Two days simply wasn’t enough at this year’s show. The layout may have been more compact, but it felt more boat-focused than in previous years. To make the most of it, we arrived with collective curiosity — determined to uncover the new, the intriguing, and the inspiring to fuel our appetite for all things boating. We weren’t disappointed.
Here are our top five takeaways from SIBS 2025:
1. Fenderex by Seaview Progress
Just when you thought fenders could never break free from their boring, bulky designs, along comes Fenderex — funky, lightweight, durable, and did we mention funky?
Lifting the largest model on the Seaview Progress stand took us by surprise. It was a fraction of the weight of traditional fenders, and the bladder skins compact down to a neat, easy-stow size. The range runs from 0.5m up to 6m, serving everything from small craft to superyachts.
We especially loved the bespoke cover service: logos, boat names, patterns — you choose the style.
2. Ardent Training – RYA Talks
Tucked away on the stage at the back near the RIBs, we caught two of Ardent Training’s sessions with Charlie Triggs and Peter King. Their talks on passage planning and lifejacket safety were practical, engaging, and accessible — part refresher, part demo, and highly relevant to boaters at every level.
Ardent stand out as one of the most proactive training schools, making boating knowledge approachable, fun, and never daunting.
3. Ruff Day
We couldn’t miss this stand — it was one of the most colourful at the show. But what really impressed us was their mission to recycle old sailing and climbing lines into new products.
In 2022, Joe and Sasha, inspired by their love of the ocean and their energetic dog, Brew, launched Ruff Day to create a bespoke range that’s truly seaworthy. As advocates of repurposing redundant boat parts, this struck a chord with us.
If you missed them (though you’d have needed very dark sunglasses to walk past without noticing), check out their range online. We’re also hoping to feature a guest blog from them soon.
4. Highfield RIBs
With our own plans to get a RIB for exploring the River Dart next season, we spent some time in this section. After comparing several top brands, Highfield came out on top for us: wide product range, sharp designs, flexible engine options, and very competitive pricing.
Even better, they’re now represented locally by Dartmouth Marine at Noss Marina, where you can try or buy Highfield RIBs from their new Dartmouth base.
5. And Finally… Food!
On the Boating Academy Stage, appetites were stirred by Lana Suhova, who cooked up Lobio — a Georgian dish made from humble red kidney beans.
When you run out of food on board, what’s the one thing you’ll probably still find in the bilge? A tin of beans. Lana transformed hers into a spicy, herb-laced dish using her own Happy Adjika Chilli Paste. Fifteen minutes later, we were scooping up bowls with flatbread — all cooked in one pan. Definitely galley-friendly goodness.
Recipe: Georgian Lobio with Adjika Chilli Paste
Shop: Happy Adjika Chilli Pastes
We couldn’t resist buying the Red Adjika Chilli Paste with Walnuts.
From innovative kit to inspiring talks, eco-driven creativity to good food, Southampton Boat Show 2025 reminded us why it’s still one of the best places to immerse yourself in all things boating. Two days just scratched the surface — but we came away full of ideas, connections, and inspiration for the season ahead.
About Claire Lindquist
Owner and creator of True North Yachts with a passion for getting people out on the water safely. I have sailed as a liveaboard, a cruiser and a racer, from dinghies to bluewater yachts. I have technical background in the industry and a curiosity for boating innovations as well as an appreciation for classic crafts. When ashore you'll find me in boatyards, usually up a mast or crammed into an engine room. Away from boats, I recharge with coastal walks which keeps me grounded and always connected to the sea.