Speakers and Talks

Hear from the Voices Shaping the Marine World

The Southampton International Boat Show 2025 welcomed a fascinating line-up of speakers from across the marine world.

From record-breaking sailors to ocean conservationists and boating experts, each with their own unique story to share.

Meet some of the inspiring speakers that joined us at our 2025 show…


Stages

The Boating Academy

Expert-led talks and demonstrations designed to build confidence and sharpen techniques, whatever the experience level.

The Cockpit, presented by Powerboat & RIB Magazine

Celebrating the best in speed, innovation, and marine engineering at The Cockpit Stage, presented by Powerboat & RIB Magazine, where performance took centre stage.

The Wooden Boat Stage

The Wooden Boatbuilders’ Trade Association, the Boat Building Academy, and Women in Boatbuilding came together to showcase wooden boatbuilding through inspiring talks, live demos, and practical workshops.

Chefs Ahoy!

A live demo kitchen with expert chefs shared clever, delicious ways to cook onboard.

Headliners

Captain Jason is a superyacht captain and engineer with over 20 years’ experience, best known from Bravo’s Below Deck Down Under. Beyond yachting, he advocates for ocean conservation, wellness, and education.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

Sailing legend and co-founder of Clipper Ventures, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first to solo circumnavigate the globe, joined the Southampton International Boat Show to share his iconic story of adventure, resilience, and survival at sea.

Hannah Mills OBE

One of the most successful female Olympic Sailor in history. Mills is a two-time Olympic Champion and a three-time World Champion. Hannah launched the Athena Pathway Program alongside Sir Ben Ainslie in August 2022, with the aim of fast-tracking development in high-performance sailing.

Nicky Vaux

As co-owner of Empire Marinas Group in Australia and host of the acclaimed Boat Princess Podcast, Nicky brought unique insights from both sides of the dock — blending real-world experience with an authentic storytelling style that resonates with seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.

Conrad Humphreys

Triple round the world yachtsman, who became the 5th British sailor in history to complete the legendary Vendee Globe. In his most recent adventure, Conrad had to survive and safely navigate across 4000 miles of open ocean to recreate one of the greatest survival stories in British history.

Aldo Kane

World-renowned adventurer, Former Royal Marines Commando sniper, and one of the most sought-after technical safety consultants in the global film and television industry.

Geoff Holt MBE

Geoff Holt MBE, record-breaking sailor and founder of Wetwheels, shares how inclusive access to the sea transforms lives, empowering disabled people through adventure, independence, and maritime connection.