Words and photos by Mike Daish.
Mayflower Park once again plays host to the Southampton International Boat Show, which runs until September 27th.
My visit this year was full of interesting encounters that remind me why I enjoy this event so much.
The RNLI is the boat show’s charity of the year for 2026.
A statement from SIBS at the time of the announcement said: “As the charity that saves lives at sea, the RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crews, beach lifeguards, water safety advisers and international teams work tirelessly every day to rescue those in danger while promoting water safety through education and prevention…
“As part of the partnership, visitors booking tickets for this year’s Southampton International Boat Show will be able to make an optional donation to the RNLI, helping to ensure its crews can continue to respond whenever and wherever they are needed most.”
The RNLI drew plenty of interest at the festival with both a current lifeboat and their new prototype craft, built on the Isle of Wight and tested in Poole, offering visitors a glimpse of the next generation of lifesaving innovation.
It was also lovely to chat with volunteers from National Coastwatch, whose teams help keep people safe around the UK coastline every day.
Wandering through the crowds, I met the Exploring Duo, Ethan Chapman and Lottie Hopkinson‑Woolley, who are preparing for a 3,000‑mile, unsupported Atlantic row from the Canary Islands to Antigua — one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet. They’re taking on the crossing to raise funds for three charities: the Seaview Sailing Trust, the British Heart Foundation, and Calder Valley Search & Rescue. Their determination and warmth brought a real sense of purpose to the show.
I also stopped to admire the work of marine artist Gregory Smith, whose paintings at marinepaintings.art capture the Solent with a richness and familiarity that instantly speaks to anyone who knows these waters.
A standout moment was a short trip out with the Wetwheels Foundation, whose fully accessible powerboat open the water to people who might otherwise never get the chance. It was a joyful, breezy ride — made even more memorable when we were briefly “stopped by pirates,” a playful moment that had everyone on board laughing.
Back on land, another welcome sight was the stall from Fauna & Flora, the world’s oldest international conservation organisation, whose vice‑president Sir David Attenborough has been a member since 1959. Their presence added a thoughtful environmental thread to the show — one echoed by the noticeable increase in eco‑focused exhibitors and the growing number of electric boats on display this year.
The show is on until Sunday 27th September.
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