday, 21 September: Freya Terry shares how she is circumnavigating the UK , aged 21 on a tight budget, Tom Cunliffe.
• Sunday, 22 September: Heather Thomas, Katie McCabe

Other events not to be missed include the World Cruising Club’s free Bluewater Sailing Seminars. These will include: Bluewater Cruisers’ Question Time – Atlantic crossings and destinations (14 September),  World ARC – circumnavigation rally (15 September) and  Sailing South – Biscay to the Algarve and onwards (21 September).

For more information and to register visit: https://www.worldcruising.com/training

Ocean Hall is where you will find many marine equipment manufacturers and service providers including charter companies, sea schools and training, associations, marinas,  insurers, navigational, galley and deck equipment, engines, sailmakers and accessories and marine hardware manufacturers.

The Cruising Association ( Stand J419 ) will be holding four on-stand drop-in sessions from 1300-1630, covering a wide range of topics including the latest updates from the Regulatory & Technical Services group (RATS), and issues around the UK’s departure from the EU.

• 13 and 14 September – Orca update
• 17 September – Offshore installations, Studland Bay
• 18 September – Flares and Distress Signals, Mobile data, Ofcom, Radio Licence, emissions. 

There will also be specific section days on the stand – Motorboats on 16 September and the European Inland Waters on 19 September.

The Cruising Association will be holding a variety of events at their stand throughout the show

The CA’s Crewing Service reps will also be able to answer questions on 16, 18 and 19 September. Those wanting to join the CA at the show can receive 20% off the first year of full membership (if paying by Direct Debit. More information at: www.theca.org.uk/southamptonboatshow

For visitors with children, the SYUK section of the Ocean Hall will be dedicated to all things LEGO on both Saturdays of the show, with hands-on activities for youngsters.

RS Sailing will be showcasing a range of dinghies, keelboats and catamarans

Jetskis, RIBS and tenders will also be on display in Mayflower Park.

Exhibitors include: Smartliner Boats, Grand RIBS, Nordkapp Boats, Sting Boats, AB Inflatables, Mercury, Barrus, Zodiac, Excel Marine, Excel Boats, Protagon Yachts, Zar, Selva, Williams Jet Tenders and The Wolf Rock Boat Company with Brig, Gala and Iron Boats.

The Shipyard

The Shipyard zone returns for 2024, and will be open until 2100 for the opening and closing parties on 14 and 21 September.

DJ Chris Moyles will be on the decks for the opening night, while Symphonic Ibiza will close the show.

DJ Chris Moyles will be performing on the opening evening

The zone will also host street food stalls.

As well as music, the Shipyard will also be the venue to watch the latest action from the America’s Cup, alongside live UK and international sport.

Show Marina

Over 350 boats will be on display at the show’s purpose-built marina. This year, the marina will be laid out in zones, based on the types of boat to make it easier for visitors.

Swallow Yachts will be showing it BayCruiser 21

There will also be an On the Water Stage Show, which for the first time will feature wingfoiler champion, Hugo Dobrijevic. Visitors can also sail a yacht, or a dinghy, and experience a RIB or motorboat ride. The Dutch tall ship, Thalassa will also be alongside and open to visitors.

Here is the list of boatbuilders which are confirmed, so far, for the show pontoons, with boat debuts highlighted:

