Southampton Boat Show 2025
1st October 2025
It’s hard to believe that only two weeks ago Chris Williams and Julia were headed to Southampton to prepare the ‘Mushy Pea’ for her debut at the Southampton Boat Show!
Arrival at Southampton dockyard
Having arrived by lorry the previous week from Aqueduct Marina, the Ovation Boats ‘Mushy Pea’ was full of equipment and boating paraphernalia needed for the Show and it was up to Chris and Julia to empty her out, tidy her up and dress her in preparation for the hordes of expected visitors……….and those visitors certainly came, including a very special VIP who decided to colour co-ordinate her outfit with this beautiful boat!
HRH Princess Anne with Robert Parton & Chris Williams 
Julia with more special visitors!
Sponsored by GJW Direct Marine Insurance and with the purpose of raising the profile of Britain's Inland Waterways, this section of the Southampton Boat Show was also an opportunity for the Ovation Team to catch up with old friends and forge new relationships with others in the boating industry, as well as chat to many visitors who’d only ever seen a narrowboat on the towpath or TV screens - and mostly old boats at that!
Chris with Rob &_Hazel (Marineware) 
Chris with Hedley (Canaline Marine Diesel Engines)
Julia with Nick from Aqueduct Marina 
CRT volunteers Richard (right) &.....IS THAT RYLAN???
What a surprise many had, and so much food for thought, especially amongst those coastal sailors who were considering moving to quieter waters for their later (and less able) years!
Robert Parton (C) Aqueduct Marina/ British Marine President 
'That's all folks!'
If you have a dream of designing and building your own narrow boat, then why not give Chris Williams a call on 07963974793 or email chris@ovationboats.co.uk
Chris will also be available for a chat at the Aqueduct Marina Open Day on Saturday, 11 October or to book an appointment to speak with Chris in person, just contact using the above details!