Tingdene’s 2025 Southampton Boat Show Review

Tingdene’s 2025 Southampton Boat Show Review

Eleven glorious days of boats, berths and brilliant company

As the autumn light descended on the Solent and the 56th edition of the Southampton International Boat Show drew to a close, it was yet again a defining week for boating, marinas and brokerage alike. From 19–28 September 2025, the show at Mayflower Park welcomed tens of thousands of visitors and hundreds of marine brands, and for Tingdene Marinas & Boat Sales, it was another exciting opportunity to showcase both our marina network and our boat brokerage — on land and afloat.

In this round-up, we’ll share our highlights from the show, our on-water and inland presence, and a few moments that made this year especially memorable for our team, our berth holders, and new visitors alike.

Setting the Scene

The Southampton International Boat Show has long been the jewel in the UK’s marine calendar — ten full days of boats, brands and inspiration. With more than 500 watercraft and 700 exhibitors, the show transforms the city’s waterfront into a vibrant celebration of life afloat.

For Tingdene, the show offers something uniquely valuable: the chance to bring together our marina expertise, brokerage services, and boat displays in one place, giving visitors a complete view of what boating with Tingdene really means. This year’s event had a refreshed layout and an energetic atmosphere from day one — a true showcase of Britain’s love for life on the water.

Our Presence: Land & Sea

On Land – Promoting Our Marinas & Network
Our on-land stand focused on highlighting our marina network across the UK’s inland and coastal waterways. This year, our theme was “Your berth-home, your lifestyle,” encouraging visitors to imagine not just where they might moor their boat, but how they could make it part of their everyday life.

From the Broads to the Thames, and from the Kennet & Avon to the coast, our marina representatives enjoyed meeting berth-holders, prospective boat buyers, and those taking their very first steps into boating. Visitors were keen to learn more about berthing options, services, facilities, and the welcoming communities that make Tingdene Marinas so special.

On the Water – Showcasing Three Standout Boats
Out on the pontoons, our team proudly presented three distinctive models that perfectly captured the diversity of modern leisure boating — the Viking 275, the RYCK 280, and the Delphia 11 Sedan. Together they offered visitors a taste of everything from sporty coastal adventures to comfortable cruising and relaxed inland escapes.

Each boat drew its own crowd and plenty of positive attention, giving our brokerage team the perfect platform to connect with serious buyers and first-time visitors alike.

Viking 275

The Viking 275 remains a true favourite with inland and estuary boaters — a classic British cruiser that combines practicality with elegant design. At the show, it drew a constant stream of interested visitors, many of whom were already familiar with the Viking name and keen to see the latest refinements.

Our team highlighted the versatility of the 275’s layout, bespoke finishing options, and its suitability for both weekend jaunts and longer stays aboard. Visitors loved the craftsmanship and value the model offers, and several went on to book follow-up appointments for private viewings after the show.

RYCK 280

For those with a passion for performance and sleek design, the RYCK 280 made a striking impression. Its modern lines, powerful handling, and day-boating flexibility attracted a younger crowd and those seeking a sportier, low-maintenance lifestyle afloat.

Throughout the week, the RYCK was a magnet for conversation — not only about the boat itself, but about how such models fit into the Tingdene network, offering easy berthing and access to prime cruising waters. It was particularly rewarding to see so many newcomers to boating discovering a craft that matched their energy and enthusiasm.

Delphia 11 Sedan

On the opposite end of the boating spectrum, the Delphia 11 Sedan delivered sophistication, comfort, and modern living on the water. With its bright, open interior, spacious galley and saloon, and exceptional build quality, it appealed to visitors looking for a home-from-home afloat.

The Delphia’s relaxed, environmentally aware design resonated with families and those considering longer cruising adventures. Many conversations focused on how pairing the Delphia with one of our marinas — offering reliable shore power, fuel, and friendly on-site support — provides a truly turnkey boating lifestyle.

Promoting the Inland Waterways

Alongside our main exhibit, Tingdene proudly took its place on the Inland Waterways Stand, championing Britain’s rich network of rivers and canals. Our team were on hand throughout the show to share insight into the joys of inland boating and to highlight how Tingdene’s marinas and brokerage services support owners from first boat to seasoned cruiser.

