Southampton Boat Show 2014

The PSP Southampton Boat Show 2014 runs from Friday 12 September until Sunday 21st September.  As is usual it will be gracing the Mayflower  Park/Town Quay area of Southampton.  For those of you finding your way with a SatNav,  SO15 1AG.

Many new attractions have been talked about to encourage more visitors this year. Last year saw over 100,000 visitors to the show.  Here are just some of the attractions on offer at the Southampton Boat Show 2014:

Challenge 72 Round the World Experience

Board the Global Challenge sailing yacht for an exciting trip around the Solent to experience what it is like to crew aboard a 72-foot racing yacht.  For 1 hour 30 minutes, you can helm the boat, hoist the sails, or winch ’til your muscles pop.   It matters not if you are a novice or experienced sailor, great fun will be had under the guidance of the professional crew.

 Tall Ship Phoenix

This replica brig, which has appeared in many films, will be berthed at the Boat Show marina for photo opportunities.  It’s not clear but the literature does say it’s free to explore so fill your pirate boots.

Daily Tribute Concerts

Each day there will be live music in the form of a tribute act to entertain the crowds.  From 4:30 until 6:30 every afternoon you can listen to Frank Sinatra, George Michael, Michael Buble, The Beatles, Madonna and Elton John to name but a few.  The venue has not been given yet but I’m sure they shouldn’t be too hard to find if you listen carefully!

Southampton Boat Show 2014 Eye

A giant Ferris wheel will lift visitors 100 feet into the air for spectacular views across Southampton Water.  Provided the weather is co-operating you should be able to see across to Hythe, over the city and maybe you may catch a glimpse of the Isle of Wight.  If this is the same wheel that was present at Cowes Week then it is definitely worth the £3 ride.

Ride on an ORC!

Hang on a minute I hear you cry, an ORC is a brutish mythical creature used by the villains in Tolkien’s fantasy writings. Well yes, you are most correct, but there is another ORC and this one is slightly different but probably equally as scary! Ride on a Royal Marine Offshore Raiding Craft (ORC).  Free but needs to be booked through the Try a Boat desk.  I’m sure this will be a very popular activity, particularly on Ladies Day!

Old Favourites

Back by popular demand are the usual suspects.  Get Afloat for youngsters to try their hand at dinghy sailing and stand up paddleboarding.  By young I mean 8-16-year-olds and it’s free on a first-come-first-served basis.  The RYA are again running their popular Active Marina Experience for refreshing your sailing skills and picking up handy tips.  These workshops need to be booked too as spaces are limited.

For more information on Southampton Boat Show, 2014 just visit the Boat Show Website.

Related Articles: Southampton Boat Show, The Boat Show – Insider Knowledge on Parking, Eating and Accommodation