Southampton show - views?

[ontheplane]

Just got back, and although a good day, all felt a bit “dead” and a bit empty.

Very little kit, halls spaced out to try and hide a lack of exhibitors, and some companies very under-represented.....

1 Windy, 1 Cranchi, very few small cruisers up on the hard, smaller marina I thought that previous years.....

Still had a great day though....

 

[GravyStain]

Heading there on Tuesday - I'll report back...

 

[Boater On Thames]

Going to tomorrow. Doing the Covid test at the moment.

 

[Bigplumbs]

Going Monday already poked the stick up my nose

 

[chrisharris]

Went today, was approx 70% of previous size I would guess, several companies that have always been there were missing, and the halls were very quiet. What was really noticeable though was how quickly the place emptied, we left approx 17.30, went into the Festival Green (food/drink etc) on way out, it was empty, can't remember ever being at a show when there was nobody at the bars, or food establishments at that time on a sunny Sat afternoon. Was not even a queue at the ice-cream van! Overall still a nice day out.

 

[ST840]

Went today, was approx 70% of previous size I would guess, several companies that have always been there were missing, and the halls were very quiet. What was really noticeable though was how quickly the place emptied, we left approx 17.30, went into the Festival Green (food/drink etc) on way out, it was empty, can't remember ever being at a show when there was nobody at the bars, or food establishments at that time on a sunny Sat afternoon. Was not even a queue at the ice-cream van! Overall still a nice day out.

Boats, sunshine, beer, ice cream and nobody around, whats not to like??

 

[chrisharris]

Boats, sunshine, beer, ice cream and nobody around, whats not to like??

Indeed, I'm not complaining. Would have been nice to have found some stuff on my shopping list but did get the chance to view a few boats and have good chats with several vendors....and a beer!

 

[Martxer]

Saturday was busier than Friday we had an enjoyable couple of days, as said above not too crowded?

 

[ontheplane]

Have to add though, one good thing, every single boat I asked to go on.... "of course Sir please do" - even though I am sure they could see most were way beyond my budget - really nice

 

[Bigplumbs]

Smaller this year as we expected but it was still a very good day out but as any show quite tireing

 

[DougOut]

We drove down yesterday on a bit of a whim so didn't pre-book tickets. Online they were £21.50 each plus a £1.99 booking fee (but we won't get started on that!) and concessionary tickets are £14 each but age isn't listed as a concession. Ho-hum. Once we arrived at the gate I went to the ticket booth and saw that tickets were more expensive (£27 I think). I felt this should have been disclosed on the website but ho-hum. Asked for two tickets and the very nice young lady asked if I was over 60 (I am). Now that was a bit of a downer but she then asked me for proof. Instant ego boost! and charged us £16 each! Yay!
I can't remember ever being able to get a table in the food court but my goodness it was expensive. It was the first time in years I'd actually been able to spend any time on the stands I wanted to. The most crowded area was definitely the marina and I doff my hat to the sales staff, they dealt with everyone with equal politeness. The trend towards outboard motors was quite obvious and it's astonishing how they pack so much power into such a tight package. At least I though that unit I got to the Mercury stand. I'd read about their new V12 600bhp Verado but seeing it for real was a shock, It's enormous! Easily 5 feet tall.

All in all, a very pleasant day out.

 

[Bowlerhat]

Went on Monday. Quiet, but quite nicely so. As others have reported, it was easy access all areas! The long-haired admiral pined for the clothes dealers and galley/upholstery stands, but I was quite happy pottering about and being able to quickly get a refreshment when needed. Good day out, but it will be good to see it back at full bore again next year.