The Southampton International Boat Show will host a Paralympic champion, journalists, marine writers and industry experts on its Foredeck Stage this September.

The Foredeck Stage at Southampton International Boat Show, sponsored by Practical Boat Owner and Yachting Monthly, will host new speakers and talks, as well as show favourites, designed to inspire, inform, and entertain visitors throughout the show.

Among the speakers already confirmed is four-time Paralympian (sailing), triple world champion, motivational speaker and coach, Hannah Stodel (main picture), who will be speaking about inclusivity in boating and her personal sailing experiences. 

Another new addition to the Foredeck Stage lineup is a talk from the team at Expedition Zero, who are setting out to redefine the future of adventure sailing by building the world’s first fleet of net-zero expedition yachts for lease to commercial operators.

Expedition zero boat in shed

Yachting Monthly columnist, Dick Durham, confesses all in ‘Confessions of a Cruising Correspondent’, while professional ropeworker and co-founder of the International Guild of Knot Tyers, Des Pawson MBE, will be sharing his knowledge on all things knots.

Former director of Hunter boats of Essex and well known yachting journalist, Peter Poland [left], will be on stage discussing the evolution of yacht design on stage.

The ‘How to get afloat’ talks will explain and recommend the best methods of getting out on the water, whether you’re a first-time paddleboarder or seeking to master the art of foiling. Visitors can also look forward to advice on ‘How to buy a boat’, perfect for first-time buyers.

The ‘Meet the editors’ talks will provide specialist insights from leading titles like Motorboat & Yachting, Yachting World, Yachting & Boating World, Practical Boat Owner and Yachting Monthly.

Visitors will also hear from sailor, author and presenter, Tom Cunliffe; author of the Stress-Free series of sailing books. Duncan Wells also reveals his tips for casting off and coming alongside, while the Foredeck Stage compere, Ben Sutcliffe Davies, returns to the stage for ‘The surveyor’s notebook’, a light-hearted, informative presentation on the importance and the expectations of what a survey can provide for you.

Mark Ring, head of events, says: “The Foredeck Stage has always been a hub of inspiration and learning at the Southampton International Boat Show. It’s an opportunity for our visitors to gain invaluable insights, meet industry icons, and, most importantly, feel inspired by the world of boating. We believe our new talks and speakers will enrich the show experience for everyone, making it more vibrant, informative, and entertaining than ever.”

Located in the Ocean Hall at SIBS, the Foredeck Stage offers the perfect spot for visitors to engage with a diverse lineup of speakers from across the maritime world.

This year SIBS celebrates its 55th event and will run 13-22 September 2024.

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