• Bali Catamarans
• Boats on Wheels
• Contest Yachts
• Dragonfly Trimarans
• Dufour * new to show – Dufour 44 (UK Debut)
• Elan * new to show – Elan i43 (UK Debut)
• Excess Catamarans
• Fountaine Pajot
• Hallberg-Rassy
• Hanse * new to show – Hanse 360 (UK Debut)
• Lagoon Catamarans
• Moody * new to show – Moody DS48
• Nautor’s Swan
• Neel Trimarans
• Oyster Yachts
• RM Yachts * new to show – RM 1380
• Rustler Yachts
• Saffier Yachts * new to show – SE27 Leisure, SE24 Lite and SE33 Life (All UK Debut)
• Swallow Yachts * new to show – BayCruiser 21 
• X Yachts * new to show – Xc47 (UK Debut)
• Absolute Yachts
• Alfastreet Yachts
• Atlantic Boats
• Aquador Boats
• Aquila Power Catamarans
• Azimut * new to show – Seadeck 6 (UK & European Debut), Atlantis 45, Magellano 60
• Axopar Boats
• Ballistic RIBS
• Balt Yachts * new to show – Balt Yachts SunCamper 31 (UK Debut)
• Boston Whaler
• Caprina Boats
• Cobalt Boats
• Cormate Boats * new to show – Cormate U23 Pro
• Corsiva Boats
• Delphia * new to show – Delphia 11 Sedan, Delphia 10 Sedan (UK Debut)
• Duchy Motor Launches
• Fairey Marine
• Fairline * new to show – Targa 40
• Fjord * new to show – Fjord 39 XL (UK Debut)
• Fountaine Pajot * new to show – Fountaine Pajot MY4s
• Fusion Power Boats
• Galeon Yachts
• Grandezza Boats
• Greenline Yachts
• Marex Boats
• Maxima Boats
• Monterey Boats * new to show – Monterey 235 Super Sport, Monterey 215 Super Sport (UK Debut), Monterey 235 Super Sport (UK Debut)
• Navan * new to show – Navan C30 (UK & European Debut)
• Nimbus Boats
• Oceanmaster * new to show – Oceanmaster 630 WA
• Optima Electric Yachts
• Orkney Boats
• Pardo Yachts
• Protector Boats
• Parker Boats * new to show – Parker 700 Pilothouse (UK Debut), Parker 790 Explorer (UK Debut)
• Princess Yachts
• Rand Boats * new to show – RAND Roamer 29 (UK Debut)
• Rebel Leisure * new to show – Rebel Riot 560, Rebel Riot 580, Rebel Superyacht Series (all UK & European Debut), Rebel Raider, Rebel Riot 480
• Redbay Boats
• Regal Boats
• Rodman Boats/RBS Marine * new to show – Rodman 790 Ventura CC (UK Debut)
• RYCK Motorboats
• Salpa Yachts
• Sargo Boats UK * new to show – Sargo 45 (UK Debut)
• Saxdor Yachts
• Schaefer Yachts
• Sealine Motor Yachts * new to show – Sealine S390 (UK Debut)
• Sea Ray Boats
• Setag Yachts
• Viking Cruisers
• White Shark
• Windy Boats * new to show – Windy 29 Huracan, Windy 34 Alize (UK Debut)

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• World Boat Show Calendar

World boat show calendar for 2024

August 2024.

Uiva 2024 Flytande

Orust Sailboat Show

Marstrand Motor Boatshow

Hiswa Te Water

Allt at Sea In Gustavberg

September 2024.

Atlantic City In Water Boat Show

Wooden Boat Festival

Cannes Yachting Festival

Newport International Boat Show

Metro Boat Show

Southampton Boat Show

International Sailors Affairs Flensburg (Insa)

Discover Boating Norwalk Boat Show

Genoa International Boat Show

Monaco Yacht Show

October 2024.

Annapolis US Powerboat Show

Olympic Yacht Show

Annapolis Sailboat Show

Wilmington Boat Show

Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

Biograd Boat Show

Bosphorus Boat Show - Deniz Fuari

Boatica Cape Town

November 2024.

The Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (Adibs)

Metstrade Marine Equipment Trade Show

Boat & Fun Berlin

December 2024.

Nautic - Paris Boat Show

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More than 700 migrants arrived in UK in 11 boats in a single day, new figures show

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to "smash the gangs" who are paid thousands by each person to get them across the Channel in small boats.

Political reporter @alixculbertson

Monday 12 August 2024 13:28, UK

More than 700 migrants arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel in 11 boats on Sunday - the highest since Labour came to power.

Home Office data published on Monday shows 703 people were detected coming across yesterday, which is also the third highest this year.

Eleven boats were detected, suggesting an average of 64 people per boat.

On Sunday, two people died trying to cross the Channel in a small boat.

