International Junior SeaKeepers at the Southampton International Boat Show 2025

On September 22, 2025, The International SeaKeepers Society invited the UK International Junior SeaKeepers (IJSK) cohort from King Edward’s School Witley to attend the Southampton International Boat Show 2025 (SIBS). This event offered the students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the marine industry, and learn more about various career paths. Throughout the day, SeaKeepers introduced the students to industry partners and key figures, who shared their stories and experiences to highlight the range of avenues that the students could follow to pursue their interests and passions. Michael Beattie, Manager of Superyacht UK, commenced the first session by welcoming the students to the boat show and discussing its history. Michael then introduced the group to the Young Designers Competition, a platform for university students to complete a yacht-design brief to compete for industry opportunities and internships. By connecting with the competitors, the IJSK students learnt why it is important to take any available chances to pursue their passions, in order to gain skills and experiences to support their future careers. Following this, the IJSK students visited the marina to meet Marina Manager, Kerrie Gray, who discussed the logistics associated with organising SIBS and the challenges of welcoming over 200 vessels into a purpose-built event marina. Kerrie took the group onto the pontoons to share more about the show, where the students were then able to explore the boats and speak with various owners and organisations. In particular, the IJSK cohort were welcomed onto a Clipper Round The World Race vessel, a boat that’s built to support novice sailors as they compete in a gruelling 11-month, 8-leg circumnavigation, and a Sunseeker superyacht, a luxury performance motor yacht that is used for recreation. These vessels showcased how diverse boats can be and why it is important for each to be specifically designed and tailored to perform their desired function. The final session provided the students with the opportunity to speak with the UK Border Force, to learn more about their role in preventing the illegal movement of wildlife and transportation of illegally hunted goods at-sea. By participating in the Southampton International Boat Show 2025, the International Junior SeaKeepers cohort gained first-hand exposure to the variety of opportunities available within the marine industry, inspiring them to become true ocean advocates and consider future career pathways both on land and at-sea.

The International SeaKeepers Society invited the International Junior SeaKeepers UK cohort to attend the Southampton International Boat Show to advance their understanding of the marine industry and inspire the students to consider career pathways that they were previously unaware of. SeaKeepers would like to thank the staff and students from King Edward’s School Witley for their interest, enthusiasm and support throughout the Southampton International Boat Show 2025. SeaKeepers UK look forward to continuing to work with this cohort throughout the remainder of the 2025 IJSK programme, further developing their understanding and passion for ocean advocacy.