19 - 28 Sep 2025
The Boating Academy offers a full schedule of expert-led talks and live demonstrations aimed at boosting your confidence and enhancing your skills on the water. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned boater, you’ll learn practical tips and techniques from record breakers, boating professionals, and sailing legends. Each brings their own unique story and wealth of experience, giving you insight and inspiration to make every moment on the water count.
New additions being confirmed each week – schedule is subject to change.
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.
Find out what it takes to join the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The team will cover the training, the route, the yachts, and how people from all walks of life can become ocean racers.
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.
Learn how Blue Meadows is working to restore seagrass habitats across the South West. This session, led by the Ocean Conservation Trust, explores how protecting and replanting seagrass can support marine life, improve coastal resilience and tackle climate change.
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.
Find out what it takes to join the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The team will explain the training, the route, the yachts and how people from all backgrounds can take part in this global sailing challenge.
To mark his 50th birthday, former Paratrooper Mike Ellicock set out to row around Great Britain in under 50 days, raising funds for SUPPORT OUR PARAS. In this talk, he shares how he prepared for the challenge, from a night-time encounter with a trawler to crossing the Channel for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and how experience on land helped him at sea.
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.
The Clipper Race team explains what it takes to sail around the world as part of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Find out about the training, the route, the yachts, and how people from all walks of life can take on this global challenge.
Join OneSails and Clean Sailors to explore how old sails can be reused, recycled or repurposed. This session looks at practical solutions for reducing waste in sailing, from repair and refurbishment to creative reuse and sustainable disposal.
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.
What do you learn on theory and practical courses, and where can it take you? Whether you’re aiming for charter holidays, skippering offshore, or a career at sea, we’ll help demystify the options.
Join James Conroy from Royal Quays Marina, part of the Boatfolk berthing team, for a practical session on casting off and coming alongside. With tips drawn from real-world experience and his own sailing adventures, this is a useful refresher for boaters of all levels.
Join Practical Boat Owner’s Gilbert Park for a conversation on how to adapt both your boat and your approach to sailing as you get older. From simple modifications to smarter planning, learn how to stay safe and keep sailing for years to come.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Details Coming Soon
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.
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.
Details Coming Soon
Details Coming Soon
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 share the essential navigation skills he’s relied on, highlight the navigation equipment you can do without, 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.
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).
Learn 10 essential knots.
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.
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.
Details Coming Soon
Duncan will demonstrate how to cast off and come alongside effortlessly—no shouting required, all controlled safely by one person from the cockpit. With Duncan’s groundbreaking stress-free techniques, handling your boat will become simple and relaxed.
