Olympic stars open Southampton International Boat Show
The show has returned after it was cancelled due to Covid-19 in 2020
Last updated 10th Sep 2021
The Southampton International Boat Show has been officially opened by six Olympic sailing stars.
The ten-day event at Mayflower park is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors after being cancelled last year because of the pandemic.
The site has over 350 exhibitors and more than 500 craft on display from multi-million pound luxury yachts to stand up paddleboards and dinghies.
Lesley Robinson, chief executive of organisers British Marine, said: "Exhibitors from all over the world have chosen Southampton as this year’s venue for international and UK debuts of yachts, powerboats, equipment, products and services.
"This support demonstrates how much the industry wants and needs safe face-to-face interaction with customers and trade contacts."
Councillor Daniel Fitzhenry, leader of Southampton City Council said: "After the last 15 months, it’s time to go out again and enjoy the activities we love doing.
"The new show layout gives the event a larger footprint and we are delighted to have the show back in our city this year, ensuring attendees can enjoy the water safely and with appropriate Covid-19 restrictions so we can get Southampton moving and recover from the pandemic."