Organisers of the Southampton International Boat Show, British Marine, have pledged to make the 2021 edition the most sustainable and environmentally friendly in its 52 year history.
Taking place from 10-19 September, the event sees hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors attending the event. The footprint of the show covers over 65,000sqm with moorings for over 350 boats, making it Europe’s largest temporary marina.
Visitors at the show will be able to buy some of the newest and most advanced products made from recycled and recyclable materials, and discover the latest technological advances designed to protect the environment, with specific advice and guidance available from The Green Blue stand. A joint initiative between British Marine and the RYA, The Green Blue highlights sustainable and environmentally friendly products and services through its Green Blue Business Directory.
“From rope manufacturer Marlow, which makes its Blue Ocean Dockline using 100% recycled waste plastic bottles, and Henri-Lloyd’s new MAV Mid Hoody made from 17 recycled 1.5L PET bottles, to Halyard’s Wave filters which prevent oil or other pollutants being inadvertently pumped overboard, and Micfil Ultra Fine filters, which ensure cleaner fuel and oil, reducing emissions, and even the natural hand and surface sanitisers from Ecoworks that help keep people safe from COVID and are healthier for the environment too, this show is packed with products and services which are sustainable and help protect the environment which we love,” says British Marine’s CEO Lesley Robinson. “We’ve also asked all the exhibitors to pledge that any promotional items or give-aways at the show will be sustainable and recyclable.
“This is our third year of a five-year sustainability pledge, and If we all make just one small change, together we’ll make one big difference,” continues Lesley.
All exhibitors at the show are being asked to sign up to a pledge which includes no single use plastic water bottles on stands, outlets, or hosted events; to nominate a sustainability champion on their stand to oversee waste management and recycling at the show; to offer only sustainable and recyclable promotional goodies; and to only use compostable, recyclable or reusable cups, plates and cutlery.
“These mandatory requirements for 2021 are in addition to actions implemented at the last show in 2019, which has already seen the ban of all plastic straws, reduced use of single use plastic for all show-related preparation and operations, encouraging the use of e-ticket and QR codes, and only using recycled paper if print materials are required. We’re proud that during the 2019 show over 7.5 tons of waste was diverted from landfill by exhibitor actions,” says Lesley.
For 2021, British Marine has focused on eight distinct areas for change at the show, categorised into Plastics; Paper; Catering; Waste and Recycling; Our Home; Travel; Access and Education; and Awareness.
“By clearly defining categories, we can help everyone attending or visiting the show to be aware of small or large changes that can be made by the organisers, the exhibitors and the visitors. This includes, for example, having plenty of water refill points throughout the show, avoiding the need for any single use water bottles, ensuring there are sustainable travel options and providing a donation opportunity for our environmental charity at the point of ticket purchase. It requires some pre-planning, for example using e-tickets, rather than printed tickets, using only environmentally-sourced give-aways at the show, and post event actions such as recycling stand materials as well as any activities during the show, like an organised beach clean,” says James Scott-Anderson, British Marine’s lead in environment.
Graham Allen, CEO of Henri-Lloyd says: “We are genuinely excited about the momentum that is taking place around sustainability and how it is being driven by companies and individuals rather than a grudging reaction to legislation. As a company we are striving every day to find better ways of reducing our footprint across all of our products and manufacturing, acknowledging that this is never ending pursuit to minimise our impact.”
For exhibitors that go the extra mile, there is also the opportunity to enter the Southampton International Boat Show’s Exhibitor Sustainability Award, which will be presented by The Green Blue’s ambassador Mike Golding on Press Day (10 September). Entries need to be received by British Marine before 10 August highlighting the sustainability actions being taken by them both at the show and within the organisation.
Previous joint winners of the inaugural Exhibitor Environmental Awards in 2019 were RS Sailing and Spirit Yachts.
To find out more and read the 2021 Sustainable Exhibiting Guide, please visit here.
Southamn
Southampton also announed new and international brands eager to enjoy the UK’s resurgence in watersports
The exhibition announced a raft of new and returning international brands signed up to attend this year’s event taking place from 10-19 September.
Billed as Britain’s biggest festival of boating, the show offers visitors an immersion into the world of boating and watersports. From paddleboards, windsurfers and dinghies, through to classic boats, powerboats and cruisers, up to the largest and most exotic superyachts, the show offers visitors everything from equipment to clothing, holidays, training, finance, clothing, through to displays of craftmanship, guest speakers and demonstrations, alongside friendly advice and expertise available from hundreds of UK and international companies exhibiting over the action-packed 10 days of the show.
This year sees a number of exciting new and international companies exhibiting at Southampton International Boat Show. Created by the shores of Lake Como in Italy, and on show for the first time at Europe’s largest purpose-built marina at Southampton Boat Show, are the stunning boats from Comitti. This family-owned company, founded in 1956, is one of the few remaining Italian shipyards with a tradition of building classically designed Italian wooden motor boats, now available in the UK through its newly appointed UK dealership.
Dr Karen Dickens, Chairman and CEO of Comitti Boats UK and Caribbean says, “The new ISOLA 33 will be making its debut at the show alongside the BREVA 35. It’s a great way for us to showcase the exciting new designs and evolution of the Comitti brand and for visitors to find out more about the Comitti fleet.”
For those who may already own a boat, Southampton Boat show is the place to go to see all the latest kit, equipment and accessories. The airy open-sided halls and marquees at the show are packed with world leading international products and services.
CMC Marine is proud to be exhibiting at this year’s Southampton International boat show and will be showcasing its industry leading and innovative range of electrically driven fin stabilisers, thrusters, steering and intruder systems. Based on the south coast of England in Poole, CMC is looking forward to interacting with customers about the multiple strengths and features of their systems, as well as to strengthen its position with yacht builders as demonstrated with its position with leading boat manufacturers.
Alongside all the craft and stands, the Southampton Boat Show will be buzzing with activities for all the family, with dedicated new features, stages, live music, entertainment and guest speakers.
As momentum and excitement begins to build for the show, and everyone looks forward to being together again, now is the time to register for all the show news and be the first to know when tickets go on sale. Don’t miss out, visit www.southamptonboatshow.com.
As per the Government roadmap, it is planned for outdoor events to run in full format by September 2021. However, the health, safety and security of visitors remains the number one priority. Through engagement with the relevant Government department and Southampton City Council, British Marine will ensure that everyone can enjoy themselves in a safe and happy environment and incorporate any necessary COVID-19 safety measures that may be required at the time.