The majority of Britons would buy a boat if they were to win the lottery.
That’s according to a major study carried out by TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show, which revealed that almost two-thirds (63%) would choose a boat as their first big spend upon a lottery windfall.
The research, carried out to celebrate the Southampton Boat Show’s 50th anniversary, also found that escaping the stresses of everyday life (58%) and a sense of adventure (52%) are the top reasons why people would pick a boat over any other luxury upon winning the jackpot.
It also turns out that despite their sense of adventure, the British public doesn’t want to leave their shores too far behind, with 41% saying that they would sail their new yacht around the UK rather than head to the Caribbean (34%), Croatia (13%) or around the world (31%).
That being said, women seem to want to explore further afield, with 40% dreaming of sail trips round the Caribbean (compared to 29% of men) and 36% opting for the Greek Islands — perhaps inspired by recent cinema smash hit Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again.
The research also found that most of the UK would take up a watersport if they had a bit more time. Three in five (61%) would take up an on-the-water activity, of which two in five (40%) would jump at the chance to hop onboard a jetski.
Indeed, jetskiing proved most popular among older Britons, with 48% of 56-to-65-year-olds saying they would take up the sport.
Other key results from the research included:
- 43% of respondents wouldn’t set sail without their phone on their dream voyage, ahead of friends (30%) and pets (29%).
- Women are more likely than men to bring their partner (57% vs 45%) or other relatives (26% vs 13%). Men meanwhile would prefer to take Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (10% vs 3%).
- The Hairy Bikers (12%) would make better crewmates than Love Island contestants (5%).
- Over half (52%) feel relaxed and stress free when looking out to sea, while 33% of 66+ year olds are reminded of Britain’s proud nautical heritage.
- Fictional Captain Jack Sparrow (31%) and his nautical exploits are more well-known than Lord Nelson (23%).
Running from 14-23 September, TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show is Britain’s biggest boating festival showcasing the lifestyle, fun and excitement that being on the water has to offer.
Whether tempted to dip your toe in for the first time, an aspiring sailor or seasoned boater, it offers a fantastic social experience, the chance to stock up on the latest boating gear and the perfect opportunity to indulge a passion for the water.
For the latest show announcements and ticket information, visit southamptonboatshow.com.
