Competitive high-speed sailing comes to Mayflower Park Marina as the brand-new Key Yachting J/70 Invitational Cup makes its debut at the Southampton International Boat Show on Saturday 26th September 2026. Supported by the Royal Thames Yacht Club and British Marine, this exciting one-day knockout regatta sees 12 top teams battle across two heats for a spot in the grand final. Visitors can watch all the action directly from the show marina before gathering at The Shipyard stage in the evening for the official prize-giving presentation.
Key Yachting J/70 Invitational Cup Event Schedule & Timings
Schedule and timing details for the one-day knockout regatta at the Southampton International Boat Show:
- Event Date: Saturday 26th September 2026.
- Heat 1 Race Start: 11:30 AM BST (six teams competing, top three qualify for the final).
- Heat 2 Race Start: 1:30 PM BST (six teams competing, top three qualify for the final).
- Grand Final Race Start: 3:30 PM BST (top six qualifying teams compete for the title).
- Prize Giving Ceremony: 5:30 PM BST at The Shipyard main stage.
Show Highlights & Live Racing Experience
Featured event highlights and venue experiences at Mayflower Park Marina:
- 12-Team Knockout Competition: Supported by the Royal Thames Yacht Club and British Marine, featuring top sailors going head-to-head on high-speed J/70 sportsboats.
- Waterfront Spectating: Watch the action live directly from the pontoons and marina viewing areas at Mayflower Park.
- Full Boat Show Access: Entry to the J/70 Invitational Cup is included with standard admission to the Southampton International Boat Show.
- The Shipyard Stage: Enjoy live entertainment, festival food stalls, and licensed bars surrounding the evening award presentation.
Ticket Information & Entry Options
Admission details for the Southampton International Boat Show:
- Included with Entry: The regatta is fully included with general show admission (no extra ticket required).
- Peak Saturday Admission: £33.00 per adult general admission ticket.
- Kids Go Free: Up to two children aged 15 and under enter free with every paying adult ticket.
- Direct Booking: Reserve tickets online via the official Southampton International Boat Show portal.
How to Get to Mayflower Park Marina
Travel options for reaching the boat show entrance at Mayflower Park, Town Quay, Southampton (SO14 2AQ):
- By Foot & Train: Southampton Central Railway Station is approximately a 10-to-15-minute flat walk away (use the platform 4 exit towards the waterfront).
- By Shuttle Bus: The CityLink bus runs regularly between Southampton Central Station and Town Quay near the main show entrance.
- By Ferry: Red Funnel Red Jet passenger services from the Isle of Wight arrive directly at Town Quay, a 5-minute walk from the show gates.
- By Car: Easily reached via the M27 (Junction 3) or M3, following temporary AA road signs directing event traffic towards Mayflower Park and West Quay.
Mayflower Park & Boat Show Parking Information
Parking recommendations for show visitors:
- Official Boat Show Parking: Dedicated event parking is located at Dock Gate 8 along Herbert Walker Avenue.
- City Centre Multi-Storeys: Ample parking is available a 5-to-10-minute walk away at Westquay Shopping Centre Podium & Multi-Storey car parks.
- Accessible Parking: Designated Blue Badge parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis near the main entrance.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things happening across the region? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover maritime events, regattas, venue listings, and local entertainment near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Key Yachting J/70 Invitational Cup taking place?
- The regatta takes place on Saturday 26th September 2026. Heat 1 starts at 11:30 AM BST, Heat 2 at 1:30 PM BST, the Grand Final at 3:30 PM BST, and the prize giving ceremony at 5:30 PM BST.
- Where can I watch the racing?
- The racing takes place directly off Mayflower Park Marina (SO14 2AQ) within the Southampton International Boat Show grounds, with spectating available from the pontoons and marina waterfront areas.
- Do I need a separate ticket for the J/70 Invitational Cup?
- No, access to spectate the Key Yachting J/70 Invitational Cup is fully included with standard admission to the Southampton International Boat Show.
- How much are tickets for the Southampton International Boat Show on Saturday?
- Standard peak Saturday adult general admission tickets are £33.00 per person. Up to two children aged 15 and under enter free with every paying adult.
- Where is the prize-giving ceremony held?
- The official prize-giving ceremony takes place at 5:30 PM BST at The Shipyard main stage within the boat show precinct.