The 57th edition of the Southampton International Boat Show has opened its doors, marking the return of the UK’s largest boat show.
The show opened with few words, surrounded by the sound of the samba band, Batala. The Lord Mayor of Southampton says: “We are pleased we are able to host the annual boat show. The maritime industry is so important to this city. It’s a great festival and event.”
Running for ten days from 18–27 September 2026 at Mayflower Park in Southampton on the UK’s south coast, the annual show features Europe’s largest purpose-built show marina and more than 700 marine brands.
In a last-minute change of heart, Sunseeker confirmed on Thursday (17 September 2026) that it will appear at SIBS 2026, after initially deciding not to commit. Sunseeker Europe, a new operation launched by Sunseeker International earlier this month, will showcase one vessel, the Sunseeker 90 Ocean.
Sunseeker Europe is splitting its 2026 showcase across two separate Southampton locations this year, with four additional models, including the Superhawk 55 and Predator 55, on display at the appointment-led Swanwick Yachting Showcase on the River Hamble, from 19-27 September 2026.
SIBS 2026 will also feature more than 110 talks, panel discussions, demonstrations and workshops across its Boating Stage and expanded Wooden Boat Stage, as well as a host of other events, networking sessions, awards and competitions.
Read MIN‘s roundup of the show’s stage programming, events and shoreside highlights here.
Boat debuts at Southampton Boat Show 2026
More than 250 vessels are scheduled to be displayed in the marina during SIBS, with launches from brands including Fairline, Princess, Arcona, Delta, Ockelbo, Quarken, Dragonfly, Bellini, Boatworld, Highfield, Nord Star, Hallberg-Rassy, Saffier, Rodman, J/Composites, J/Boats, Windy, Nautitech, Mini Fisher, Duchy and Levi Trentuno.
Global boatbuilders will use Southampton International Boat Show 2026 to present more than 20 world, UK and show debuts.
World premieres
Cockwells Modern and Classic Boatbuilding will present the Duchy 45, the largest model in the Duchy Motor Launch range to date. The 14.75m motor launch has twin Volvo Penta IPS 600 pod drives and accommodation intended for longer stays on board.
Key Yachting will introduce the Nautitech 41 Type S. The 12.6m sailing catamaran has a hull design developed for performance cruising, with adaptable interior and living spaces.
MCC Marine Services will launch the Nord Star 49+ SCY with a Volvo Penta D6-480 DPI Triple Stern Drive configuration. The arrangement uses three stern drives and is described by the builder as a world-first configuration.
Mini Fisher will make the world debut of the Mini Fisher Classic. The lightweight craft combines styling inspired by boats of the 1950s with modern equipment and is designed for leisure use.
Wessex Marine will unveil the Levi Trentuno, a new model inspired by Sonny Levi’s G. Cinquanta design. The boat takes design cues from the 1960s and incorporates handcrafted construction.
UK premieres
Fairline will unveil the Targa 58 GTO, a power grand touring yacht with an arrangement intended to connect the interior and exterior spaces. Features include fold-out balconies and a beach club platform.
Multihull Solutions will present the Dragonfly 40 Carbon. The sailing trimaran uses a reduced-weight construction and increased stiffness, with speeds of more than 24 knots.
Sebino will present the Bellini Astor 38, a power weekender with flexible accommodation and twin Volvo Penta V8 engines. The engines give the boat a stated top speed of 40 knots.
SE Yachts will present the Najad 451 AC, a bluewater sailing cruiser with an aft cockpit layout, push-button sailing controls and handcrafted construction.
Highfield Boats will showcase the ADV9, a cabin crossover with offshore capability and four-berth accommodation.
The AquaSpirit 370 RIB makes its debut at the 2026 Southampton International Boat Show. The new 3.7 metre aluminium RIB features AquaSpirit’s D-Tube design, creating additional internal space and allowing for a four-seat sports layout, integrated ski pole and substantial bathing platforms within a compact package.
MCC Marine Services will also display the Nord Star 49+ SCY Flybridge. The model has a flybridge and adaptable interior layouts.
Transworld Yachts Sailing will present the Hallberg-Rassy 370, a sailing cruiser with modern performance characteristics and accommodation for cruising.
Williams Marine and Watersports will launch the Saffier SE 28 Leopard, a daysailer with a reversed-bow hull, four berths and a range of customisation options.
RBS Marine will showcase the Rodman 790 Ventura SD. The sun deck model has a space-efficient layout and configurable cockpit arrangements.
Key Yachting will exhibit the J/Composites and J/Boats J40, an offshore performance cruiser intended for both cruising and racing.
