Featured Speakers

Discover the inspiring voices joining us this year

Meet the featured speakers taking to the stage this year with a line-up of record breakers, boating professionals, sailing legends and marine experts sharing their knowledge, stories and experiences from life on the water.

Through expert-led talks and inspiring sessions, you’ll hear practical tips and techniques, first-hand accounts of remarkable adventures and valuable insight from some of the most experienced names in boating. Each speaker brings their own unique story and wealth of experience, offering inspiration and expertise to help build your confidence, enhance your skills and make every moment on the water count.

Featured Speakers

Joss Creswell

Joss Creswell is a British solo offshore sailor based in France, competing in the Figaro 3 class. After circumnavigating the globe as a first mate on the 2023-24 Clipper Round the World Race and accruing the most points of any professional sailor on the race, he transitioned into solo offshore racing and was supported by the Royal Ocean Racing Club's Griffin Project. This year he completed his first full Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, finishing 29th overall. Appearing Tuesday 22nd September on the Boating Stage.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston captured public imagination in the 1960s with his solo, non-stop circumnavigation in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race. Departing Falmouth in June 1968 aboard Suhaili, he returned 312 days later on April 22, 1969, making history. Since then, he has raced worldwide and founded the Clipper Race to make ocean racing accessible to all. Appearing Saturday 19th September on the Boating Stage.

Geoff Holt

Geoff Holt MBE DL is a pioneering quadriplegic yachtsman, founder of Wetwheels and Accessible Oceans, whose record-breaking voyages have transformed accessibility and inspired change across the maritime sector. Appearing Saturday 19th September on the boating stage.

Tom Cunliffe

Tom Cunliffe is among the world’s leading writers and lecturers on the sea. He has sailed traditional craft to destinations including Brazil, Greenland, the Caribbean and Communist Russia. He has presented for national TV and has a major YouTube following. He is a fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation and a Yachtmaster Examiner. Appearing Friday 25th & Saturday 26th September on the Boating Stage.

Miles Jennings

Miles Jennings is one of Britain's most accomplished powerboat racers, with multiple World, European and British titles across a remarkable 50-year racing career. Known for his larger-than-life personality, he shares unforgettable stories, spectacular racing footage and unrivalled insight into the thrills, challenges and history of powerboat racing. Appearing Saturday 26th September on the Boating Stage.