Southampton International Boat Show 2026 - Review #SIBS26 @SouthamptonBoatShow ​

Love Life, Love Boat

Love Life, Love Boat

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S07 E109 - Welcome to the review of the 2026 Edition of the Southampton International Boat Show. This year we have been extremely lucky to have been granted access to several UK premiere boats. To give these justice, we will be placing full reviews on our new, sister platform ‘Afloat UK’  ‪@afloatuk‬    in the coming weeks (Due to be launched October 2026).

In the meantime, there are just some of the boats that we have been able to bring you this year:

Absolute Navetta 58 – This stunning and beautiful boat is the new charge of famous YouTuber ‪@DavesBoat‬  – Life of Dave, and we have been extremely grateful to #ApprovedBoats for the opportunity of bringing this brand new vessel to our channel. This yacht features Absolute’s latest approach to design, space and onboard living, combining distinctive Italian styling with intelligent layouts, exceptional volumes and a strong connection to the sea. THis is the World's first ever published tour of this vessel ‪@AbsoluteYachtsSpa‬ #Navetta58

Cockwell's Duchy 45 – Built on classic lines, this is nothing short of a modern classic, sure footed and build from pure Cockwell's quality. Featuring modern touched such as Garmin Multi-Function Displays (#MFD} for every cabin control, Volvo Penta IPS and the highest quality of craftsmanship. Designed by Andrew Wolstenome and preserving the classic lines and polished finish that are synonymous with our range of Duchy Motor Launches, this capable cruiser offers a spacious and elegant environment for friends and family to enjoy.

Fairline 58 GTO – Sadly we were not able to get onboard as the vessel had just arrived and interior filming is embargoed until later in the show week – but you can visit and see this amazing yacht for yourself. Designed to blur the boundaries between inside and out, the Targa 58 GTO offers an immersive connection to the sea at a level, until now reserved for much larger yachts.

A new vision for the iconic Targa styling, combining elements from much larger yachts such as a drop-down patio door that seamlessly unites the cockpit and interior into one expansive social space.

Port and starboard fold-out balconies with hammocks and directors’ chairs bring guests closer to the water, while extensive glazing keeps the horizon in view from every angle.

A reimagined waterside zone transforms the traditional garage into a versatile leisure space, complemented by an extending Beach Club platform for relaxing at sea.

Currently being represented by @fairlineyachtsltd  and  @boatscouk

Grand Golden Line G390 – The largest RIB in the Grand range, we have been welcomed onboard to view this simply enormous RIB for the UK and European market. Represented by Wills Marine Ltd.  ‪@willsmarineofficial‬  

Marex 390 – A new take and the first time in the UK for this robust Scandinavian design – Represented by Wessex Marine.

Windy SR40 – A Mediterranean boat? A UK Boat? A Scandinavian boat? In fact a boat for more seasons than  its initial looks suggest.

Mercury V12 – The first look at the new V12, 600hp stand-alone outboard with a rotating, 2-speed gearbox.

In this episode we also speak with Abbey, The Boatbuilder, and learn more of their business and the restoration of their classic ex-RNLB, Guide of Dunkirk – built in Rowhedge, Essex, before entering service, it was sent straight to Dunkirk to rescue British troops. In service until 1963, once again, this beautiful ‘little ship’ has been brought back to life.

We also look at some incredible innovation, including a super, super, lightweight tender, the EZRaft being offered by @electricoutboard and re-visit Otter Surfboards, whom now offer a residential course, helping you to build your own board, and look at many more vessels.  @ottersurfboards  

We also look at the growth in the UK adventure boat market, with offerings galore from our Scandinavian cousins and peep at offerings from Saxdor, Nordkapp and others.

Look out for further uploads both on  ‪@lovelifeloveboat‬    and  ‪@afloatuk‬    

Please do not forget to like and subscribe, it really does help us to bring you better content regularly.

Lastly, thank you to British Marine who have delivered a show despite the incredibly difficult trading conditions that the industry has faced over recent years.

Music in this episode, as always, courtesy of  @epidemicsound

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:37 Otter Surfboards ‪@ottersurfboards‬
02:06 Miss Norwich - Classic Hydroplane
02:52 Cockwell's Duchy 45 ‪@CockwellsBoatbuilders‬
08:45 Grand Ribs - G980 ‪@willsmarineofficial‬
16:03 Absolute Navetta 58 ‪@approvedboats‬
25:05 Sunseeker 90 Ocean Yacht
25:31 Fairline Yachts inc. Targa 58 GTO ‪@FairlineYachtsLimited‬
28:13 Saxador ‪@saxdoryachts‬
31:14 Electric-outboard.co.uk - EZ Raft ‪@electricoutboard‬
36:46 Hall Walk Interlude
38:14 Mercury V12 600hp Debut
41:42 Dock Walk
43:06 Marex 390 ‪@wessexmarine1502‬
47:47 Ex RNLB 'Guide of Dunkirk
49:49 Windy SR40 ‪@WindyBoatsNorway‬
55:49 Final Thought and Outro