Southampton mixes old and new as boat show season gets underway

The PSP Southampton Boat Show began in the UK September 10, with historic boats and planes kicking off the first major show of the season.

A 64-foot (19.5 meter) high speed launch used to recover pilots during the Battle of Britain carried British reality television celebrities Dawn Porter and Nick Hancock to the marina Friday, where the pair declared the ten-day show officially open.

PSP Southampton is held in one of Europe's largest purpose-built marinas and has over 1,000 boats on show during its ten-day run.

It promises an "essential interactive experience" for visitors, whether they are avid sailors or just interested in boats, with craft of every shape and size on display from several manufacturers.

Highlights expected or already unveiled include a new 40-meter model and the Manhattan 63 yacht from Sunseeker, the Sealine F42, the Fairline Squadron 42 and the V52 from Princess Yachts.

The show also hosts hundreds of exhibitors selling marine products from clothing to engines, and will hold several special events during its run, such as "try a boat" sessions, a "Science of the Sea" exhibition and Ladies' Day on September 16.

PSP Southampton is the first of a series of boat shows scheduled in the coming months as the season gets underway.

Further debuts are expected at the Grand Pavois de la Rochelle in France, which opens September 15, the Genoa Boat Show in Italy, which opens October 2 and the Fort Lauderdale show in Florida, USA, which opens October 28.

http://www.southamptonboatshow.com