The Boating Academy

Join the Practical Boat Owner experts as they take audience questions on all things boating. From sail trim to gelcoat repairs, David Johnson from Wessex Resins and Wilf Chaplin from OneSails will share practical tips and trusted advice.

Marking The Green Blue’s 20th anniversary, this panel explores how kit and equipment used in boating and watersports can be reused, repaired, or recycled. From wetsuits to winches, hear from organisations leading on circular solutions and learn how both industry and individuals can reduce their environmental impact.

Sharing insights into life at sea

Dreaming of racing across oceans? This is your chance to see if you’ve got what it takes to sail around the world, from the experts at the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Learn about the training, the race, the yachts and more.

After sailing 9,000 miles to meet every harbour master in Britain and Ireland, Mark Ashley-Miller shares stories from his five-year journey. Join the official launch of Harbours and Their Masters, hear how the challenge raised over £30,000 for The Seafarers’ Charity, and get your copy signed.

This award recognises exhibitors who go above and beyond in demonstrating exceptional sustainable practices at the show. It also introduces SIBS’ new Carbon Offsetting Scheme, launched in partnership with Yacht Carbon Offset.

Author Julia Jones shares stories from her book Stars to Steer By, celebrating women who went to sea in the 20th century. From solo sailors to explorers and adventurers, hear how they overcame social and personal barriers to follow a life at sea.

Hear from sailing legend and founder of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail single handed and non-stop around the world. He is joined by Clipper Race Director Dale Smyth, as they talk about how the race began, the reality of racing around the world with a non-professional crew, and why adventure and personal challenge is more relevant today than ever before.

Dreaming of racing across oceans? This is your chance to see if you’ve got what it takes to sail around the world, from the experts at the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Learn about the training, the race, the yachts and more.

Drawing on real-life incidents, hard-won lessons from offshore sailing, and the design process behind next-generation lifejackets, this session unpacks the risks we’ve grown too comfortable with — and how new thinking can lead to better outcomes. It’s not just about survival equipment; it’s about the mindset that shapes it. This is a talk for anyone interested in design under pressure, the psychology of safety, and what happens when you stop asking, “What’s standard?” and start asking, “What’s possible?”

Triple round-the-world sailor Conrad Humphreys tells the story behind The Bounty Project, where he and eight crew members recreated Captain Bligh’s 4,000-mile voyage across the South Pacific. Using only traditional navigation and basic rations, they set out to understand one of the greatest survival stories in British maritime history.

Tom Herbert-Evans from SailGP explores how foiling has transformed modern sailing. From design breakthroughs to racing performance, learn how this cutting-edge technology is shaping the future of the sport.

Mark Ashley-Miller shares practical advice from his five-year voyage around Britain and Ireland. Learn how to choose the right boat, plan your route, manage crew, prepare for the trip and keep costs under control, plus his tips on the top harbours to visit.

Dreaming of racing across oceans? This is your chance to see if you’ve got what it takes to sail around the world, from the experts at the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Learn about the training, the race, the yachts and more.

How to modify your boat and yourself to ensure you can continue sailing as you age.

Led by the Ocean Conservation Trust, this session introduces Blue Meadows, a project focused on protecting and restoring vital seagrass habitats. Learn how this work supports marine biodiversity, coastal protection and climate action across the South West.

James works as a Berthing Master at Royal Quays Marina, operating the lock gates and sharing his passion to help fellow boaters.

Day signs, Lifejackets, Alcohol and Flares.

Join Jonathan Parker from the award-winning Parker Adams Boat Sales whilst he discusses top tips on how you can prepare your boat for sale. Whether you have a motor yacht, RIB, sports boat or sailing boat, Jonathan has a wealth of experience across all types of boats.

Dreaming of racing across oceans? This is your chance to see if you’ve got what it takes to sail around the world, from the experts at the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Learn about the training, the race, the yachts and more.