Their small boat was in French waters when they sent a distress signal to the regional coastguard centre.

About 50 migrants were rescued from the boat by a helicopter and two boats, with "many" pulled out of the water with "fuel burn injuries", the French maritime regional authorities said.

Those rescued were returned to France, with an investigation into the two deaths being led by the country.

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The total number of arrivals to the UK in small boats in 2024 now stands at a provisional 18,342.

That is 13% higher than at this point last year, when 16,170 had crossed.

But it is 3% lower than 2022, which was 18,978 at this stage.

The highest on a single day this year was on 18 June, when 882 people crossed, while the second highest was 711 on 1 May - both before the general election on 4 July.

Read more: Child dies after being pulled from canal Hottest day of the year expected today

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has promised to "smash the gangs" by creating a new Border Security Command to tackle people-smuggling gangs bringing migrants across the Channel.

Officers will be granted new powers under the Counter Terrorism Act to allow them to conduct stop and searches at the border, carry out financial investigations and issue search and seizure warrants targeting organised immigration crime.

Since coming into government, Sir Keir has also announced £84m of funding for African and Middle Eastern countries in an attempt to tackle the migration crisis "at source".

Sir Keir said the money will go towards health and education initiatives, as well as humanitarian support, to address the reasons people flee their homes in the first place.

The prime minister's spokesman on Monday said summer "is a challenging time" for boat crossings and reiterated what Sir Keir said before.

"We expect to see increases before we see improvements. It is vital that we work to smash the gangs who are responsible," he said.

He said doing so is "one of the government's first priorities".

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Everything you need to know about the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024

Kicking off the yacht show season and attracting over 50,000 visitors each year, the Cannes Yachting Festival is one of the most prestigious annual yachting events globally. Set to take place on 10-15 September 2024, it is the place for anyone looking to buy or sell a yacht, particularly in the sub-500GT market.

This year, the 47th edition, promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a new marina and nearly 700 boats on display. The festival will host 600 exhibitors from around the globe, presenting an impressive array of monohulls, multihulls, rigid and semi-rigid hulls, new and pre-owned sailing and motor boats ranging from 5 to 50 metres in length. Alongside this, there will be hundreds of brands showcasing the very latest in boat equipment, services and innovation.

The show updates

This year Cannes is switching things up. "2024 represents a year of adaptation and new opportunities for the Cannes Yachting Festival,” explains Sylvie Ernoult, director of the Cannes Yachting Festival. “We have redesigned the organisation of certain areas to replace them with other different and innovative spaces, such as the creation of a new large marina in Port Canto. The exhibition teams have risen to the challenge, and I am very enthusiastic and proud of the next edition we will be offering our exhibitors and visitors.“

While Vieux Port will continue to exhibit over 350 new boats ranging from 10 to 50 metres by some of the biggest names in yachting, and larger in-water yachts will be moored in their usual locations at the Jetée and the Super Yachts Extension, there will be a few changes to help improve the visitor experience. The main entrance, for example, will be moved next to the famous steps that film stars walk up during the Cannes Film Festival near the Croisette. The engine manufacturers that equip the mega yachts will also be moved along the beach opposite the Palais and a new entrance will be opened on the main Pantiero promenade (replacing the one at Quai Max Laubeuf).

The new marina

Without doubt one of the highlights this year will be a new Power Boat Marina, dedicated to motor boats up to 12-13 metres, located in neighbouring Port Canto.

The marina will exhibit 170 motor boats (140 in-water and thirty ashore), alongside a selection of outboard engines, and brands will include everyone from Axopar to Candela and Sealine.

Alongside the power boats, Port Canto will also be exhibiting 120 new sailboats over 10 metres long and around 50 previously-owned large yachts from 24 metres long. Several traversantes (pontoons with a motorised central part) will enable visitors to go from one quay to the other and allow small motor boats to conduct sea trials.

The 2000 square-metre area of Porto Canto will exhibit almost 350 boats. When combined with the Vieux Port, there will be 700 boats on display at the show. Visitors will be able to walk along the 2.5-kilometre-long loop and there will be free sea shuttles for visitors, providing easy transportation between the Vieux Port and Port Canto.

