Boats 2020, which replaced this year’s Southampton Boat Show, has been cancelled less than 24 hours before the start of the show.

Organisers British Marine said it had been notified by Southampton City Council this evening that the event could no longer go ahead due to the rising risk of COVID-19 and growing Government fears.

The show, which met Public Health England COVID-19 safety requirements, was due to take place from 11-20 September.

The Ocean Village Boat Show, organised by MDL, and due to run at Ocean Village in Southampton from 11-20 September, has also been cancelled

‘Deeply disappointed’

The CEO of British Marine, Lesley Robinson said they were ‘desperately disappointed that Boats 2020 will no longer be taking place, especially receiving the news at the eleventh hour before opening.’

‘A tremendous amount of work has been put in and it was heartening to see committed exhibitors on-site today getting geared up for opening,’ she added.

“British Marine has remained committed to staging this not-for-profit boat show to support the leisure marine industry and our host city of Southampton, and I am deeply saddened that it will now no longer be taking place.

‘Alongside our exhibitors, we were ready to open a show that exceeded all safety requirements,’ continued Robinson.

‘We are truly perplexed as to why we are unable to run the show at least until Monday in line with the government restrictions imposed yesterday.

‘The global pandemic and unprecedented times mean that the latest circumstances are beyond our control. Public health and safety come first and naturally, as the show organiser, British Marine must comply with all guidance,’ said Robinson.

British Marine will be communicating with exhibitors, ticket holders and further stakeholders.

Continues below…

Alternative Southampton Boat Show to go ahead

British Marine has confirmed it will be holding an alternative event to the Southampton Boat Show in September

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In a statement, MDL said the cancellation of the show was ‘very disappointing for the industry.’

‘We don’t agree with the decision,’ said MDL’s sales and marketing director, Tim Mayer, who has organised the show.

‘We understand that the council is worried about an influx of visitors, however, both shows have been very careful with the arrangements and for controlling visitor numbers.

‘As you know, we have from the outset strived to develop a show that offers visitors an appointment-only, controlled and safe show – specifically designed for serious buyers – so we are devastated by this last minute decision.’

Ticket holders to the Ocean Village Boat Show who have booked appointments to view yachts will be able to keep their appointments but at the yacht brokerage’s yard.

8 September 2020

The Bavaria C57 and the Bavaria Vision 42 will be on display at Boats 2020, which opens on Friday.

The yachts are being showcased by Clipper Marine and can be found on stands M212-218.

The Bavaria C57 will be on display at Boats 2020. Credit: Graham Snook

RS Sailing’s range will also be part of the sailing boat line-up.

Their outdoor stand (A010) will be showcasing the RS Quest, RS Zest, RS Neo, RS Tera and RS Aero.

Additionally, the RS21 will be displayed on the water (M001A), allowing visitors the rare opportunity to see the RS21 afloat.

N’Fun will also be exhibiting their day sailer, the N’Fun 30 in berth M011.

Debut of the Foiling Dinghy

For those sailors who have always fancied taking to the air and trying out foiling, The Foiling Dinghy will be available on stand SB09.

It has been designed by AST sailing technologies and is being sold in the UK by Dynamic Sailing.

Visitors can also enter a free prize draw to be in with a chance of winning a day on the water in The Foiling Dinghy at either Carsington Sailing Club in Ashbourne or Netley Sailing Club in Hampshire.

The classic range of versatile folding boats from Seahopper will also be at Boats 2020.

Models on display at stand SB03/04 will include the Scamp as a folding demonstrator, a lug rigged Lighter with a beautiful rope fender and a Gunter rigged Kondor with all the trimmings.

Churchouse Boats, which builds the Drascombe range, was previously announced in the show line-up.

The boat builder will be displaying the Coaster and the Lugger.

Organisers British Marine said the health, safety and security of visitors is the number one priority during the show.

Pre-booked tickets are needed to enter the Mayflower Park showground; tickets for 12 September have already sold out.

The show will be open between the 11-20 September 2020.

Tickets must be pre-booked at: boats2020.co.uk

18 August 2020

Motor boats are dominating the line-up at Boats 2020, the alternative event to the Southampton Boat Show.

Over 90 boats are confirmed for next month’s event, which is being held at Mayflower Park on 11-20 September.

These include Alfastreet Marine, AMP, Aquaglide, Chaparral, Chris Craft, Churchouse Boats, Cockwells, Cranchi, Fairline Yachts, Finnmaster, Fleming Yachts, F-RIB, Grand Ribs, Grandezza, Honnor Marine Classics, NordKapp, Parker Boats, Pearl Yachts, Princess Motor Yachts, Regal Boats, Robolo, Saxdor, Sealine, Sunseeker, Williams Performance Tenders and Windy Boats, XO Boats.

Navico, Fischer Panda UK, Crusader Sails, Dolphin Sails, Decathlon UK, R&D Marine, Torqeedo, RYA and Tingdene Marinas are just some of the marine equipment exhibitors at the event.

Churchouse Boats, which builds the Drascombe range, are one of the few sail boat builders attending Boats 2020

Tickets, which cost £12.50, are now available to buy online at: www.boats2020.co.uk

They are limited, and are available only in advance.

Organisers British Marine cancelled the Southampton Boat Show due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It said Boats 2020 meets Public Health England COVID-19 safety requirements.

Safety measures will be focussed social distancing, cleaning and hygiene; protect and detect, and clear communications.

The show layout and ticketing platform aim to create a safe environment for all visitors and allow them to focus ‘on spending quality time’ with exhibitors.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has also confirmed that the event plans fall within current Government guidance.

The CEO of British Marine, Lesley Robinson, said; ‘It is fantastic to have such industry support for Boats 2020 presented by Southampton International Boat Show Ltd.

‘The diverse range of brands makes it a staple for serious boat buyers and water sports enthusiasts keen to see the latest boats and equipment.

‘Visitors can expect a safe and quality day of viewing and browsing, knowing that the event is fully endorsed by Southampton City Council and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and that it meets Public Health England COVID-19 safety requirements,’ she added.

British Marine has worked in close collaboration with Southampton City Council to stage Boats 2020.