British Marine has announced a significant change for the 2027 Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS), with the event running for eight days rather than ten. Leading yacht brands Fairline, Princess and Sunseeker have also confirmed their participation for the 2027 edition of the show.
Southampton International Boat Show will return to Mayflower Park from Saturday 18 to Saturday 25 September 2027. The new shorter Saturday-to-Saturday format has been welcomed by exhibitors.
It is hoped the tweaked schedule will create a more focused eight-day event, retaining three valuable weekend trading days while concentrating visitor activity and commercial opportunities for exhibitors.
The 2026 edition of the show saw several debuts and a ‘surprise’ return from Sunseeker.
Fairline, Princess and Sunseeker at SIBS 2027
Leading UK luxury boatbuilders, Fairline, Princess Yachts and Sunseeker, have all committed to the 2027 Southampton International Boat Show – a show of support for the event, which has been at the heart of a lot of industry debate relating to the cost and location of SIBS.
British Marine has also committed to hosting the show in Mayflower Park for the next three years, stating that it is the best location to deliver the right commercial setting for exhibitors and experience for visitors.
“As the 2026 Southampton International Boat Show comes to a close, we are now building on that success with a clear and ambitious plan for its future”, comments Earle Stanner, CEO of British Marine, owners and operators of the Southampton International Boat Show.
“Our new eight-day format will retain the breadth and quality for which the Southampton International Boat Show is known, bringing together boats and yachts of all sizes, equipment, technology, watersports, demonstrations and on-water experiences.
“To have Fairline, Princess Yachts and Sunseeker already confirmed for 2027, together with our long-term agreement for Mayflower Park, gives us the confidence to invest, innovate and continue developing an event that delivers for exhibitors, visitors and the wider marine industry,” Earle adds.
Looking ahead to 2027, Oliver Southwell, CEO of Fairline, says: “Southampton International Boat Show 2026 has been a real high point for Fairline. Our new location on the pontoons at Mayflower Park has delivered consistently strong footfall throughout the Show, and the response we’ve seen on the water has matched the momentum we’ve built over the past few months. We’re already looking ahead to 2027, when we’ll bring a new British debut to the Fairline line-up, and the focused eight-day format is a sensible step forward that reflects British Marine’s strategic vision for the show. With Mayflower Park now secured for the long term, we look forward to building on this year’s success and continue to have SIBS as a permanent fixture in the Fairline show calendar.”
Will Green, CEO of Princess Yachts, said: “The Southampton International Boat Show remains an important event for Princess Yachts and for the wider British marine industry. It gives us a valuable opportunity to welcome both existing and prospective owners on board our yachts here in the UK, while showcasing the strength of British yacht building. We’re pleased to confirm our commitment for 2027 and look forward to working with British Marine as they continue to develop the Show for the future.”
Whilst Scott Millar, Chief Executive Officer of Sunseeker International, adds: “I’m delighted to confirm Sunseeker’s attendance at SIBS 2027. As a British brand that was born on the south coast more than five decades ago, supporting our home market matters enormously to us. But it’s not about simply turning up because it’s expected, it’s about backing an industry that continues to innovate, evolve and inspire.”
How to exhibit at Southampton Boat Show 2027
Exhibitors booking by 15 November 2026 can save up to 20 per cent on the overall price, supported by a staged payment schedule:
- 15 per cent deposit on signing the contract
- 35 per cent payment by 31 March 2027
- Remaining 50 per cent balance by 1 July 2027
To discuss plans – from stand selection and positioning to marketing, customer invitations, hospitality and pre-show promotion – and to secure your place for 2027 readers can contact sales@britishmarine.co.uk.
Shaping the future of the show
Planning for the 2027 Southampton International Boat Show is already underway, while work has also begun on the vision for 2028.
Exhibitors who would like to play an active role in shaping future shows are encouraged to join the Exhibitor Advisory Group. The group provides a direct channel for businesses to contribute feedback, ideas and industry insight as the Show continues to develop.
To express an interest in joining the group, contact the sales team at sales@britishmarine.co.uk.
The post Southampton International Boat Show unveils new eight-day format appeared first on Marine Industry News.