Southampton International Boat Show 2024

The Coastal Forces Heritage Trust attended the Southampton International Boat Show 2024, held in September. Our central exhibit, and a huge draw for the crowds, was Coastal Motor Boat 4R, specially transported along the Solent from Portsmouth.

The unique stepped design of CMB4R, combined with the rather obvious 18-inch torpedo mounted on her stern, generated a host of conversations with guests ranging from professional boat-builders and racing sailors, through to local residents on an afternoon out. Everyone was fascinated by the presence of a 1916-designed boat alongside the modern vessels that dominate the majority of the show – especially when it was highlighted that CMB4R is still fast enough to beat many of them in a drag race.

The weather blessed us of almost all of the week, allowing CMB4R to shine in all her glory. As hosts on the stand, we were all especially delighted to welcome a huge footfall of visitors, many of whom expressed a keen interest in joining the Friends of Coastal Forces.

If you missed us – see you there next year!