Welcome to the Southampton International Boat Show 2011 the UK’s biggest waterside boat show

The UK’s leading outdoor boat show the PSP Southampton Boat Show, returns to Southampton’s Mayflower Park from 16-25 September, bringing a host of brand new features and attractions as well as regular Show favourites to the stunning south coast show. In its 43rd year, the Show will make for a memorable day out for the whole family, with a wealth of experiences to be discovered.

The 10-day event is hosted at one of Europe’s largest purpose built marinas, featuring over 2km of pontoons. Hundreds of exhibitors will showcase the marine industry’s finest products, services and equipment, whilst almost 1000 boats ranging from kayaks and dinghies to yachts and motorboats will be on show to climb aboard, explore and trial.

With brand new attractions for 2011, whether you’re a seasoned sailor, having a go for the first time or somewhere in between, there’s every reason to pay the Show a visit.

NEW ATTRACTIONS FOR 2011

A full sensory experience, the 2011 PSP Southampton Boat Show offers food lovers the opportunity to indulge not only their passion for outdoor activities, but also their palate…

OYSTER FESTIVAL –

The Show’s Oyster Festival will see The Shellfish Association of Great Britain and their expert chefs carry out daily presentations in Solent Hall. The festival is the first interactive oyster festival of its kind in the UK to showcase all 24 UK producers of oysters. Each session will consist of background information on how to select and open oysters, how to ensure they are from a sustainable source, how oysters are grown and how to prepare them at home. Lucky Show visitors will get the chance to sample a selection of three different varieties of oysters on a first come, first served basis – the perfect culinary complement to a day spent on the water!

SEA KITCHEN THEATRE WITH SHAUN RANKIN –

Boasting a schedule of hard-to-resist gastronomical treats, the 2011 PSP Southampton Boat Show Sea Kitchen Theatre has something for everyone, every day. With legendary Michelin-Star chef and fishing fanatic Shaun Rankin making appearances on the Sea Kitchen Theatre stage along with tops chefs from restaurants in the local area*, all visitors will have the opportunity to pick up some tips on how to enjoy fresh fish at its best and ensure every day at sea is a delicious one.

AUTHORS LIVE

– Authors Live takes place at the dedicated area in Solent Hall for the first time this year and will give visitors the chance to meet leading authors from the boating world and hear excerpts of their writing – often amazing tales of adventure! You can hear from Doug Innes on how to tackle heavy weather and listen to the sea stories of Sam Llewellyn.

BOAT CLINICS

– Also in Solent Hall, the industry’s top experts will impart their wisdom to visitors throughout daily regular clinics at the 2011 PSP Southampton Boat Show. Confirmed speakers include:

Jim Saltonstall – Top tips for racing sailors

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution – Safety at sea

Hybrid Marine – Hybrid propulsion

The Yacht Harbour Association – The Gold Anchor Scheme

Doug Innes – Heavy Weather Sailing

Andy Benham – Kayak Fishing

BOAT PARADE –

A sight to behold; daily throughout the Show a flotilla of boats, modern, vintage and iconic will cruise past the marina whilst a commentator reveals tales and information on each craft, their history and any innovations they may have. Head to Solent Park or the Mariners Restaurant to gain the best viewing platforms for vessels such as Gypsy Moth, Torpedalo, the extreme Banana Shark and WWII boat Medusa.

TEAM RACING –

On Saturday 17 September, in association with Rockley Watersports and RS Sailing, some of the best teams from across the country will be doing battle right in the heart of the Show, with coaching legend Jim Saltonstall commentating to make sure you can follow the action.

SHOW FAVOURITES RETURNING IN 2011

TRY A BOAT –

The Show’s signature favourite, Try a Boat is back again for 2011 in association with onthewater.co.uk. This attraction allows visitors to get out on the water and test the boat of their choice; from RIB’s to powerboats and sailing yachts there is something for everyone, whether you’re deciding on a boat of your own or just enjoying the day. For the first time, you can book these thrilling boat-rides in advance, choosing from three amazing powerboats: the XS600RIB, RIBCRAFT 8M RIB, and RODMAN 800 POWERBOAT. Your expert skipper will show you just what these boats are capable of and give you an experience to remember!

GET AFLOAT –

For those kids who want to try their own hand at the action, Get Afloat is a feature not to be missed. The Rockley Watersports staff will treat 8- 16 year olds to a free 90 minute dinghy sailing lesson complete with all equipment, right at the heart of the Show.

TRY A DIVE –

A unique interactive sporting experience, Try-a-Dive gives visitors of all ages the chance to get in the water and explore the wild world of Scuba Diving! Run by long-established company Andark Diving, Try-a-Dive introduces this exciting sport to kids and adults alike in a purpose-built tank. With fully qualified instructors on hand and all the kit supplied, all you need do is turn up and sign up for free!

FEATURE BOATS –

Don’t miss some of the most historic, wacky and interesting boats on the water today. The PSP Southampton Boat Show allows visitors the unique experience of visiting the following amazing boats: Yachting Monthly Crash Boat- Yachting Monthly magazine is currently testing to destruction a second-hand 40ft Jeanneau Sun Fizz 40 ketch.

Medusa- HMS Medusa, originally ML1387, is a Harbour Defence Motor Launch built in 1943 at Poole.

Leader- Leader is a former Brixham sailing trawler built in 1892, one of the largest of her type and now a sail training vessel

Callista- Science ship Callista invites curious minds of all ages to explore underwater life

WAYS TO ENJOY THE SHOW

LADIES DAY, SEE THE SHOW IN STYLE –

The PSP Southampton Boat Show Ladies Day, coming to the Show on Thursday 22 September, is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience for all.

With fascinators at the ready, ladies will be dressed in their finery for the South Coast’s must-attend social event of the year. All ladies will have the chance to win the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ competition in association with the Southern Daily Echo; appearing in the daily newspaper. Ladies can also get a taste of the high life with a complimentary glass of bubbly when purchasing the dedicated Ladies Day Champagne ticket**.

Ladies Day Ambassador Shelley Jory-Leigh; business woman, British Power Boat Champion, BBC Radio Presenter and Newspaper Columnist will be on hand to kick off the festivities and join in the fun while raising awareness for the official Ladies Day charity, The Rose Road Association.

EATING AND DRINKING

If you haven’t had your fill at the Oyster Festival and Sea Kitchen Theatre there are a host of options for enjoying a drink and a meal throughout your visit:

Mariners Restaurant: Located in the Mayflower Complex, the Mariners Restaurant offers visitors a stylish and contemporary bar and grill experience.

Windward Lounge: Located in Mayflower Park, Windward Lounge offers visitors freshly baked baguettes, Thai, fish and chips and plenty of other delicious choices.

The Bistro and Bar: Located in the Mayflower Complex and ideal for casual dining; a relaxed and informal but still delicious menu has been created for the Bistro. In the bar, there is a full range of drinks available and lounge seating.

Boat Show visitor views and opinions at the ILBC www.worldsportsboats.ning.com