The Superyacht UK Young Designer competition is a chance for universatey design students across different disciplines to come together at the Southampton Boat show to test their skills in sketching a yacht design to a brief which will be given to them by our panel of expert judges.This Superyacht UK initiative, with the support of headline sponsor LA Marine, is all about nurturing the future of the industry — giving emerging designers the opportunity to be seen, celebrated, and inspired. Whether they are dreaming of drawing the next iconic vessel or seeking a stepping stone into the superyacht world this is a great platform to show of their design skills.

Join Boatgen and Boatfolk for an introduction to getting started on the water. Whether you are completely new to sailing or looking to build confidence, this session covers the basics and how to take your first steps into the world of boating.

Planning an offshore bluewater sailing passage in the future? What are the considerations about which yacht, and what equipment to have onboard? What about crew choices and training and experience pre-requisites? During the session we’ll look at the main areas to think about when ‘Choosing for Bluewater Cruising’ to make sure you are the best equipped and well prepared to make the most of your next sailing adventure. Hear from Paul Tetlow from World Cruising Club, organisers of the most popular and long-established offshore sailing rallies.

Seagrass meadows are among the ocean’s most vital ecosystems—rich in biodiversity, acting as natural coastal defenders, and vital carbon sinks. They are also one of the fastest-declining habitats on the planet, under threat from physical damage such as anchoring and dredging, as well as poor water quality. This talk introduces Blue Meadows as a holistic approach to seagrass conservation, encompassing protection methods, restoration at scale and empowering local communities to connect with and take action for the protection of their local seagrass meadows.

Fresh from competing in the 100th edition of the legendary Rolex Fastnet Race, the Royal Air Force Sailing Team will be taking to the Boating Academy Stage to share their offshore racing experiences. From braving the challenging 695-mile course to navigating the tactics, teamwork, and thrills of one of the world’s most iconic races, the team has plenty of stories to tell.

Dreaming of racing across oceans? This is your chance to see if you’ve got what it takes to sail around the world, from the experts at the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Learn about the training, the race, the yachts and more.

Choosing to take your pet(s) cruising with you can increase your enjoyment of your trip.However, if you are cruising into EU waters (or beyond) with your pet, some important planning and preparation steps are required to ensure your pet meets the requirements of entry/exit from the countries you are visiting. Tania will talk about the current regulations, guidance and advice.

Duncan will show you how to cast off and come alongside in a Stress-Free manner, no shouting and all managed by one man from the safety of the cockpit. Adopt Duncan’s ground breaking stress-free techniques and casting off and coming alongside will be a breeze.

As part of the RYA’s Reflections on Water series—designed to empower and uplift— this talk brings together insight, inspiration, and practical know-how for women and girls in sailing.  Expect a motivating, expert-led conversation with Hannah Diamond, Chair of the RYA Female Futures Group, delving into the work going into shaping the future ahead.  With a group mission to make Great Britain the best place in the world for developing female sailors, learn about real-world experience, skill-building tips, and opportunities that will ignite your ambition across all levels and avenues of sailing.

Dreaming of a career in offshore sailing? Learn about how to get started, the pathways available including fast-track options, and how to make it happen.

This presentation will cover the different options available to consumers from Charter to Club Model from Syndication/Share Ownership to Full Ownership – what are the advantages and disadvantages of each and which suits which type of boater and why.

This panel will spotlight women who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of sailing, maritime, and STEM. Through personal journeys, leadership insights, and innovative career pathways, the discussion will explore how women are driving progress in the marine industry – from the racecourse to the boardroom, and from purpose-driven initiatives to groundbreaking technology.

Pre-recorded interview with Justine Mettraux presented by Heather Prentice.

Following the departure of the UK from the European Union in 2021, UK nationals are now subject to the same travel restrictions as nationals from other non-EU countries. Judy hopes to demystify some of the requirements and restrictions as well as highlight what opportunities there remain for extended travel in Europe – for both UK and other non-EU nationals alike.

Duncan will show you how to cast off and come alongside in a Stress-Free manner, no shouting and all managed by one man from the safety of the cockpit. Adopt Duncan’s ground breaking stress-free techniques and casting off and coming alongside will be a breeze.

Dreaming of a career in offshore sailing? Learn about how to get started, the pathways available including fast-track options, and how to make it happen.

