Southampton International Boat Show
18 - 27 September
H244 in New Wave Hall - South
Visit the CA at Southampton International Boat Show for cruising expertise, inspiration and community
Cruise. Explore. Connect.
Southampton International Boat Show is fast approaching, and the Cruising Association is preparing to welcome members, prospective members and anyone with a passion for cruising to Stand H244 in New Wave Hall South from 18–27 September 2026.
Whether you're new to boating, planning coastal cruises, exploring Europe's inland waterways or preparing for longer offshore passages, the CA offers practical support, trusted information and an experienced community to help you cruise with confidence.
Throughout the show, the CA stand is a popular meeting place where visitors can discover new resources, speak to experienced cruisers, exchange ideas, reconnect with friends and immerse themselves in everything the cruising community has to offer.
Our full programme is currently being finalised, but visitors can expect an engaging mix of expert advice, competitions, information sessions and opportunities to socialise.
Meet the Experts
Across the ten days, informal drop-in sessions will give visitors the chance to meet some of the specialist volunteers whose knowledge helps make the CA such a valuable cruising resource.
Representatives already confirmed include:
- Regulatory & Technical Services Group (RATS): bring your technical or regulatory questions and chat to the experts.
- CA Sections: including Channel, European Inland Waterways (EIWS), Mediterranean and Motorboat.
- Cruising Information Development Group (CIDG): the volunteers behind the Cruising Almanac, CAptain's Mate and many of the CA's cruising resources, who will be demonstrating how to get the most from them.
- Crewing Service: helping connect skippers and crew for everything from local sailing to extended offshore passages.
The complete programme, including timings, will be published in early August.
Cruising Information
Visitors will be among the first to purchase the 2027 Cruising Almanac, priced at £30 for members and £40 for non-members.
You'll also be able to see the CA's award-winning CAptain's Mate in action and discover how its database of more than 20,000 reports covering over 9,000 locations worldwide can support passage planning, destination research and cruising preparation.
Prizes
There will be plenty of chances to win throughout the Boat Show.
Our headline prize, open to everyone visiting the stand, is a Wescom sMRT SHIELD+Wescom sMRT SHIELD+ Personal Locator Beacon.
Visitors who join the CA during the show will automatically be entered into exclusive new member prize draws. Existing members can also enter our Summer Prize Draw for the opportunity to win a Ship Shape Bedding Marine+ Air-Flow Mattress, complete with a DRY-Mat anti-condensation underlay, fitted sheet and mattress protector, custom-made for your boat and worth £2,500.
Members can also test their powers of observation in our 'Spot the Difference' competition for the chance to win one of two pairs of complimentary Boat Show tickets. Entries close at 1500 hrs on 31 July 2026.
Join the CA at the Boat Show
The value of CA membership comes from the knowledge, support and community that accompany every cruising adventure - and during the Boat Show, joining is even better value.
Anyone joining the CA at Southampton International Boat Show will receive 20% off their first year's Full Membership when paying by Direct Debit. The special Boat Show rate is £138 (normally £172) and applies to individual membership or two members living at the same address.
Connect
As always, the CA stand will provide a welcoming place to relax, catch up with friends and meet fellow cruisers.
Join us each day for:
- Morning Coffee and Chat: 1000 - 1100hrs
- Happy Hour: 1630 - 1730 hrs
Discounted Show Tickets
The CA is once again offering discounted Southampton International Boat Show tickets for both members and non-members.
Use the code CRUISASS to purchase an adult ticket for £19.99, including up to two free child tickets (aged 16 and under).
The offer is valid for both peak and off-peak admission tickets until the end of the show.
To book your tickets, visit www.southamptonboatshow.com, select 'Book Day Admission', enter the code CRUISASS, choose 'Exhibitor Guest Tickets', and then select the number of tickets you require. Don't forget to add any eligible free child tickets before completing your booking.
More to come
We will be adding further details of our stand programme, guest experts and additional activities over the coming weeks.