Making their debut at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show (19–28 September), three new talks stages will bring the marine world to life: the Boating Academy Stage, the Cockpit Stage presented by Powerboat & RIB Magazine, and the Wooden Boat Stage.
From reality TV star and luxury yacht captain Jason Chambers to ocean-racing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Olympic champion Hannah Mills OBE, and high-profile adventurer Aldo Kane, the show features a stellar line-up of record-breakers, innovators, and industry experts. Visitors will gain first-hand insight into the adventures, breakthroughs, and expertise shaping the future of the marine world — and it’s all included in a show ticket.
Here’s a glimpse of the voices taking to the stage:
The Boating Academy
Delivering expert-led talks and demonstrations for both beginners and seasoned sailors, the Boating Academy stage aims to develop knowledge and confidence on the water for everyone.
Headliners:
Captain Jason Chambers
Best known for his role on Below Deck Down Under, Captain Jason Chambers brings unrivalled insight from a career managing luxury yachts around the world.
- Appearances: Friday 19 September at 11:30 and Saturday 27 September at 11:30.
- Chefs Ahoy Stage with Rustic Chef — Saturday 20 September at 11:30.
He will be sharing insights into life at sea, professional yachting, and the skills needed to thrive in this high-pressure environment.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston
The first person to sail solo, non-stop around the world, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, co-founder of Clipper Ventures, is a true icon in the world of sailing. Appearing with Clipper Race Director Dale Smyth on Saturday 20 September, he will reflect on the origins of the legendary Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and the extraordinary challenges faced by its crews.
Hannah Mills OBE
The most successful female Olympic sailor in history, Hannah Mills OBE is Co-Founder and Team Principal of the Athena Pathway Programme and Strategist for Emirates GBR SailGP. She will join Lauren Eatwell on Wednesday 24 September for a panel celebrating Trailblazing Women in the Marine Industry, exploring how women are driving progress from the racecourse to the boardroom.
Other Stage Highlights:
- Clipper Ventures — Daily talks covering offshore racing, career pathways, and professional sailing opportunities.
- Nick Ogden — Worldpay founder and endurance adventurer launches the world-first Rascal dinghy (Friday 19 September, 12:25; Saturday 20 September, 15:25) and discusses Thunder Child II on the Cockpit Stage (Friday 27 September).
- Conrad Humphreys — Triple round-the-world yachtsman shares the story of The Bounty Project, recreating Captain Bligh’s 4,000-mile voyage using traditional navigation.
- Nicky Vaux “The Boat Princess” — Simplifying the complexities of boat ownership (Wednesday 24 September, 12:55).
The Cockpit Stage
Celebrating speed, innovation, and marine engineering, the Cockpit Stage presented by Powerboat & RIB Magazine will host a packed programme of expert talks, panels, and insider insights from some of the biggest names in performance boating. Daily sessions from Yamaha will showcase their groundbreaking technology, alongside an unmissable line-up of speakers.
Headliner:
Aldo Kane
World-record-breaking adventurer and former Royal Marine Commando, Aldo Kane will share lessons on leadership and resilience in support of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, the show’s official charity. He appears on Thursday 25 September at 15:30.
Other Stage Highlights:
- E1 Team Brady — Owned by seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. Appearances: Saturday 20 September at 15:35; Tuesday 23 September at 12:00.
- Ben Jelf — Multiple world champion and speed record holder shares insights from his career in the sport (Saturday 27 September, 15:00).
- British Powerboat Racing Club — Panel including Tim Coe & Terri Spencer, Adam Younger, Glynn Norval, and six-time World Champion Miles Jennings debating the future of UK powerboat racing (Sunday 21 September, 12:30).
- Sarah Donohue — Britain’s leading female powerboat racer hosts a discussion on breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport (Wednesday 24 September, 13:00).
Wooden Boat Stage
New for this year, the Wooden Boat Stage will, for the first time, bring together the Wooden Boatbuilders’ Trade Association, the Boat Building Academy, and Women in Boatbuilding to showcase the art of wooden boatbuilding—both traditional and modern—through inspiring talks, live demonstrations, and hands-on workshops.
Stage Highlights:
- Julia Jones — Author and publisher launches her new book Women and Their Wooden Boats (Friday 26 September, 15:00).
- Michael Dennett — Founder of Dennett Boatbuilders in conversation with Belinda Joslin (Women in Boatbuilding) and Abbey Molyneux (Abbey Boatbuilders). Reflecting on a lifetime of Thames boatbuilding (Sunday 28 September, 11:00).
- Dan Lee — YouTube star demonstrates how 3D scanning is transforming boatbuilding (Saturday 20 September & Saturday 27 September, 12:00).
Jasmine Hill, Event Director at the Southampton International Boat Show, said: “This year’s new stages will provide a platform for voices driving change and innovation across the marine and watersports world. Visitors will hear from record-setting sailors, visionary engineers, and adventurers, each sharing experiences that reflect courage, creativity, and resilience. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with the people whose work and stories are shaping life on and around the water.”
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor looking to improve your skills, a family in search of new adventures, or just dipping your toes into the boating lifestyle, book your tickets to the Southampton International Boat Show now and secure your spot at the UK’s biggest celebration of boating and water sports.
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
You can use discount code AASSIBS2025 to buy a ticket for any day of the Southampton International Boat Show for just £24. Book tickets, and find out more: www.southamptonboatshow.com.
The Southampton International Boat Show takes place from 19–28 September. Tickets for the event start at £29 (concessions from just £23), children aged 15 and under enter for free with an adult.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor looking to improve your skills, a family in search of new adventures, or just dipping your toes into the boating lifestyle, book your tickets to the Southampton International Boat Show now and secure your spot at the UK’s biggest celebration of boating and water sports.
