What's New In The World Of Boating

From Russian frigates to accessible motorboats, PBO reports back from the Southampton International Boat Show.

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Across the sea of gleaming fibreglass and rainbow flags, three foreboding masts slunk into view. While brokers adjusted lines and polished hulls, Russian frigate Shtandart ghosted towards the pontoons at the Southampton International Boat Show. From the weathered canvas sails to the crew clambering across the yard arms, everything about her seemed authentic; menacingly so. Even the enormous cruise liner was diminished in her presence.

The original man-of-war, built by Peter the Great in 1703, was designed to drive fear into the hearts of onlookers. But the 1999 replica is a jolly ship, which takes young crew of all nationalities around the world.

“We try to sail everywhere,” said volunteer crew Sandrine Bonzine. A graphic designer by trade, she loves sleeping in the hammock and getting away from it all, though admits she takes her computer and works when the ship’s quiet!

Shtandart was not the only sizeable star of the show. A couple of berths down were Gypsy Moth IV and Pip Hare’s 60ft Vendée Globe contender, Superbigou.

“It’s like a reverse Tardis!” exclaimed one visitor, stunned by Pip’s living space, which is smaller than a caravan, with a bucket for the heads, a camping stove for the galley, and an incongruous pink beanbag for a berth!

Other notable mariners included Olympic rower, James Cracknell, who opened the show ahead of his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing and Tony Curphey, who earlier this year became the oldest person to circumnavigate solo, non-stop in his Nicholson 32.