Southampton Boat Show.

Europe's largest purpose built on-water boat show, the PSP Southampton Boat Show will return to Mayflower Park .  The 40th Southampton Boat Show in association with ITV Meridian, which boasts one of Europe's largest purpose-built marinas, treated visitors to a bumper year with over 600 exhibitors and more than 1,000 boats on display, ranging from 1.5m dinghies to 37m tri-deck motor yachts.  To ensure an unforgettable 40th, the Show was opened with golden fanfare by the victorious sailors from Team GB, led by Ben Ainslie, and a host of boating and television legends from the past five decades including Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Dame Ellen MacArthur, Steve Curtis MBE, Lady Pippa Blake and Kate O'Mara. Perfect for day trippers and enthusiasts alike, the event saw around 130,000 people enjoy sailing, boating and activities on and under the water.

The Southampton Boat Show is simply the place to be to check out all the latest boating gear or to discover a new hobby.

Attractions

Visitors to the Southampton Boat Show, which has Europe 's largest on-water purpose built marina, can also take the chance to enjoy the thrill of being out on the water with Try-a-Boat. Daring visitors will get to choose from a selection of the latest RIBs, powerboats and yachts with options to suit all levels, whether you're an intrepid beginner or a seasoned professional.

With over 600 exhibitors and 700 boats on display, visitors to the most exciting Show on the South Coast won't be short of things to see. Whether its power boats, sailing yachts or smaller dinghies; guests attracted to the PSP Southampton Boat Show have plenty to explore. Those visitors looking for marine accessories at the Show will also be spoilt for choice, with many exhibitors offering chandlery, deck equipment, clothing, holidays, charters and much more  

And don't miss Try-a-Dive, the chance to experience scuba diving for the first time. Just bring a swimsuit - the show will supply the wet suit and friends and family can watch your underwater abilities on TV. Or chat to and learn about the impressive search and rescue operations that both HM Coastguard and RNLI's real life heroes carry out. Both the HM Coastguard and the RNLI will be drawing in the crowds showing how it's done throughout the show.

Visitors to the Southampton Boat Show also get the chance to go on the spectacular marina sponsored by Hydropool. This year, the Hydropool marina has over 370 boats afloat - believed to be the largest number of boats afloat ever at the Southampton Boat show.

Another favourite returning to the Southampton Boat Show is the ever-popular Miss Southampton Boat Show competition. Lovely local ladies or keen boaters will be encouraged to enter the competition that culminates on the final Saturday at the Show, with the lucky winner taking the crown.

Visitors were spoiled for choice with the action-packed schedule of daily events, displays and interactive features.  Crowds gathered at the Main Stage – Powered by Fairline to watch retro fashion shows and see Felicity MacNamara be crowned Miss PSP Southampton Boat Show; visitors climbed aboard the Show's tall ship Jeanie Johnston as well as a multitude of visiting feature boats; while others took the chance to get on the water trying RIBs, powerboats, dinghies, canoes and kayaks. 

2008 Product Lauches

• British boat builder Hunton will launch their new model the XRS43 at this years Show.
• Morgan Powerboats launch all new British Boats at the Show Morgan Powerboats pave the way for British boating at product launch at the PSP Southampton Boat Show
• Debut of Powercat 695 at the PSP Southampton Boat Show Powercat will be unveiling its very latest craft at the PSP Southampton Boat Show this year.
• Monte Fino launch the new MF76 at the PSP Southampton Boat Show Monte Fino will unveil their new MF76 at the PSP Southampton Boat Show this year.
• Launch of the Motor Yachts M36 Bass Harbour, Maine: Morris Yachts is pleased to be showing the M36 for the first time at the PSP Southampton Boat Show
• Launch of the Motorcat MC29 See its launch at the PSP Southampton Boat Show
• Latest Models from Trader Motoryachts The first blue hulled Trader 64 Sunliner will be making its debut alongside two versions of the best-selling Trader 42 which was first launched in 2007.
• Integrated Design Blends Sail and Power Together in a Trailerable Package Following completion of recent prototype testing, the new Legend 27 Edge will be on display at the PSP Southampton Boat Show
• Wim Van der Valk Aluminium Motor Yacht to be launched at Southampton Imperial Motor Yachts will launch a completely new, exciting and innovative Wim Van der Valk Aluminium Motor Yacht at this year's Show.
• New model in the Elan Performance Range The newest yacht in the range will be making her UK debut on stand F3 at the Show.
• Princess Yachts announce new V62 Sports Yacht Princess Yachts International Plc announce that a sleek new V Class sports yacht is due to be revealed at the Show.
• Rebirth of a Classic Thirteen years after the launch of the iconic Fairline Squadron 55, luxury performance motor yacht manufacturer, Fairline Boats launches at the PSP Southampton Boat Show
• Predator 92 Uniquely positioning the Predator 92 Sport within this range, a sleek flybridge as standard has been incorporated without breaking the series' distinctive styling.
• Sealine to launch flagship sports convertible Sealine international is to launch its new 'flagship' Sports convertible at this autumn;s PSP Southampton and Genoa Boat Shows
• C.J. Marine to launch new WIND RIBS at the Show C. J. Marine will be launching its new range of Turkish built WIND RIBS which will be represented by the outstanding 4.80STX

Tickets

This year, National Boat Shows has launched a brand new, flexible Combi-ticket deal to offer visitors even greater value than ever before. Visitors can spend two full days at either show, or one day at both shows.

Available now via the ticket hotline on 0844 209 0333 or on the door, this great "combination" ticket deal gives visitors the freedom to choose how they visit the UK 's premier boat shows.

2008 Prices - The combi-ticket deal costs just £20 in advance or £25 on the door, giving visitors a saving of £5 over purchasing two separate tickets. Andrew Williams, NBS Managing Director, says: "Our brilliant combi-ticket deal offers great value and flexibility for people interested in visiting both Boat Shows - or simply planning a repeat trip."

Kids Go Free!

This great offer joins the latest combi-ticket deal giving families fantastic value for money. For the first time at the Southampton Boat Show, kids aged 15 and under get free admission - provided they are with a paying adult.

For further details visit www.southamptonboatshow.com

 Images have been reproduced by kind permission of onEdition