Escape to the Winter Boat Shows – Part 2
Oct 24, 2024
Last issue, we took a look at some far flung boat shows that will make a combo vacay getaway while further lengthening your list of must-have dream boats. Special thanks to thanks to international show gurus Rightboat’s John Burnham and Samantha Wilson.
This batch of shows lean both to the all-out extravaganza – see Palma and Queensland shows – and toward the less traveled boating path green boats, a focussed look mostly at UK’s Big Three—Sunseeker, Fairline and Princess— large motor yachts and even a unique show devoted to Britain’s narrowboats. Here’s even further incentive – several of these shows are free (especially if you bring your wallet and are a serious buyer)!
Palma International Boat Show
Where is it? Moll Vell, Puerto de Palma, Mallorca, Spain
When is it? 30 April – 3 May 2025
Website: www.palmainternationalboatshow.com
Ticket prices: TBC but in 2024 tickets cost 10 euros for a day pass or 35 euros for an all-show Pro Pass.
Mallorca has long been one of the boating hubs of the Mediterranean, and the Palma International Boat Show is a cornerstone of the industry. It’s one of the very best events on the calendar, given all the things that Palma is famous for—round-the-year sunshine, superb cruising grounds, every brand you can think of, and wonderful scenery. Palma really has got it all, and the show is a reflection of that. Typically, there are well over 250 boats on display, most of which are afloat.
Incorporating the Superyacht Village (formerly called the Palma Superyacht Show), the event delivers some of the finest 24m+ superyachts currently on the international brokerage and charter market. Alongside this, you’ll find a wide array of shore-side superyacht related services, showcasing anything from the latest advancements in sail design to next-level marine electronics. There is a dedicated refit and repair area, electronics, navigation and communication systems, and when it’s time for a break, some top notch food and drink stalls too.
Did you know? Palma is a great place to learn to sail or enjoy the water, and there are many nautical and diving schools exhibiting at the show.
South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show
Where is it? Ocean Village Marina, Southampton, UK.
When is it? 9-11 May 2025
Website: https://www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/events/2024-04-19/south-coast-boat-show/
Ticket prices: Free entry
MDL’s Ocean Village Marina has long been used as a venue for large events—think the Whitbread Round the World Race and the Clipper Race among others. A recent period of development has seen it elevated into a superb showcase marina, and a great home for the new South Coast Boat Show. Now combining the Green Tech Boat Show (previously hosted by MDL in Plymouth), the event delivers global power and sail brands alongside new innovative eco-friendly products. Visitor attendance is free.
In 2024, with over 80 new boats on display, the show really is an ideal opportunity for serious buyers to experience the marine industry’s most exciting and innovative brands in power and sail. As you’d expect, the event also showcases an extensive range of ancillary services including associated gear, finance, and insurance. This year, it will also play host to the return to the famous racing yacht Maiden, following a six-year World Tour raising awareness and funds for Girls’ Education, and seven months competing in her last round the world race.
Barclays Jersey Boat Show
Where is it? St. Helier Marina, Jersey, Channel Islands, UK
When is it? 3-5 May, 2025
Website: https://www.jerseyboatshow.com/
Ticket prices: Free entry
The cruising grounds of the Channel Islands are not to be missed, and St.Helier Marina celebrates this in style with what remains the largest free event in the Channel Islands! It is packed with yachts, watercraft, stalls, gadgets, lifestyle products, and services. Weighbridge Place is home to the entertainment village, showcasing the finest local talent with a packed entertainment program and the best in food and drink.
British Motor Yacht Show
Where is it? Swanwick Marina, Swanwick, UK
When is it? 15-18 May, 2025
Website: https://www.britishmotoryachtshow.com/
Ticket prices: Free for serious buyers; register via website
Originally set up as an event for the UK’s Big Three—Sunseeker, Fairline and Princess—this event has grown to now feature most of the prestigious powerboat brands represented by dealers in the UK. The location, Swanwick Marina, has become the permanent hub for many of these businesses, and the event has thrived because of it. It has an intimate and boutique feel to it, a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the larger shows on the calendar.
Registration for the event is free. Alongside the boats on show, you will find plenty of exhibitors representing other areas of boat ownership that you will need to consult. The marina features a superb new Boat House cafe, and there is plenty of parking.
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Where is it? Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
When is it? 22-25 May 2025
Website: www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au
Ticket prices: One-day tickets are $32.85 for an adult; children under 16 accompanied by a paying adult enter free. Tickets must be purchased online; there is no box office at the show
For over 30 years this show has been an Australian yachting institution showcasing everything from kayaks to superyachts. Every year, it is a glamorous, immersive boating lifestyle event that appeals to everyone. Seek out the latest in marine tech, walk the pontoons for everything from sportsboats to fishing boats, trawlers and trailers, dine in the excellent restaurants in the Marine Village, watch the live entertainment, and join in the fishing tournament. In 2023, the longest line of luxury motor yachts ever assembled on the Gold Coast arrived at SCIB—amounting to $30 million worth and 617 feet in length. Will 2024 top that? Watch this space.
Did you know? In over 30 years, the show has hosted more than 10,000 exhibitors and welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors, making it the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Crick Boat Show
Where is it? Crick Marina, Crick, UK
When is it? 24-26, May 2025
Website: http://www.crickboatshow.com/
Ticket prices: A one-day ticket is £19.00 and £43.00 for a weekend ticket (Saturday to Monday). Prices discounted if purchased in advance.
Without doubt, this is the UK’s biggest inland Waterways Festival, with the greatest display of new inland boats, both narrowboats and wide beams. It also transforms into Britain’s largest chandlery for three days with over 260 exhibitors bringing together the whole spectrum of inland boating equipment and supplies. This is a great event for waterways enthusiasts wishing to modify or upgrade their boat, newcomers eager to get afloat for the first time, and those looking for a relaxing day on the water.
Thames Valley Boat Show
Where is it? Penton Hook Marina, Chertsey, UK
When is it? Dates TBD (Last show was 31 May – June 2, 2024)
Website: https://www.thamesvalley-boatshow.co.uk
Ticket prices: Free entry
The River Thames facilitates a huge breadth in the ways it can be enjoyed by boat owners. This new event showcases that, featuring leading marine companies who service the needs of those on the river including Bates Wharf, Tingdene, Bray Marine Sales, and Thames Boat Sales. There are a comprehensive range of land and on-water stands, plus 100 dedicated sales berths afloat, 40+ marquee spaces ashore, and 50 boat spaces.
