INNOVATION HUB

12:00 - 13:00

Press Briefing & Interviews

Members of the press are invited to a drinks and canapés reception, with briefings and interviews offering a first look at new boat launches and the latest in marine innovation, as well as the chance to meet key exhibitors and industry leaders.

13:00– 13:05

Official Opening

The 2026 South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show will be officially opened by the Sheriff of Southampton, Cllr Pat Evemy.

Marked Gear = Safe Gear: A campaign for Visible, Safe Static Fishing Gear

Safety at sea is a shared responsibility, and everyone using our waters has a role to play. However, poorly marked static fishing gear - particularly unmarked or inadequately marked lobster pots and creels - continues to pose a serious and avoidable hazard. Often difficult to see until it is too late, these obstacles create real risks to navigation, damaging vessels, and in some cases putting lives in danger.

While most fishermen follow the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) voluntary guidance first introduced in 2008, inconsistent compliance leaves dangerous gaps. The persistence of these hazards makes it clear that voluntary measures alone are not enough. Marked Gear = Safe Gear is a Cruising Association campaign to address the growing safety risk posed by poorly marked static fishing gear in UK waters. The CA is calling for existing MCA voluntary guidance on gear marking to be made mandatory and enforceable.

18:00 – 20:00

South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show Exhibitor Mixer raising money for OYTS

A relaxed, friendly get-together for exhibitors and partners to network, chat, and enjoy some downtime after the first day of the show. The evening will be in aid of Ocean Youth Trust South, a charity that helps young people experience life-changing adventures at sea.

11:30 – 12:00

Raymarine: Situational Awareness at Sea

Raymarine’s situational awareness technology enhances safety and confidence at sea by providing mariners with a complete, real-time view of their surroundings. Through advanced radar, thermal imaging, AIS tracking, GPS navigation, and integrated multifunction displays, Raymarine systems help captains detect hazards, monitor vessel traffic, and make informed decisions in changing marine conditions. By combining accurate data with intuitive controls, Raymarine enables boaters to navigate more efficiently, avoid collisions, and maintain greater awareness whether cruising offshore, fishing, or operating in low-visibility environments.

12:00 – 12:30

Smarter and Optimised Onboard Power Systems

The winner of the 2025 Green Innovator Award, Fischer Panda UK | Power Solutions, returns to explore the most common questions around modern onboard power. This session will cover how to optimise system efficiency, the shift towards electric and hybrid solutions, and the growing adoption of 48 V architectures to reduce weight, cost, and energy losses. The talk will also address the integration of high-demand equipment such as air conditioning and watermakers, with the official introduction of Eco-Sistems’ ultra-low power, modular watermakers to the portfolio. Whether for new builds, retrofits, or refits, gain practical insight into creating more efficient, future-ready onboard energy systems.

12:30 – 12:45

MDL's Green Innovator of 2026 Award

MDL's Green Innovator Award distinguishes products and services that are pioneering in sustainability, innovation and design. It is aimed at projects from both start-ups and established companies, and highlights suppliers who are making a special effort towards environmentally sustainable practices, products and services.

13:30 – 14:15

Preparing Yachts for Long Distance Sailing

White Dot Sailing supports yacht and motor yacht owners preparing for Bluewater passages. Giving clients more efficient preparation and the confidence to set off knowing their yacht is ready. With experience of preparing a wide range of boats for ocean crossings, we know what good looks like. We use this experience to give owners early visibility across their boat — helping identify what needs to be done, in the right order, before it becomes a last-minute problem.

14:30 – 15:00

From the Titanic Tragedy to SOLAS and the Port Marine Safety Code

The sinking of the Titanic in 1912 was a traumatic event in Southampton’s history, with 549 people with Southampton addresses lost at sea. However, two years later the first International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea was held in London. This laid the foundation for modern safety standards that we now take for granted. Today, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have introduced a new guide to good practice on Port and Marine Facilities. Steve Collins, of the Southampton Maritime Volunteer Service will explain what small organisations including watersports and boat clubs have to do demonstrate compliance with this guide by the end of the year.

15:30 – 16:00

OYT South: Changing Young Lives

Ocean Youth Trust South transforms young lives by taking people aged 11 to 25 to sea on immersive sail training voyages that build confidence, resilience and essential life skills through real responsibility and teamwork. By working with around 450 young people each year, many from disadvantaged or vulnerable backgrounds, the charity creates a powerful environment where individuals step outside their comfort zones, develop communication and leadership skills, and gain a renewed sense of self belief and direction. These experiences go far beyond sailing, equipping young people with the mindset, skills and confidence needed to navigate everyday challenges and move forward positively in education, employment and life.