Visitors can always set foot onboard the most unique vessels on the water at the Southampton International Boat Show. With many crafts free to explore with a general admission ticket and some exclusive upgradable experiences, there will be something for everyone in 2025! Whilst we are finalising the details for next year, you can check out last year’s line-up below to give you a flavour of the attraction boats at the show.
One of the most beautiful and fastest sea sailers of the Dutch fleet, Thalassa is rigged according to old traditions perfectly combined with modern safety conveniences, offering adventurous sailing with comfortable enjoyment. Visitors could board this timeless 47m classic and step back in time as they unleashed their inner pirate for this tall ship adventure, a firm favourite amongst all our visitors!
Visitors also chose to upgrade their tickets and embark upon a sunset cruise, enjoying unparalleled views of the show from this magnificent vessel whilst they sailed off out into the Solent.
Ocean Scene Solent Cruises
The show’s very own cruise ship is a firm favourite amongst our visitors. Departing from the marina every 30 minutes, the mini cruise took visitors around the Solent at no additional cost, providing them with stunning views of the show from the water. Fully equipped with sundecks, bars and on-board facilities, visitors enjoyed relaxing during this completely free 20-minute voyage.
An amazing craft, brought to the show by the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s Boathouse 4, the Highspeed Launch 102. This vessel truly showcased the advancements in naval technology over the years. Daily sailings were available on this vessel for visitors who chose to pay a little extra for this incredible first-hand experience.
The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s Boathouse 4 also brought the Landing Craft F8 to the 2024 show. Visitors could step onboard to learn how the vessel transports troops and equipment across the sea. Daily sailings were also available for visitors who chose to pay a little extra for this incredible first-hand experience.
The Volvo Assisted Docking system showcased the next generation of marine automation, combining automation with control. The system simplifies boat docking by removing the dynamics of wind and current, and improves control for manoeuvring in tight spaces, to make docking boats safe and easy in challenging conditions.
Demos were held on the marina on a Targa 45GT for visitors to watch and enjoy.
First designed and built in 1916 by John I Thornycroft, following a War Department request for fast, shallow-draft boats capable of navigating minefields and delivering 18-inch torpedoes. These boats represented a significant advancement in the development of fast, hydroplaning vessels, influencing the design of MTBs and MGBs in later decades. The term “Coastal Motor Boat” was a camouflage name to conceal their true purpose, and they were painted white for further disguise.
The CMB4R is a fully operational reproduction, the boat was built by volunteers in Boathouse 4 in Portsmouth, guided by boatbuilding professionals.
The cutting-edge Gentoo, an iconic IMOCA 60 yacht with a remarkable history, drew lots of crowds in 2024. Renowned for its high-tech, eco-friendly design, it has competed in world-class events like the Vendée Globe, showcasing how sustainability and top-tier performance can go hand-in-hand.
Nazca is an ever evolving leave no trace at sea project on a 1984 Contessa 34. It is fully electric, and prepared for expedition sailing. As a one design she was originally produced as a racing yacht – a well proven, robust and seaworthy boat. Nazca is the first vessel of its type to sail on the Bristol Channel and runs science missions for the North Devon Marine Project.
Nazca is light, fast and will go in a breath of wind, yet also safe in a blow, making her the perfect candidate for a fossil fuel-free sailboat for marine science expeditions.
