Women in Marine returns to Southampton International Boat Show 2026 with a diverse panel of young female professionals showcasing the breadth of careers across the marine industry

‘Real Women. Real Jobs. Real Opportunities.’

British Marine has announced the return of its popular Women in Marine panel and networking event at Southampton International Boat Show 2026, bringing together an inspiring panel of young female professionals to share honest insights into careers across the marine industry.

Taking place on Wednesday 23 September from 17:00–19:00 at Dockside (formerly the Quarterdeck Bar & Restaurant), the event will once again provide a platform for open discussion, career inspiration and meaningful networking, while highlighting the breadth of opportunities available across the sector.

Following record attendance in 2025, which attracted more than 130 industry professionals, students, career changers and aspiring marine talent, this year’s event returns with the theme: ‘Real Women. Real Jobs. Real Opportunities’.

Designed to challenge perceptions and showcase the diverse career paths available within the marine industry, the 2026 panel will feature young women working across marine manufacturing, superyachts, yacht brokerage and marine law, each sharing their personal career journeys, professional experiences and lessons learned along the way.

“Women in Marine continues to be one of the most popular and inspiring events in the Southampton International Boat Show programme”, commented Lyndsay McClay, President Elect, British Marine. “This year’s theme; ‘Real Women. Real Jobs. Real Opportunities.’, perfectly reflects our ambition to showcase authentic career journeys and demonstrate the incredible variety of opportunities available within our industry.

“By bringing together women from different sectors and stages of their careers, we aim to create a space for learning, professional development and meaningful connections. While the discussion will provide valuable insights for those already working in the marine industry, it will also showcase the breadth of rewarding career opportunities available to anyone considering a future in the sector.”

Open to both women and men, the event aims to inspire the next generation of marine professionals while encouraging greater awareness of the rewarding and varied careers available on and around the water.

Hosting the discussion will be Emma York, Founder of Fresh Approach Digital, award-winning presenter, speaker and digital communications specialist. Widely recognised across both the marine and digital sectors, Emma combines her expertise in communications with a passion for life on the water and has become a respected advocate for professional development, mentoring and industry engagement.

Joining Emma on the panel will be:

• Anisah Roberts, Manufacturing Technician at Williams Jet Tenders and the inaugural British Marine Apprentice of the Year in 2024. Having successfully transitioned from a career in education into engineering, Anisah is now a passionate ambassador for apprenticeships, STEM careers and skills development, regularly speaking at schools and industry events to inspire future talent.
• Erin Smith, Sales Account Executive at British Marine, whose journey into the marine industry began in 2017, combining her university studies with seasonal work as yacht crew in the Mediterranean before moving into a full-time stewardess role aboard a 90m sailing yacht. Drawing on her firsthand experience of life in the superyacht sector, Erin will provide an honest perspective on the opportunities and realities of working at sea.
• Lucy Goff is a marine lawyer and co-founder of Ocean Legal, a specialist boutique law firm serving the marine sector. Lucy specialises in yacht and superyacht transactions, ownership and dispute resolution. Passionate about championing women in business and supporting greater visibility, opportunity and representation for women across the sector, Lucy will share her experience of building a successful career in marine law and the wide-ranging opportunities available within the professional services side of the industry.
• Sophie Kemp, Sailing Yacht Broker at Berthon International, combines nearly a decade of brokerage experience with extensive offshore sailing knowledge. Having completed an Atlantic crossing and built her career around a passion for bluewater cruising, Sophie offers a unique perspective on turning a love of sailing into a successful marine career.

Inspiring future talent

The panel discussion will be followed by networking drinks and refreshments, providing attendees with the opportunity to continue conversations, make new connections and engage directly with speakers and industry colleagues.

Alongside the panel and networking event, visitors to Southampton International Boat Show will be able to enjoy a series of talks and presentations throughout the day from leading figures across the marine industry.

Designed to inform, inspire and encourage discussion, the sessions will explore a range of topics including careers, skills development, leadership, innovation and personal journeys within the marine sector. Further details of the daytime programme and speaker line-up will be announced in the coming months.

Women in Marine forms part of British Marine’s wider commitment to supporting diversity, inclusion and skills development across the leisure marine sector.

Women in Marine will also continue its support of Room to Read, the global non-profit organisation dedicated to tackling illiteracy and gender inequality through education. Attendees will once again have the opportunity to support the charity’s Girls’ Education Programme, helping young women around the world access education, mentorship and opportunities for a brighter future.  Learn more about Room to Read and make a donation by visiting https://www.roomtoread.org/

Event Details

Women in Marine 2026

Date: Wednesday 23 September 2026

Time: 17:00 – 19:00

Location: Dockside, Southampton International Boat Show

Places are expected to fill quickly following the success of previous events, so book your place today!

To register for the Women in Marine panel & networking event email: [email protected]

To find out more about Women in Marine at SIBS 2026 visit: https://www.britishmarine.co.uk/membership/events/southampton-international-boat-show/women-marine-2026

Please note attendees will need to purchase a ticket to the Southampton International Boat Show to access the show ground and the event.  Show tickets can be purchased at www.southamptonboatshow.co.uk