Speakers and Talks

Hear from the Voices Shaping the Marine World

The Southampton International Boat Show 2026 will bring together an inspiring line-up of speakers, demonstrations and hands-on experiences.

From fascinating talks with sailing legends and marine experts on the Boating Stage to live craftsmanship demonstrations and traditional boatbuilding on the expanded Wooden Boat Stage, sponsored by Sykes Timber, there’s plenty to discover throughout the show.

STAGES

The Boating Stage

This year’s Boating Stage brings together an exciting line-up of sailors, adventurers, industry experts and leading marine organisations, including Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Mike Golding OBE, the RNLI, UKSA and Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, for ten days of inspiring talks, live demonstrations and practical advice.

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The Wooden Boat Stage

By the collaborative forces of the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis (BBA), the Wooden Boatbuilders’ Trade Association (WBTA) and Women In Boat Building (WIBB), the Wooden Boat Stage, sponsored by Sykes Timber, is back and bigger than ever to shine a spotlight on the skills of wooden boatbuilding in the UK. Discover the skills, craftsmanship and heritage behind traditional wooden boat building through hands-on demonstrations, expert talks and even more features to look forward to. Stay tuned for the full schedule coming soon.

New for 2026, the Wooden Boat Stage Afloat will give visitors the opportunity to get even closer to a stunning collection of classic and wooden boats on the water, offering a unique perspective on these beautiful watercraft.

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Featured Speakers

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 from 14:00 – 15:00 on the Boating Stage.

Mike Golding OBE

Mike Golding OBE is one of the world’s leading offshore sailors, an IMOCA and FICO world champion with decades of success in major round-the-world and transoceanic races. Now Chair of World Sailing’s Sustainability Commission, he champions environmental progress and uses his ocean experience to inspire and educate wider global audiences. Appearing Friday 18th September from 11:00 – 12:00 & 12:00 – 13:00 on the Boating Stage.

Pip Hare

Pip Hare is a world-class offshore sailor, Vendée Globe finisher and CEO, combining elite performance with authentic storytelling and leadership. From record-breaking campaigns to the world’s toughest solo race, she offers partners a platform built on resilience, innovation, and credibility - on and off the water. Appearing Saturday 26th at 15:30 - 16:15 on the Boating Stage.

Monty Halls

Monty Halls is best known for his BBC series “Great Escapes” - where he lived on the west coast of Scotland with his gigantic dog Rueben - “Fisherman’s Apprentice”, and “Great Barrier Reef”. What is less known are his conservation and exploratory expeditions to far flung corners of the globe. He is President of the Galapagos Conservation Trust, and as such this talk explores extraordinary archipelagos and wondrous encounters, but also covers his own sailing (mis)adventures as recounted in his Yachting Monthly columns. Appearing Monday 21st at 14:30 - 15:15 on the Boating Stage.

Maclean Brothers

Lachlan, Ewan and Jamie Maclean are Edinburgh-born brothers training in the Highlands to become the fastest team to row the Pacific. After breaking three world records rowing the Atlantic in 2020 and raising £200,000, they founded The Maclean Foundation. Their next world-first aims to raise £1 million for clean water projects in Madagascar. Appearing on the Shipyard Stage on Thursday 24 September, 12:00–13:00, followed by a book signing.

Jazz Turner

Jazz Turner is a pioneering sailor, the first female and wheelchair user to complete a solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland. A mechanical engineering graduate, athlete and coach, she has raced internationally, winning World Championship bronze in 2024 and European Championship gold in 2025 at elite level. Appearing Thursday 24th at 10:30 - 11:15 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 from 14:30 – 15:15 & Saturday 26th September 12:30 – 13:15 on the Boating Stage.

Dan Lee

Award-winning boatbuilder, designer and educator. Also now the Hull Specialist for the Apache 555 project. Dan is responsible for the repair, maintenance and optimisation of Apache’s wooden hull. Appearing Sunday 27th September from 14:30 – 15:30 on the Wooden Boat 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.