Port Canto will also be a great place to meet and hold business meetings, thanks to a new restaurant with almost 130 tables and a new VIP Club, located on the roof of the Harbour Master's Office. Furnished by Roche Bobois, a French manufacturer of high-end furniture and loyal partner of the exhibition, it will feature a picturesque 180-degree view over the port.

The lineup of yachts

Italian shipyard Wider Yachts has confirmed that its first 28-metre multihull, Acali , will make her international debut at this year's festival, while Princess Yachts will showcase two world premieres as part of its eight-yacht lineup: the new 25-metre S80 and 21-metre S65 sports yachts.

Sunreef will debut its new 60 Sunreef Power catamaran, while Sanlorenzo is planning to unveil two new models at the show: the 27-metre flybridge SL86A and the 28-metre SP92. When it comes to sailing yachts, Nautor Swan will be unveiling its 28-metre hybrid electric cruiser-racer, Swan 88.

Ferretti Yachts will be premiering its new 24-metre Infynito 80 while other Ferretti Group brands will be showcasing the Custom Line Navetta 38, Pershing GTX80, Ferretti Yachts 670, Riva El-Iseo, wallywhy100 and wallypower50.

The innovation

In 2024, the Cannes Yachting Festival will have a strong eco-innovation theme, aimed at promoting sustainable solutions in all areas, from engines and propulsion to waste management, materials and services. This year, all these projects and initiatives will be highlighted with special signage.

Ernoult concludes: "Like all the others, the marine industry cannot avoid environmental challenges, and has understood that it has to evolve to meet the sector’s decarbonisation needs and the new requirements of boaters. It seemed vital to us to make our contribution to the effort by recognising the efforts our exhibitors are making and the energy they are putting into building the future of the nautical sector. Work on composites, recyclable resins, more respectful engines, but also design for aerodynamics or connectivity for better efficiency… there are certainly lots of initiatives! We are happy to showcase them, as our goal for all is to preserve our seas and oceans, especially for future generations."

Visit the official website to learn more about the Cannes Yachting Festival or buy a ticket.

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Meet Our Exhibitors

Each of our exhibitors are handpicked for the British Motor Yacht Show so that our guests can discover a diverse but high-end range of boats as well as industry advice and expertise to help inform their buying decision.

Below we present our exhibitors from the 2024 British Motor Yacht Show:

How To Find Us

Premier Marinas’ Swanwick Marina is located just six miles east of Southampton on the eastern bank of the upper reaches of the Hamble River.  Easily accessible by land, air and sea, click the button below for directions.

Register Your Interest

Register your interest in attending or exhibiting at the British Motor Yacht Show

British Motor Yacht Show

15th – 18th May 2025 Swanwick Marina, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 1ZL

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UK immigration: why public opinion is at odds with reality

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Peter Foster and Amy Borrett in London

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

The wave of far-right violence that has swept across England and Northern Ireland in recent weeks has intensified the political debate around immigration and its impacts on Britain’s economy and society.

But while opinion polls show rising concern among the public over legal and irregular migration, academic analysis of the effects of immigration on wages, crime and public services points to a gap between perception and reality.

Public concern about immigration is growing, but opinion is divided

Concern about immigration among UK voters is back to levels last seen in 2016, when the Brexit referendum and the 2015 European migration crisis triggered by the Syrian civil war pushed it to the top of the news agenda.

But analysis of polling data reveals important nuances. For the first time, Conservative voters’ concerns have diverged markedly from those of Labour voters. That shift coincided with the previous Tory government focusing on small boat Channel crossings by migrants, including a “stop the boats” slogan and a policy to process asylum seekers in Rwanda.

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Despite the recent rise in concerns, the UK remains one of the most accepting countries of immigration. Some 55 per cent of Britons said immigration had a positive impact on their country’s development, according to the 2022 World Values survey — more than twice the share in France and Germany. 

