Boat Show - Southampton

...is 16 - 23 September. Has anyone been before, is it worth a trip down south from the Midlands? We're thinking of buying a dinghy, possibly a Topper of some sort. Don't know exactly. We did a RYA Level 2 dinghy course on Plymouth Sound way back when we lived in the south west, would need a few refresher lessons I guess.

[Wideboy]

never been all i can see is its pretty big, normally blocks up the motorway

[Biker Biggles]

Been to the London one a good few years ago.That was all razzmatazz and mega money stuff.Bit far from the sea are you not?
You could get back into it by joining a sailing club and using their boats.Then get a used one via the club grapevine if you want.

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

Been to the London one a good few years ago.That was all razzmatazz and mega money stuff.Bit far from the sea are you not?
You could get back into it by joining a sailing club and using their boats.Then get a used one via the club grapevine if you want.

Good thinking...

MIL lives in Falmouth. Would store it in her garage. Falmouth harbour is huge - ideal for sailing

Used to have a Topper as a kid, good fun, but once you've got back in to it you'd soon get bored of one, I'd suggest a laser or similar (or better). Back in the day I sold my topper for £400, and good lasers used to go for £550+ on the second hand market. It all depends if you want a race ready boat or not, and two man boats are more expensive again.

Hi Ed

My Enterprise is for sale if you're interested? I'm looking for a Mirror, as the Enterprise mast is too tall for the bridge we sail near, so I can't get too far up the river. Enterprises are perfect for sea sailing.

I haven't been to the Southampton Show, but am planning to go to the Dinghy Show in March in London - it's usually held in Kensington.

Lou x

[mattSV]

I used to go every year when I could blag free exhibitor's passes, heaven't been for a few years now though.

Big show, lots to see, some nice 'big stuff' to dream about.

An up together Enterprise would make an ideal dinghy to get back into sailing - more than big enough for two with a picnic/beers, and a lot drier than a topper.

Advantages of a topper or laser are that they will go on a roof rack. Have a look at the show and get some ideas, but leave your credit card at home

Are you coming down for the day or staying over? Hotels tend to get filled very quickly.

I would go for the local sailing club, you can rent your boat back to them and get cheep sails and stuff. Most of the boat shows all seem to point at the big stuff and miss the point of sailing or hanging around on boats.

Shows to miss.
Cannes next week 35 euros to get in
Monaco on the 19th of this month 80 euros to get in.
But dont even think about getting on to a boat to look around.
Pete