Women in Marine celebrates biggest event ever at the Southampton International Boat Show

The annual Women in Marine Panel and Networking Event, sponsored by DF Capital, LA Marine and Haven Knox-Johnston, attracted over 130 attendees, making it the biggest Women in Marine event to date at the Southampton International Boat Show.

Held overlooking the show’s impressive purpose built-marina show marina in the Quarterdeck Bar & Restaurant, the highly anticipated panel discussion brought together women, and men, from across the marine industry for session of inspiring conversation, powerful insights, and invaluable networking.

The event opened with a warm welcome from Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, who thanked sponsors and set the scene for an inspiring afternoon. She then introduced Charlie Scott,  Major Gifts Associate, from Room to Read, a global non-profit organisation dedicated to creating a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality. Charlie shared the charity’s work supporting girls’ education and life skills, alongside a short film highlighting the impact of the programme. Women in Marine is proud to support this initiative, together with its sister event, Women in the Marine Industry International, taking place at Metstrade in November.

Centred around the theme, “Diverse Talent in Action: Leadership, Representation and Career Progression in the Marine Industry,” the panel explored how women in unique and specialist roles are shaping the sector and the importance of leadership growth and sector representation. An important part of the discussion also focused on Imposter Syndrome with the panel debating whether it’s a real or learned experience, and sharing practical tips and personal advice on how to recognise it, reframe it, and move forward with confidence.

Nicky Vaux, aka ‘The Boat Princess,’ expertly chaired a powerful and honest discussion with a panel featuring a stellar line-up of accomplished women from across the industry, including: Captain Claire Thompson (Commanding Officer, HMS Queen Elizabeth), Sarah Donohue (Marine Stuntwoman, Powerboat Champion, Conservationist), Claire Abraham (Navico Group, Brunswick Corporation), and Kate O’Sullivan (Joint Managing Director, ADPR).

The conversation provided the audience with not only inspiration but also clear, actionable takeaways – from strategies for building resilience and confidence, to practical tips for advancing leadership and representation across the marine sector.

Reflecting on the session Sarah Donohue commented: “It was a privilege to share my journey and to engage with so many passionate people in the audience. The discussions highlighted the importance of resilience, self-belief, and the value of diverse leadership within traditionally male-dominated industries.”

Nicky Vaux added: “It was an honour to work with such a fantastic panel of women and to share the stage with leaders whose stories and experiences resonate so strongly. The marine industry offers amazing opportunities, but also unique challenges, and by coming together in conversations like these we can help break down barriers, inspire new voices, and create lasting change.”

The event wasn’t just impactful for speakers. Attendees also shared their enthusiasm:

Jazz Turner from Project Fear remarked: “The panel gave such valuable insight – from naval leadership to entrepreneurship – all of it felt relatable and empowering.”

Chantelle Norman, who works in the marine finance industry added: “It was brilliant to network with so many people, women (and men), who are committed to driving change and supporting each other in this industry.”

“This year’s Women in Marine event was our biggest yet, which highlights the growing appetite for conversations around leadership, representation, and creating more opportunities across our industry. The energy in the room was fantastic, and it was inspiring to hear such honest and powerful contributions from our speakers. Events like this remind us how important it is to connect, support, and champion diverse talent across the marine sector,” commented Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine.

In addition to the headline panel and networking session, a full programme of daytime talks gave visitors further opportunities hear from a wide range of industry leaders, covering themes such as competitive sailing, powerboating, training, and boatbuilding including:

• Hannah Diamond – Chair of the Female Futures Group, former British Sailing Team & Sail GP athlete, world championship medallist, and ‘Runner Up-Inaugural Women’s America’s Cup’
• Hannah Brewis, Race Manager, Clipper
• Hannah Mills OBE – Co-Founder and Team Principal, Athena Pathway Programme and Emirates GBR SailGP Team Strategist, Lauren Eatwell – BAR Technologies, Head of Wind Wings, Jazz Turner – Project Fear and Fiona Morgan – Chief Purpose Officer, SailGP
• Heather Prentice From Yachting Monthly interview with Justine Mettraux recorded during the Ocean Race
• Judy Evans  from The Cruising Association
• Trailblazing women in powerboat racing Rose Lores, El Rutherford, Jemma Horwood and Emily Pike, hosted by Sarah Donohue
• Charley Hewett from Ardent Training
• Belinda Joslin from Women in Boatbuilding
• Thalia Battersby from Woodbridge Boatyard and Belinda Joslin from Women in Boatbuilding, and
• Lola, Rigger from Swallow Yachts

Women in Marine 2025 once again demonstated the power of collaboration, inspiration, and representation, reinforcing its role as a vital fixture within the Southampton International Boat Show.

Supporting girls’ education

If you would like to make a donation to Room to Read raising money to help empower young women worldwide through mentorship, education, and greater opportunity.  Make a donation at https://secure.roomtoread.org/page/174717/donate/1