Saltwater Solutions will showcase the Windy SR40, a performance motor yacht with a Scandinavian design and construction approach.
Excite Sports will introduce the Boatworld Cruiser 320, an inflatable cruiser with a catamaran-style hull. The layout is intended to provide stability and usable cockpit space while retaining the ability to be stored when deflated.
The company will also debut the Boatworld Carbon Pro 330, an inflatable tender designed for use from yachts and for coastal recreation and watersports.
Expected for 2027
SE Yachts will offer a preview of its 2027 models, including the Arcona 465 Mk II sailing yacht and Delta 48 Adventure power cruiser. Both models are scheduled for UK launches next year.
The full list of Southampton International Boat Show debuts is available on the show’s website.
New marine technology and equipment
New marine technology, communications and onboard systems will also be in focus at SIBS 2026.
Icom will showcase the IC-M430 VHF and MA-600TRBB AIS transponder as world premieres. The fixed-mount VHF and Class B+ AIS transponder are designed for marine communications and vessel visibility.
ZGyro will present its all-electric gyro stabilisation system as a UK premiere. The compact, oil-free system is designed to reduce boat roll both at anchor and while underway.
Advance Yacht Systems will present several UK premieres, including the Cristec C-Box energy-management system, Frigomar HE Series 12V air-conditioning units and updated Dessalator watermakers.
Webasto will make the European premiere of its BlueCool SX-Series and Air Top Pro 25. The systems provide marine air-conditioning and heating in compact packages.
IMP will introduce its Aqua AMP charging range, including wireless, USB-C and integrated charging products for boats and outdoor environments.
Dometic will display new marine refrigeration, air-conditioning and 48V climate-control products for conventional, electric and hybrid vessels.
Anchoring, launching and deck equipment
Jimmy Green Marine will make the world premiere of the Ankerplex Drop anchor, a stainless-steel anchor designed to self-launch and set and reset as conditions change.
The company will also present the SnubberBuddy Quick Release Chain Hook as a UK premiere. The device is designed to make attaching and remotely releasing an anchor snubber quicker and safer.
SBS Trailers will showcase the Tectrax C-ROVR, a remotely operated electric system designed to assist with boat launching and recovery.
Marine Innovations will present the RIB Fender Mate as a world premiere. The system is designed to simplify the attachment and adjustment of fenders on rigid inflatable boats.
Onboard living and comfort
GN Espace will unveil the Alize Gastro Grill as a world premiere. The IPX5-rated electric cooking appliance is designed specifically for use on exposed yacht decks.
Ship Shape Bedding will present bespoke Vispring marine mattresses, made to fit the individual dimensions and shapes of yacht and motorboat berths.
Watersports and underwater equipment
Sea Scooter UK will present the Sublue Vapor Pro underwater scooter as a world premiere. The scooter has a stated top speed of 12km/h and a depth rating of 40m.
Sailing clothing and marine apparel
Rooster will introduce the Airflex Lite Spray Top, SB2 Trainers and Technical Shorts 2.0 as show premieres, alongside new sailing accessories.
Mustang Survival will make the UK premiere of its men’s TAKU waterproof jacket and bibs. The clothing is designed for sailing, angling and wider outdoor use.
Returning to the show, Dryrobe will display its changing robes and apparel, including a new collaboration with the RNLI, the show’s Charity of the Year for 2026.
Propulsion options at SIBS 2026
Honda Marine UK will display outboards ranging from 2.3hp to 350hp, alongside Honwave inflatable boats. The show sees the official UK debut of the Highfield ADV9, powered by twin Honda BF250 outboards.
Suzuki has revealed a new up-to-7-year warranty scheme at SIBS. Commercial customers will also benefit from an increase in standard warranty cover, from two years to three. The activity at SIBS is the first phase of introducing the scheme to the UK market.
Southampton attracts over 90,000 visitors each year – attendance reached over 91,200 visitors for the 2025 edition.
According to the organisers, despite challenging market conditions, the industry is backing the show, recognising that visibility and investment are key to securing future growth.
How to attend Southampton International Boat Show
Southampton boat show 2026 entry tickets, including standard day tickets priced at £29, with marine trade tickets, priced at £45, available separately. The Marine Trade Ticket provides unlimited weekday admission from Monday to Thursday, access through the Trade Gate from 9.30am and use of the British Marine Trade Lounge.
The show opens daily at 10am and closes at 6pm, except Fridays and Saturdays when the Shipyard remains open until 9pm. On these evenings, visitors can enjoy food, drinks and live music at the Shipyard.
On the final Sunday, Southampton boat show show closes at 4.30pm.
There is a no re-entry policy for the Southampton International Boat Show.
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