Giving organisers less than 12 hours notice Southampton Council stopped the BOATS 2020 alternative Boat Show going ahead on the eve of its opening day. Organisers British Marine announced the closure at 2126 last night, just a few hours after a press release announcing that 130 companies and 150 boats had arrived for the ten day event.

BM said they were devasted by the news. The show had only been given the go ahead to take place at Mayflower Park after extensive work collaborating with Southampton City Council health officials allowed them to ensure existing Public Health England COVID-19 secure requirements could be met.

British Marine CEO Lesley Robinson said: “We are desperately disappointed that BOATS2020 will no longer be taking place, especially receiving the news at the eleventh hour before opening. A tremendous amount of work has been put in and it was heartening to see committed exhibitors on-site today getting geared up for opening.

“British Marine has remained committed to staging this not-for-profit boat show to support the leisure marine industry and our host city of Southampton, and I am deeply saddened that it will now no longer be taking place. Alongside our exhibitors, we were ready to open a show that exceeded all safety requirements. We are truly perplexed as to why we are unable to run the show at least until Monday in line with the government restrictions imposed yesterday. The global pandemic and unprecedented times mean that the latest circumstances are beyond our control. Public health and safety come first and naturally, as the show organiser, British Marine must comply with all guidance.”

Southampton City Council’s director of public health, Debbie Chase, was reported by the BBC saying: “In Southampton and the South East, we have seen a lower rate of COVID-19 transmissions since lockdown ended.
“However, the national picture shows a concerning rise in cases, and with these events set to attract around 20,000 people from different parts of the UK over a 10-day period, it’s important we act now to reduce the risk of infection. The decision, while regrettable, has been made after detailed analysis of the public health risks and discussions with our colleagues and partner agencies within the city. COVID-19 is still very much with us and we all need to stay alert, particularly at this sensitive time.”

Image © Classic Sailor of the small boat park during an earlier show.