Dreaming of racing across oceans? This is your chance to see if you’ve got what it takes to sail around the world, from the experts at the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Learn about the training, the race, the yachts and more.

Justin Morton explains the tools we have to hand and how to use them so we don’t have to be a slave to the screen.

Boatfolk aim to make boating accessible from grass-roots upwards.

Seagrass meadows are among the ocean’s most vital ecosystems—rich in biodiversity, acting as natural coastal defenders, and vital carbon sinks. They are also one of the fastest-declining habitats on the planet, under threat from physical damage such as anchoring and dredging, as well as poor water quality. This talk introduces Blue Meadows as a holistic approach to seagrass conservation, encompassing protection methods, restoration at scale and empowering local communities to connect with and take action for the protection of their local seagrass meadows.

What it’s like to cruise further than a day sail to Ireland and France, and first-time racing.

David “Dougal” Henshall, renowned British sailing historian and author, takes you on a captivating journey through the rich and fascinating history of the RYA. Dougal’s engaging storytelling brings sailing’s most iconic moments to life.

Dreaming of racing across oceans? This is your chance to see if you’ve got what it takes to sail around the world, from the experts at the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Learn about the training, the race, the yachts and more.

Max Liberson shares how he refitted a £1 boat before sailing it to the Caribbean.

HMS Oardacious has inspired millions as a pioneering team of Royal Navy personnel rowing across the Atlantic. In our journey, we’ve collaborated with world-class organisations, promoted STEM and resilience, and raised over £600,000 for Mental Health and Heritage charities.This December, the HMS Oardacious 2025 Team will begin their fifth Atlantic crossing.

Drawing on real-life incidents, hard-won lessons from offshore sailing, and the design process behind next-generation lifejackets, this session unpacks the risks we’ve grown too comfortable with — and how new thinking can lead to better outcomes. It’s not just about survival equipment; it’s about the mindset that shapes it. This is a talk for anyone interested in design under pressure, the psychology of safety, and what happens when you stop asking, “What’s standard?” and start asking, “What’s possible?”

Mark Ashley Miller will discuss coastal navigation including his own passage planning template, recommended navigation and weather apps, and explain how he keeps his crew motivated during challenging journeys. The session will conclude with a Q&A, giving you the chance to learn directly from his experience.

Sharing insights into life at sea

Former Paratrooper Mike Ellicock rowed over 1,800 miles around Great Britain to raise funds for SUPPORT OUR PARAS. In this talk, he shares stories from the journey—including a close encounter with a trawler and a Channel crossing for the D-Day anniversary—and explains how his military experience helped him navigate the challenges of British inshore waters.

Dreaming of racing across oceans? This is your chance to see if you’ve got what it takes to sail around the world, from the experts at the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Learn about the training, the race, the yachts and more.

Ben Writes for both Yachting Monthly and Practical Boat Owner, come and join him for a lighthearted informative presentation that follows The Marine Surveyors Notebook (his successful You Tube Channel).

Drawing on real-life incidents, hard-won lessons from offshore sailing, and the design process behind next-generation lifejackets, this session unpacks the risks we’ve grown too comfortable with — and how new thinking can lead to better outcomes. It’s not just about survival equipment; it’s about the mindset that shapes it. This is a talk for anyone interested in design under pressure, the psychology of safety, and what happens when you stop asking, “What’s standard?” and start asking, “What’s possible?”

Conrad Humphreys is a triple round the world yachtsman, who became the 5th British sailor in history to complete the legendary Vendee Globe. In his most recent adventure, using traditional navigation equipment and surviving off the same meagre rations as Captain Bligh, Conrad and a cast of nine were cast adrift in this tiny open boat. Their mission, to survive and safely navigate across 4000 miles of open ocean to recreate one of the greatest survival stories in British history.

Hebe is one of the female boat builders who attends the SailGP tour, and is a keen sailor; in addition to this, she is also planning to row across the Atlantic next year with an all-female team.

Dreaming of racing across oceans? This is your chance to see if you’ve got what it takes to sail around the world, from the experts at the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Learn about the training, the race, the yachts and more.