15/7/2026
New for 2026, the Wooden Boat Stage Afloat will give visitors the chance to experience a curated collection of wooden boats up close.
Extending the Wooden Boat Stage experience onto the water, the feature showcases boats selected by the Boat Building Academy (BBA), Women in Boat Building (WiBB) and the Wooden Boatbuilders’ Trade Association (WBTA). Together, the lineup highlights traditional craftsmanship, restoration projects and the stories behind some of Britain’s most interesting wooden boats.
Gelyce
Built by Camper & Nicholsons in Gosport in 1930 as the tender to the J-Class yacht Shamrock, Gelyce has been beautifully restored and is powered by a stunning 175hp 1960s aluminium Rolls-Royce engine.
Larry
Built in 1907, this gaff cutter belongs to writer and illustrator Hannah Stowe and has recently returned from a voyage to Ireland’s west coast, retracing the route of legendary 16th-century seafarer Gráinne (Grace) O’Malley.
Guide of Dunkirk
Commissioned for the Girl Guides in 1939 before being requisitioned for the Dunkirk evacuation, this historic vessel is now the focus of a unique restoration project led by Abbey Boat Builder.
Apache 555
The iconic 1970s offshore racing boat is making a comeback in 2026. Boatbuilder and influencer Dan Lee is part of the restoration team and will also host a special panel on the second Sunday of the Show with members of the original racing crew.
Together with the expanded Wooden Boat Stage programme, the new Wooden Boat Stage Afloat offers visitors an even greater opportunity to discover the stories, skills and craftsmanship behind some of the UK’s most fascinating wooden boats.
Find out more: https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/the-wooden-boat-stage-afloat/
