Young boatbuilders took centre stage on day four of the Southampton Boat Show when crowds gathered for an informal drinks reception.

A trio of teenagers were working on a wooden boat restoration project while the Marine Skills Centre and City College Southampton event took place at the F33 stand.

The college’s new Principal and CEO Sarah Stannard welcomed visitors to the stand and highlighted the work being showcased by Matthew Routledge, Rob Amey and Danielle Thomas.

Marine Skills Centre manager Tom Demuth said: ‘They’re students at the college on a full-time programme, developing their skills in the boatbuilding side of business, with a view to starting an apprenticeship next year.

‘We have many learners who say they would like to do an apprenticeship but don’t feel confident about going into the industry at this moment in time.

‘We boost their confidence and employability skills in many areas including marine engineering, boatbuilding and composites.

‘We help them with recruitment, placements and work experience, we’re a one-stop shop.’

Improved weather boosts numbers

Today’s sunshine boosted visitor numbers after a damp and chilly Sunday at the show, with many exhibitors reporting an upturn in trade.

Highlights from day four included live demonstrations of the MLS Fuel Purifier at the Landau UK stand F15, where product launches were also held for the Argus Marine Handheld Thermal Imaging Cameras, MiniB dive equipment and the 3G yacht router and GoCycle.

Stormforce Coaching introduced the new one-day Weather for Yachtsmen course, delivered by meteorologist Simon Rowell.

The in-depth course aims to explain the background of different weather systems and phenomena met on a global, regional and local scale to help both powerboaters and sailors and costs £99.

Forthcoming courses will be held on 20 October, 16 February and 9 March – find out more at www.stormforce.biz

MDL Marinas event

MDL Marinas and
officials from the Andalusia Ports Authority held a Spanish-themed gathering to invite British boaters and MDL berth holders to take advantage of their
new English-speaking concierge service in the region.

Guests enjoyed tapas and refreshments as they heard how the new service looks to make boating throughout Andalusia a
more relaxing and accessible experience for British boaters.

MDL
berth holders simply need to call a dedicated number to make their
booking in advance, and will also receive a full itinerary for
their trip. Alternative berthing options is also offered, as
well as full marina and local area information.

RYA Active Marina

If you’re visiting this year’s PSP Southampton Boat Show don’t
forget to book your place on the RYA
Active Marina Experience.

From berthing and boat handling to engine maintenance and VHF
the free on-the-water and shore-based workshops offer
visitors the opportunity to refresh their boating skills and
gain hands-on experience throughout the show, which runs until Sunday, 22 September.

A limited number of on-water workshops can be booked
in advance at www.rya.org.uk/go/activemarina.
You can also book at the ‘Try-a-Boat’ booking
point on stand A140, upon arrival at the show.
Participants must be aged 16 or over.

Shore-based workshops are held on the Which Marina
Stand (F004) and can be booked in advance by emailing
Bookings@which-marina.com.

Visit PBO

Find the PBO team on the IPC Marine Media stand E001
and take advantage of our special show subscription offers to save money
on Britain’s biggest-selling yachting magazine.

Pictures:

Marine Skills Centre students Matthew Routledge, Rob Amey and Danielle Thomas.

Meteorologist Simon Rowell at the Weather for Yachtsmen course launch.