Record-breaker Jazz Turner sailed in from Sussex to officially open the Southampton International Boat Show’s inaugural Wooden Boat Stage.
A collaboration between the Boat Building Academy (BBA), Wooden Boatbuilders’ Trade Association (WBTA) and Women in Boatbuilding (WIBB), the Wooden Boat Stage is brand new for 2025 and is hosting a programme of over 70 demos, talks and panels all created to educate, inspire, and encourage people to support the evolving craft of wooden boatbuilding.
Fresh from becoming the world’s first disabled person to sail solo non-stop and unassisted around the UK and Ireland in June, Jazz Turner ceremoniously untied a Bowline knot to officially open the stage.
She said: “It’s a pleasure to be here. Wooden boats are often underestimated. But I wouldn’t have enjoyed the journey and the freedom I have so far in life without them. They are enabling me to follow my dreams.”
Located at Stand A012 in the new Explore Boating area, the Wooden Boat Stage showcases boats built using centuries-old methods to modern sustainable construction and demonstrates how the craft of wooden boatbuilding is evolving to meet contemporary challenges. Live demos during the show this week (September 19-28), range from carving, steam bending, oar and paddle making, to epoxy work, knotting, and rigging.
Expert speakers will also address practical concerns like commissioning, surveying and maintenance. Speakers include triple round the world yachtsman Conrad Humphries and Hannah Cuncliffe, CEO of National Historic Ships UK who will chair a Big Boats Panel.
Following the official opening, Jazz Turner gave the first talk of the show – an account of her epic adventure around Britain and Ireland, and her plans to sail solo around the world by joining the Royal Western Yacht Club of England’s WorldStar challenge in 2026.
Will Reed, Director of the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis said: “Jazz Turner is an inspiration and her energy and enthusiasm, and her love of wooden boats made her the perfect person to open the stage. The BBA is delighted to collaborate with Women in Boatbuilding and the Wooden Boatbuilders’ Trade Association in forming the first ever Wooden Boat Stage. This is an exciting time for wooden boat building and partnering with these two incredible organisations helps all of us and the industry to thrive.”
Belinda Joslin, Founder of Women in Boat Building agreed: “Jazz is a passionate advocate of wooden boats and a huge inspiration to all women in our industry. The Wooden Boat Stage is more than just the stage; it’s positioning our organisation and diversity at the heart of the boatbuilding. Our goal has been to create a podium from which we can showcase the amazing people and talent in our UK industry. We’re delighted that we’re making it happen!”
Colin Henwood, Chair of the WBTA added: “The Wooden Boat Stage represents a bold statement of optimism. Visitors will discover that wood is not only good for boats, but also for people and for the planet – and that wooden boat ownership can be a sustainable and deeply rewarding pursuit. We look forward to welcoming many visitors to the show this week.”
For those curious about entering the trade or learning the craft, tutors and graduates from the Boat Building Academy will be on hand to share advice and promote its world-leading training programmes.
The programme for the Wooden Boat Stage can be found at:https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/the-wooden-boat-stage