Visitors could learn about our boat sales, berthing options, and comprehensive marina network, stretching from the Thames to the Broads. The stand proved a popular destination for families and couples curious about the slower pace and scenic beauty of inland cruising. It was clear that interest in inland boating continues to grow — a heartening trend that reflects the accessibility, sustainability, and simple enjoyment the waterways provide.

Rebel RIBs and Tingdene Team Success

Another major highlight was our collaboration with Rebel RIBs, where our Farndon Marina Manager and RIB specialist Alex supported the stand throughout the show. Together, they guided visitors through the Rebel range, offering advice and hands-on expertise that helped many new owners find the perfect fit.

The partnership was a resounding success — with multiple Rebel RIBs sold during the event. The energy on the stand was infectious, fuelled by Alex’s deep knowledge of RIBs and the Farndon team’s approachable professionalism. Whether advising on specifications or discussing marina facilities, the team exemplified Tingdene’s customer-first approach and passion for helping people get on the water.

Tugboat Challenge

Of course, no Tingdene appearance would be complete without a touch of fun, and this year’s Tugboat Challenge in our mini marina proved a huge hit! Our scaled-down marina model, complete with half a tonne of water, gave visitors the chance to take the helm of a remote-controlled boat and attempt to navigate a tricky course into a miniature berth.

It was all about steady hands and nerves of steel, and competition was fierce throughout the week. The fastest time of the show was set by Stuart Gibbs of Newark, who completed the course in a lightning-quick 13.91 seconds to claim victory in our “Tugboat Challenge”. Stuart took home a brand-new remote-control boat worth £300 — and plenty of applause from the watching crowd!

The Mini Marina attracted participants of all ages and proved a fantastic icebreaker for conversations about real-world berthing, handling and life afloat. It perfectly captured what we aim for at every show: to make boating approachable, educational, and above all, enjoyable.

Highlights from the Show

Beyond our own stands, the show as a whole offered plenty of inspiration. The expanded show marina brimmed with boats of every shape and size, while on shore, themed zones such as The Cockpit, Classic & Wooden Boat Stage, and Adventure Zone gave visitors even more to explore.

For our team, the event was also a valuable opportunity to connect with partners, suppliers, and fellow marina operators, sharing ideas and innovations shaping the next era of leisure boating. From sustainability to digital marina management, the energy and forward thinking across the industry were truly encouraging.

Evenings were equally rewarding, with the camaraderie of the marine community shining through in networking events, casual dockside chats, and reunions with long-standing customers and berth holders. It reminded us that while boats are the focus, it’s the people who truly make boating special.

If you visited our stands this year, thank you! We truly appreciated the conversations, feedback, and enthusiasm. And if you couldn’t make it, we’d love to catch up. Book a marina tour, arrange a viewing of one of our stock boats, or simply get in touch to discuss your boating plans for the season ahead.

Celebrating Excellence: Rebecca Reynolds’ Award

One of the proudest moments of the show came when our very own Rebecca Reynolds, Moorings Administration Manager for the Broads, based at Brundall Bay Marina, was recognised at the TYHA Marina of the Year Awards 2025.

Rebecca was awarded Runner-Up in the “Team Member of the Year” category, celebrating outstanding individuals across the marina industry who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional service. Her commitment, professionalism, and passion for helping others make her an outstanding ambassador for both Brundall Bay Marina and the Tingdene Group.

We are immensely proud of Rebecca’s well-deserved recognition. Her warmth, attention to detail, and genuine care for berth holders and visitors alike embody the spirit that defines our marinas. Congratulations, Rebecca — and thank you for representing Tingdene so brilliantly on a national stage!

Looking Ahead

As the show wraps up and the boating season winds down, we’re already planning ahead for 2026, with new models, fresh events, and exciting updates across our marinas.

A huge thank-you to everyone who made Southampton 2025 such a success — our brilliant team, our berth holders, partners, and all the new faces we met along the way. The passion and positivity that filled the show remind us why we love what we do: helping people enjoy life on the water.

Here’s to another great year of boating adventures — fair winds and calm waters from all of us at Tingdene Marinas & Boat Sales.

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