All abroad for 40th celebrations

Above: This year's Boat Show promises to be bigger and better than ever

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Oddly enough, it was not sailors, but a couple of Southampton electrical contractors, Norman Kemish and Arthur Gale, who were the pioneers behind the first Southampton Boat Show back in 1969 when they were challenged to organise a better show than the one in London.
Southampton made sense as a historic port and ship and boatbuilding area, plus positioning the show in a corner of Mayflower Park, adjacent to Southampton Water, allowed boats to be exhibited how they should be, on water. Back then there were about 50 exhibitors, today the Southampton Boat Show is one of the top boat shows in the world and has taken over the whole of Mayflower Park and two adjacent car parks. In 1982, the show was bought by the then-called British Marine Industries Federation (BMIF), who ran the London Boat Show, but Norman continued to organise it under the name Artman Exhibitions until 1987.
“It was one of those unique opportunities,” recalls Murray Ellis, director of operations with National Boat Shows (NBS). “It started at the right time and in the right place, and has grown from small beginnings to the success it is today.”
In May this year Norman Kemish was given a Southampton City Award for his involvement in the Southampton Boat Show.

What not to miss

The Hydropool Marina
Bigger and better than ever before with nearly 400 boats for visitors to explore and some of the world’s most prestigious brands including Sunseeker, Fairline and Azimut.

OnBoard
Younger visitors are given the chance to experience sailing first hand through OnBoard, a fantastic initiative organised by the RYA. This free feature is aimed at eight to 16 year olds.

Try-a-Boat
Experience the thrill of being out on the water with the Try-a-Boat feature. There are more boats than ever before – the latest RIBs (rigid inflatable boats), sailing yachts, powerboats and motor cruisers. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a sailing veteran or bold beginner. The free trip is operated on a first come first served basis.

Float your boat
The Marina is home to a fleet of feature boats including:
Ocean Pirate – a 40 year old Power Boat, on view from September 19.
Spirit of Mystery – a replica of the original Mystery, a 37-foot wooden lugger in which seven Cornishmen sailed to Australia 154 years. Pete Goss will attempt to sail to Australia in Spirit of Mystery mid-October without the aid of modern electrical or navigational systems. On view preview day.
Callista – a research vessel from the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton University. On view September 13 to 17.
Lively Lady – back from a two-year round-the-world trip and in the process has helped young adults turn their lives around. On view September 12 to 14.
Jeanie Johnston – come onboard this tall ship to imagine what it was like to cross the Atlantic, fleeing poverty and seeking hope in North America. This replica was rebuilt by the people of Tralee to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the potato famine. The original carried over 2,500 people on 16 voyages to North America. On view September 12 to 19.
Search & Rescue demonstrations provided by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency working with the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution).

On centre stage
The Feature stage and big screen are at the centre of the birthday celebrations, bringing the Show’s glorious 40 years to life with retro-style fashion shows, guest appearances from personalities, films celebrating the show and ‘Miss Southampton Boat Show’ competition.

Tips for first-timers
• The Boat Show sprawls over three areas linked by bridging – so wear comfortable shoes and clothes for traipsing up and down fairly steep open-tread stairs. (There is disabled access.)
• Weather can be variable – wear layers to take off or pile on depending on the sun and sea breeze.
• For boat hopping, make sure your shoes are easy to slip on and off (you could take deck shoes).
• If you intend to go out on the water wear appropriate clothing,
eg cropped trousers rather than silk skirts for women.
• Take a roomy shoulder bag for all the literature and info you’re bound to collect.

At a glance

Where: Mayflower Park, Southampton
When: September 12-21
Getting there: Parking is available in Southampton, but arriving by train is easy as Mayflower Park is only a few minutes walk from the station.
What’s there: Whether you’re a boating, sailing or watersport enthusiast, are interested in a new hobby or just want a brilliant day out, the Southampton Boat Show has plenty to offer with activities, boats to explore, fashion, films and food. You’ll find power boats, sailing yachts and dinghies, clothing, holidays, charters, chandlery and deck equipment.