Irregular migration is only a tiny fraction of UK immigration

Recent political debate on immigration has focused on small boat crossings. But even in 2022, when a record 45,755 people arrived via this route, the figure was a tiny fraction of the 1.3mn who entered the UK via organised visa routes.

Last year, asylum seekers accounted for only one in 12 immigrants to Britain from outside the EU.

The vast majority of migration to the UK is therefore not made up of asylum seekers, but people paying for visas to work and study under the UK’s post-Brexit, points-based immigration system. 

Still, there has been a sharp rise in government spending on the asylum system. It hit a record £4bn in the year to March 2023, the latest year for which data is available, up from £630mn in the 12 months to March 2018.

This amounts to 0.3 per cent of total annual government spending of nearly £1,200bn.

Immigrants commit crime at the same rates as natives

Rioters have expressed a desire to “reclaim the streets” over the past two weeks, linking the recent increase in net migration to a rise in violent crime and general disorder on Britain’s streets. 

But figures from the Office for National Statistics crime survey show rates of violent crime fell to a four-decade low in 2023, with only one-fifth as many incidents per 1,000 people in England and Wales as at the peak in 1995.

Academic studies in the UK, US and Italy have found no link between higher immigration and an increase in crime, with immigrants committing crime at the same rates as indigenous populations, according to Brian Bell, professor of economics at King’s College London.

However, Bell, whose 2013 study found EU migration after 2004 had no impact on overall crime rates, said there was evidence of slightly higher rates of property crime — theft and burglary — among asylum seekers, although these were the same as among disadvantaged native populations.

Given the small size of the asylum seeker population, the rate of property crime was estimated to be 0.1 percentage points higher than it would otherwise have been, he said.

“Asylum seekers are more likely to be poor because they are unable to earn, but native people in that position also commit more property crime than the average. Asylum seekers have no effect on rates of violent crime,” added Bell, who also chairs the independent Migration Advisory Committee, which advises the government.

Immigration grows the economy and has little or no effect on jobs and wages

Increased net migration leads to a larger economy, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility, the fiscal watchdog. But it has a small and uncertain effect on GDP per capita, depending on the skill levels of migrants and the proportion that are working or in the UK as dependants.

For the government, a larger overall economy means public sector net debt will be lower as a share of GDP than otherwise, which potentially increases the chancellor’s room for fiscal manoeuvre come Budget day.

Despite the popular view that cutting immigration would drive up wages, multiple academic studies have found no evidence that migration significantly affects rates of pay or employment among native populations, according to Oxford university’s Migration Observatory think-tank. 

Research has shown that while immigration hit lower-paid workers harder than higher-paid workers, the overall effects were tiny. A study by the Nuffield Foundation think-tank of UK immigration between 1994 and 2016 found it had reduced the hourly wage of UK-born wage earners in the bottom 20 per cent of the labour market by about 0.5p per year, while the top 10 per cent experienced a gain of 1.7p.

Jonathan Portes, professor of economics and public policy at King's College London, said: “Truck driver wages, for example, did go up after Brexit for a variety of reasons, but if you look at accommodation and food services we didn’t see rise in wages in the aggregate data, despite news stories that it did.”

Immigrants are net contributors to the NHS

Some 70 per cent of Britons believe immigration places extra pressure on the NHS, according to polling last month by Ipsos, while 32 per cent think migrants use the NHS more than those born in the UK.

However, a 2018 report by the MAC assessing the impact of EU immigration found that new arrivals contributed “much more” to the health services and social care than they consumed. 

As well as paying taxes and an annual NHS surcharge of £1,035, migrants who arrive via legal routes are statistically likely to be young, so they tend to use health services less.

Immigration is also essential for staffing the NHS, which had 100,658 vacancies in secondary care in England as of March, according to the British Medical Association, the main medical union. About 20 per cent of doctors and 33 per cent of nurses in England come from abroad, o f ficial data shows.

Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers, which represents health service leaders, said the NHS had staff of more than 200 different nationalities, some of whom had been subject to “completely unacceptable” racist attacks in recent weeks.

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