Southampton will be taken over by a carnival of maritime events to mark the city’s first ever sailing week. To celebrate the inaugural festival, MDL Marinas has thrown its full support behind Southampton Sailing Week, stepping on board as an official partner and providing an exclusive calendar of events for visitors and its members to enjoy.

Taking place between the 24 and 29 May, MDL’s Ocean Village and Shamrock Quay Marinas will be taking part in the heart of the city. Hamble Point Marina and Hythe Marina Village will also be joining the action, bringing together the south coast’s unique sailing history and offering visitors from across the country the chance to experience a wealth of sailing themed activities. From RIB rides and canoeing, to an open air cinema, street parties and gin tasting, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and is an opportunity not to be missed.

Adrien Burnand, Head of Marketing at MDL Marinas, said: “Southampton has a rich maritime history and its inaugural Sailing Week will be a fantastic occasion to bring together sailing enthusiasts and those who are new to the sport. We are delighted to unveil the events we have planned at our Southampton and neighbouring marinas, and would encourage anyone visiting or taking part in the week to make the most of the fantastic activities on offer.”

Chris Rees, Southampton Sailing Week organiser, added: “We’re delighted to have MDL Marinas on board as a partner, helping to make this event a reality for the first time ever. The events they have planned bring together land and sea in perfect harmony, and will capture Southampton’s close relationship with the water.

MDL’s four participating marinas have each arranged an exclusive calendar of events taking place during the week. The planned events are open for its members and visitors alike to enjoy, all designed to celebrate the unique offering at each marina and showcase the versatility of sailing on the Solent.*

 

Ocean Village

Friday 26th May: Join the team from 10am in Banana Wharf for a Macmillan Cancer Support fundraising coffee morning.

Saturday 27th May: Kicking off with a Berts & Gerts crafts and vintage market, Ocean Village Marina will be a hub of nautical inspired costume and fashion for the day. At 2.30pm visitors can enjoy an exclusive House of Gallet fashion show, with the latest summer trends sweeping down the main promenade.

The evening welcomes Music in the Marina, a highlight in the events calendar, showcasing over 150 musicians for a symphony of classical music overlooking the water.

Sunday 28th May: Southampton Sailing Week will be going out with a bang at Ocean Village with an all-day fiesta for everyone to enjoy. Involving the marina bars and restaurants, visitors can expect to be swept up in the carnival atmosphere, leading all the way down to Oxford Street.

 

Hamble Point Marina

Friday 26th May: Join Hamble Point Marina for an evening under the stars with an open air cinema screening of the Hollywood classic, Grease. Starting at 6pm, picnics and blankets are a must for a fabulous evening singing along to one of the world’s most loved musicals, whilst looking out across the marina as the sun sets.

Saturday 27th May: Hamble will be hosting a fabulous Sailing Open Day, starting at 10am. It promises to be a fantastic day out for the whole family, with complementary RIB rides, Segway experiences and a miniature petting farm and fairground just some of the activities planned. An exclusive stand from Isle of Wight Distillery will also showcase some of the very best locally produced spirits, including Mermaid Gin, Rock Sea Vodka and Apple Pie Moon Shine, perfect for an afternoon tipple!

MDL Marina partner, August Race, is also exhibiting at the Open Day, providing visitors with the chance to experience their quality and unparalleled design for boat maintenance and handmade luggage.

In the evening an after-show party at Ketch Rigger is open to all – expect fabulous food and drinks in a beautiful setting, with an Elvis Tribute Band set to close the festivities.

 

Shamrock Quay

Sunday 28th May: Shamrock Quay is hosting a one-day extravaganza, bringing together land and sea with a combined motor show and sailing open day. Don’t miss Marina Boats Ltd’s new vessel launch, offering the chance to experience the living-on-board lifestyle. Back by popular demand, the marina will also be hosting CLASSICS on the Quay, a gala of beautiful vintage cars, ideal for motoring enthusiasts and anyone with a taste for the finer things in life.

For the younger members of the family there will be remote controlled boat racing on offer. Saber Power Sports will also be providing high performance Honda Race Boat rides. To finish off the day, Shamrock Quay will be hosting drinks on the terrace at its popular restaurant, Quay FIFTEEN.

 

Hythe Marina Village

Sunday 28th May: Join Hythe Marina Open Day to experience a plethora of sailing activities for the whole family. Highlights include complementary boat trips around the harbour on a 12m catamaran called Alison MacGregor, canoeing with the Sea Scouts and a high speed challenge to manoeuvre a RIB around an obstacle course.

A restored 1943 Harbour Defence motor launch vessel, Medusa, will also be on display. Medusa has just been launched after an extensive restoration and will be berthed on the Waiting Pontoon for viewing by the general public. ABP Southampton Patrol, RNLI and HM Coastguard will also be at the marina to share sailing safety advice and will be carrying out complementary boat safety and lifejacket checks.

With all this and many more activities set, visitors are sure to work up an appetite, so an all-day BBQ will be on offer, provided by La Vista restaurant.

*Select events and activities require tickets and may have age restrictions. To find out more about MDL’s events during Southampton Sailing Week, visit www.southamptonsailingweek.co.uk and follow on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news.

For further information about MDL Marinas, please visit: www.mdlmarinas.co.uk

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