The Wooden Boat Stage is back for a second year and bigger than ever. Created in 2025 by Women in Boat Building (WIBB), the Wooden Boatbuilders’ Trade Association (WBTA) and the Boat Building Academy (BBA), the Wooden Boat Stage returns to the Southampton International Boat Show with its biggest programme yet.
Alongside inspiring talks, live demonstrations and practical sessions, the new Wooden Boat Stage Afloat extends the experience into the marina, where visitors can step aboard a carefully curated collection of historic and classic vessels. Confirmed so far are 1939 Self Righter Class lifeboat Guide of Dunkirk, 1930 tender Gelyce, 1907 gaff cutter Larry, and 1970s wooden offshore racing boat Apache 555.
Running from the 18th-27th September, speakers and presenters on the Wooden Boat Stage include:
* Hannah Cunliffe - National Historic Ships UK
* Belinda Joslin - Women In Boat Building
* Will Reed, Emily Stokes, Paul Dyer, Millie MacDonald, Ariana Cottam, Mike Broome - Boat Building Academy
* Colin Henwood - Wooden Boatbuilders' Trade Association
Plus the following individuals, companies & organisations:
Abbey Boatbuilder * Apache 555 * Art of Marquetry * Ben Harris, Boat Builder * Berthon Boat Company * Britannia Sailing Trust * Buckler's Hard * Buoyant & Bright Sign Writing * Camoz * Classic Boat * Classic Boat Museum * Classic Restoration Services * Classic Sailing * Coastal Exploration Company * Dennett Boat Builders * Hannah Stowe, Sailor * Harry King's Boatyard * Hunter's Yard * Marine Ware * Maritima Woodcarving * Mark Matthews, Sail Maker * Norfolk Heritage Fleet Trust * Old Gaffers Association * Pioneer Sailing Trust * Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival * Practical Boat Owner * Sea Scamp Sailing * Spirit Yachts * Sue Pennison, Rigging and Ropework * Sykes Timber * West System * Wharram Designs * Will Squibb Boatbuilders * Woodbridge and Waldringfield Boatyard * Woodbridge Riverside Trust
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