Southampton boat show

Author
Discussion

Inspectorclueso

Original Poster:

705 posts

259 months

Friday 18th August 2023
quotequote all
I'm thinking of going for a day, would be with a mate, so no kids / family on the day.

Has anyone been, is it any good ? Any tips to make it a better day ?

PS - I don't have a boat at present, just like the whole scene and may at some stage consider how to get into one....if Mrs Clueso could ever be persuaded!

Any info welcomed

Edited by Inspectorclueso on Friday 18th August 12:29


Edited by Inspectorclueso on Friday 18th August 12:29

Huntsman

8,199 posts

257 months

Friday 18th August 2023
quotequote all
Go midweek, its less busy.

Wear the comfiest shoes you own, its a lot of walking.

These days there's a lot of rubbish, but worth going.

Join RYA for a year, get half price tickets and tge RYA magazine for a year.

OutInTheShed

9,310 posts

33 months

Friday 18th August 2023
quotequote all
Take plenty of food and drink.
Not just the prices they charge but also the queueing time.

We used to go by motorbike as there was free parking very near the entrance if you asked nicely.

It can be worth doing a little research about any boats/products which interest you, the people on the stands find it easier to chat to people who've made that effort.

KTF

10,046 posts

157 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2023
quotequote all
If you want to go on any of the on water activities then get there on or before the doors open to book a slot as they go quickly.

Parking in West Quay multi story is £5 for the day and the cheapest in the area for all day parking.

There might be a queue for some of the high end boats but generally there is no issue looking around whatever you like.

Like all these things food and drink is 'captive audience' prices but there is no shortage of places to eat within a few minutes walk of the main entrance. I think if you join the RYA they have a members lounge in the Holiday Inn which has free food for members available.


PushedDover

6,046 posts

60 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2023
quotequote all
Huntsman said:
Go midweek, its less busy.

Wear the comfiest shoes you own, its a lot of walking.

These days there's a lot of rubbish, but worth going.

Join RYA for a year, get half price tickets and tge RYA magazine for a year.
EFA - Wear the comfiest shoes you can slip on and off, if expecting to step aboard the boats....

robm3

4,930 posts

234 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
quotequote all
PushedDover said:
Huntsman said:
Go midweek, its less busy.

Wear the comfiest shoes you own, its a lot of walking.

These days there's a lot of rubbish, but worth going.

Join RYA for a year, get half price tickets and tge RYA magazine for a year.
EFA - Wear the comfiest shoes you can slip on and off, if expecting to step aboard the boats....
Was just about to say that... but good advice.

Just finished at the Sydney Boat show but sadly our dollar is so low against the euro everything was stupidly priced...

Simpo Two

87,031 posts

272 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
quotequote all
robm3 said:
Just finished at the Sydney Boat show but sadly our dollar is so low against the euro everything was stupidly priced...
There must be boats made outside the eurozone - buy one of those :-)

Chainsaw Rebuild

2,053 posts

109 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
quotequote all
Take sunglasses! I went on a sunny day without any and had to buy some asap. Nearly everything is either white or reflective water.

jinkster

2,277 posts

163 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
quotequote all
Head straight for the try a boat and book on and you'll be sailing down southampton water before the end of the day.

Havent been for a few years due to a toddler but hope to go again soon. Have a great day!

jinkster

2,277 posts

163 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
quotequote all
Head straight for the try a boat and book on and you'll be sailing down southampton water before the end of the day.

Havent been for a few years due to a toddler but hope to go again soon. Have a great day!

Before the music stops

3,172 posts

274 months

Friday 25th August 2023
quotequote all
Cheap flight to Nice, cheap hotel in Cannes (yes, you will be surprised) and go look at LOTS of boats in the sunshine with the beautiful people... Cannes Yachting Festival knocks SBS into a cocked hat.

I usually do three days in Cannes (and still don't see everything I need to see) and about three hours at SBS.