On the 21st of September, CrewPass made our way to Britain’s biggest festival of boating, The Southampton International Boat Show 2022. We are lucky that the boat show is right on our doorstep as our office is currently based in Southampton.
Out of consideration, on the 19th of September, the Southampton International boat show did not open as a mark of their respect for her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her family. However, from the 20th, the festival was up and running again just in time for the sunny weather.
The show has been running since 1969 and became a 10 day event after the Mayflower Park permitted it to extend from 9 days under the Southampton International Boat Show Act 1997. This event has brought people from all over to come down and visit everything Southampton has to offer. It has proven to be a great day out for many families, potential buyers and marine professionals.
The show features everything the leisure marine industry has to offer. With a wide variety of watersport activities, innovative product/service exhibitors, great food and thrilling attractions, there are many things to do that benefit all. Opportunities to try SUPs, kayaking, riding a RIB or a more leisurely cruiser are featured at the show. Plus, thrill-seeker attendees have the option to experience the joy of getting on a signature Try-a-Boat and Get Afloat. However, suppose you prefer a more relaxing day out. In that case, there is plenty of bars, seating areas and food options, such as the Borrow a Boat Quarterdeck Bar & restaurant.
Environmental Day
The Southampton International Boat show hosts a series of topically themed days to highlight the hottest issues in the maritime industry. The show hosts 4 themed days: Schools And Careers Day, Environment Day, Women In Marine Day and Clubs And Associations Day. The 4 Spotlight days feature events and activities based on each specific topic.
Wednesday, 21st September, was Environment Day which illustrates the importance of environmental responsibility, which is extremely important to the show and CrewPass. The show showcases notable advances in green technology and adopting environmental best practices.
CrewPass made our way to the Foredeck Stage to listen to the ‘Why are we taking on the world’s toughest row’, talk by the ‘In Our Element’ Atlantic rowing team, Hollie Luff, Rachel Lasham, Eliot Holman and Mike Hatch, together with Prof. Andy Pickford of the Centre for Enzyme Innovation, University of Portsmouth. The rowing team will be taking part in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge in December 2022. This challenge involves rowing more than 3000 miles from La Gomera, Canary Islands to English Harbour Antigua and Barbuda. This gruelling physical challenge will take an estimated 45 to 50 days. The team stated that they have been friends for over 15 years. ‘In Our Element’ comprises 4 people, Mike Hatch, Elliot Holman, Hollie Luff and Rachel Lasham. They will row in pairs taking turns, but the boat can have up to three people rowing at one time “if someone feels extra energetic that day”, humours Miss Lasham. The team expressed their passion to raise awareness and funds for innovative research, which could provide a significant breakthrough regarding a more sustainable future.
The money raised will go towards the development of enzymes which can break down man-made plastic materials such as one-use plastic bottles, providing a potential solution for infinite plastic recycling.
University of Portsmouth professor John McGeehan who delivered the centre’s work says:
‘We are very proud to partner with the ‘In Our Element’ team who are undertaking The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge – an inspirational endeavour where the crew will face the full force and beauty of nature in open seas, while raising awareness of the damage that plastic pollution is inflicting on our environment. I wish the crew every success and I am extremely grateful to all those who give their support to the ‘In Our Element’ team and our ongoing research in plastic-digesting enzymes.’
The ‘In Our Element’ team will endure sleep deprivation, dehydration, substantial calorie deficits, hallucinations, salt sores, 60ft waves and physical and mental exhaustion as they navigate one of the most active shipping zones in the world.
If you wish to donate to the cause and support the race, please use the link below:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SRYSF4B79NFJQ
CrewPass' highlights
Sunseeker
One of our personal highlights of the show was getting to view some of the yachts that were in the marina. Sunseeker Brokerage stole the show with their Sunseeker Predator 55 EVO, Manhattan 68, 88 Yacht and 76 Yacht. The Predator 55 Evo’s sporty interior oozes contemporary minimalism with a new scope of fabrics and textures. Whilst the 88 Yacht displays new exterior lines and a sleek hardtop roof with an optional central opening canopy. Towering over the surrounding yachts, it’s pretty hard not to be impressed with Sunseeker’s showcase.
Oh Crepe!
Oh Crepe! is a family-run business from South Devon’s heart. The company provide the most delicious crepes for festivals, fetes and fairs. We got to try their traditional Sugar and lemon (v) crepe, which was mouthwatering. However, there are many great flavours to choose from, including Nutella, Apple and cinnamon (v), Banoffee pie (v), Mont Blanc and Oreos and cream (v). And for those who are more of a savoury person, there are plenty of options to choose from, including, Mature cheddar cheese and thick-cut ham, The Italian (Grated mozzarella, fresh tomato, and basil pesto), The Popeye (Mature cheddar cheese, fresh baby leaf spinach, toasted pine nuts and red onion chutney) and many more…
The Private Ship
CrewPass had an exciting opportunity to explore and discover the Morgenster, a 100-year-old Tall Ship that looks like a pirate ship! The Morgenster was launched in 1919 and was built at the shipyard Boot in Alphen. The tall ship, which was once a sport fishing vessel, has now been refitted as a brig. This ship is a crowd pleaser, especially for families with young kids.
Overall, we believe the show was a big hit, with so many things to see, learn and experience that it’s almost impossible to fit it in all in one day! Every day has something new making it well worth visiting for multiple days. We would like to thank all the exhibitors, the Southampton International Boat show team, and everyone else involved for providing such a great day out. CrewPass look forward to going next year.