The South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show, now in its sixth edition, has wrapped up another triumphant run at MDL’s Ocean Village Marina, leaving a wake of excitement and innovation that’s sure to ripple through the maritime industry. With over 5,000 visitors flocking to the event, it’s clear that this show is more than just a local affair—it’s a global gathering of marine enthusiasts and professionals.
The event kicked off with a bang, quite literally, as the Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Southampton, Cllr David Shields, officially opened the show. The clear skies and beautiful weather were the cherry on top, setting a perfect stage for what was to come. The press was treated to a VIP experience, with a dedicated drinks and canapés reception offering a sneak peek at debut models and cutting-edge technologies. It was a who’s who of marine journalism and industry leaders, all eager to see what the future holds.
New for this year was a dedicated media centre, sponsored by ePropulsion UK. It was a hit, providing a comfortable space for networking, quiet work, and much-needed refreshments. It’s a small touch, but it speaks volumes about the show’s commitment to making life easier for those who cover it.
The show floor was a spectacle, with over 130 boats on display, both shoreside and afloat. From world premieres to show debuts, there was something for everyone. The Hardy 45 European, the first Hardy to be completely designed and built in-house by Cockwells, stole the show with its official unveiling by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal. It’s a bold move that’s sure to shake up the market and push other builders to innovate.
But it wasn’t just about the boats. The Innovation Hub, sponsored by ePropulsion, was a hotbed of activity. Steve Bruce, Managing Director at ePropulsion, summed it up perfectly: “The Innovation Hub was buzzing. We had fantastic conversations about our electric propulsion range and met some truly forward-thinking partners and customers.” It’s exactly this kind of energy that’s going to drive the industry forward.
Raymarine’s Paul Childs introduced the Dame Award-winning Alpha Display Series and the new Smart Wind transducer, both of which are setting new standards for navigation and wind measurement. It’s the kind of tech that’s going to make sailing smarter and more intuitive. Under the Maritime UK Solent banner, local tech startups showcased their breakthrough solutions, from Anchorite’s award-winning anchor chain marking system to Salmon Marine’s revolutionary shock mitigation system for RIBs. CubeX Industries also turned heads with its Ultra-High-Performance Concrete for marine infrastructure, proving that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.
The Green Innovator 2025 Award went to Fischer Panda UK, recognised for its pioneering work in electric propulsion systems. It’s a well-deserved win, and a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainable marine solutions.
Raymarine has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the show, signing a new three-year partnership that will see it as a key sponsor through to 2028. Richard Marsden, UK Sales Manager at Raymarine, said it best: “Raymarine is proud to support a show that celebrates both tradition and progress.” It’s a sentiment that’s echoed by everyone involved in the show.
Looking ahead, the success of this year’s event is a clear indicator of the need for such exhibitions at the start of the season. However, it’s not just about the numbers. The real measure of success lies in the sales generated and the conversations sparked. As Tim Mayer, MDL’s Sales and Marketing Director, put it, “The real measure of success lies in the sales generated. After speaking with nearly all exhibitors over the three days, it’s evident that some boat brands are experiencing challenging conditions. Nevertheless, I was pleased to hear that confirmed sales had been made and that dealers had engaged in valuable conversations.”
The 2026 South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show is already on the horizon, set to return from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 May 2026. It’s a date to circle on the calendar, as this show continues to shape the future of the maritime industry. So, let’s raise a glass to another successful show and look forward to the innovations and debates that are sure to come. After all, the sea is always calling, and the future is always on the horizon.
