No Southampton International Boat Show in 2020
Traditionally the rendezvous of the autumn for British yachtsmen and local and international boatyards, the Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS) will not take place in 2020. Its organizer, the UK's yachting trade association British Marine, is throwing in the towel for this year. After the presentation of the health protocol linked to the Covid-19 epidemic for large-scale gatherings, it preferred to postpone the 52nd edition of the boat show from 10 to 19 September 2021. "Every year, the SIBS attracts more than 100,000 visitors and more than 430 exhibitors. An event of this size and format is just not possible this year," summed up Lesley Robinson, Managing Director of British Marine.
A transfer of reservations, keeping the same location, is possible. Exhibitors who wish to do so may request a refund of their participation in SIBS 2020 from British Marine.
An alternative boat show under consideration
If the SIBS 2020 will not take place in its usual form, the organisers hope to be able to hold an alternative event. They are banking on the positive developments in the health situation in the United Kingdom. "As the Government's rules on Covid19 evolve, British Marine continues to work with both exhibitors and key event partners to explore all other opportunities, including an alternative, smaller scale, outdoor event to support the yachting industry and its members. British Marine is encouraged by the Government's announcement that it will be setting up a schedule starting next week (Editor's note: week of 06-12 July) to make the events as safe as possible in relation to Covid19" explains Lesley Robinson.
