The Southampton Boat Show will celebrate its 50th edition in September with a focus on marine conservation and the challenges facing the world’s oceans.

Working with the Marine Conservation Society, the show’s organisers, British Marine, have launched a three-year pledge which includes moving away from single use plastics, serving only sustainable fish, continuing to recycle waste wherever possible and encouraging environmentally responsible behaviour by visitors, exhibitors, staff and other stakeholders

British Marine’s president, Greg Munford said the show was an ‘ideal platform to drive change and get sailing enthusiasts and boatbuilders alike to take notice’ of the threat to the world’s oceans.

‘As an industry which lives for being on the seas, we see first-hand the effects humanity is having on our waters. It is important that this wonderful and unique resource which we rely on is protected,’ he stressed.

This year’s event will be officially opened on 14 September by the TV chefs, The Hairy Bikers. Si King and Dave Myers will be demonstrating their skills for visitors on 22 September and will also curate the menu for the show’s waterfront restaurant, the Mariner’s Grill.

Whitbread Round the World Race skipper, Tracy Edwards will also be taking part in a live Q & A sessions at 14:00 on 19 September. Edwards, along with her all women crew, made history when they took part in the 89-90 race in Maiden.

The Bruce-Farr-designed yacht has just been extensively refitted and will start a three year world tour promoting girls’ education.  The voyage will start on 22 September from the show.

Edwards will be answering questions at the Seldén Mast stand (J213) and questions can be posted in advance on the company’s Facebook page or asked in person on the stand during the session.

PBO will be at the show on Stand E001. Come along and meet members of the team. There is also a special subscription offer.  Subscribe to PBO at the show for just £20 PLUS get a FREE bottle of Langley No.8 Gin worth £35.

Readers will also have a chance to win a B&G Vulcan 7 MFM chartplotter worth £710.

Meanwhile, many of the boat builders have announced their line-up for the event.

The show will celebrate its 50th year in 2018. Credit: onEditionMeanwhile, some of the many boat builders exhibiting at the show have announced the models they will be showcasing.

For the first time, Sunseeker will be displaying its full line of luxury motor yachts on the water at the show’s marina, which is slightly bigger this year.

The Predator 50 will be receiving its UK debut. It will be joined by the flagship Predator 74, the 95 Yacht, Manhattan 66, Manhattan 52 and Predator 57.

Dufour will be debuting their 360 Grand Large and the Dufour 56 Exclusive.

Visitors also have plenty of opportunities to get on the water, with free dinghy sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking all being offered at the show.

Rockley Watersports will provide all equipment including wetsuits, buoyancy aid and instructions. Visitors just need to bring  a towel.

Ticket offer

Practical Boat Owner has partnered with British Marine to give readers cheaper tickets for the show.

Until 23:59 on 13.09.18, use the code PBO26 to buy two standard any day tickets for £26, a saving of £8 per ticket compared to the show’s early bird offer. A £1.99 transaction fee applies when you buy online.

As in previous shows, two children under the age of 15 go free with each adult.

Ticket purchase:
Online booking: https://nbs-southampton.yourticketbooking.com/p/SouthamptonBoatShow-EntryTickets
Telephone booking: 0844 776 7766 (calls cost 7p per minute)
Terms and conditions: https://southamptonboatshow.com/terms-conditions/
Show website: https://southamptonboatshow.com

The Southampton Boat Show will take place at Mayflower Park/Town Quay, Southampton from 14-23 September 2018.