Apart from the obvious events that occurred in 2025 such as the Thames Traditional Boat Festival at Henley and Southampton’s International Boat show, there were many other Member and Affiliate achievements and occasions that occurred. Here’s just a few appreciations of some of the great boat yards, builders and partners we have in the UK.

Let’s start off with one of our new members, Dan Lee, who continues to thrive in the wooden boat industry, in 2025 he started teaching at the BBA in Lyme Regis, taking his YouTube videos on social media to life! As well as this he continues to document his progress on the ‘Temptress’ runabout project, check out the latest here. These achievements have created a prominent voice in the modern wooden boat building community.

In August, Gail McGarva, the award winning, artist, boat builder, and storyteller whose work seamlessly intertwines the art of craftsmanship with a rich tradition of narrative, took her Story Boat project to the Pittenweem Arts Festival. Vera the lerret boat, has been turned upside down and used to form the roof of the Story Boat. Festival goers stepped inside this miniature maritime world and experienced Gail’s deep connection to the sea and her passion for sharing stories through her art.

Back in June Abbey Boat Builder re-launched and expanded their boat yard in Reedham, Norfolk. This is a significant step for them and allows for a larger premises with increased workshop space and facilities. One of Abbey Boat Builder biggest highlights in 2025 was their ongoing restoration of the ‘Guide of Dunkirk’, Abbey Boat Builder took this vessel - which was part of Operation Dynamo - into their yard and have plans to relaunch it sometime this year, we look forward to seeing it!

Following the theme of Dunkirk ships, Dennett BoatBuilders have also actively been involved in restoring Dunkirk Little Ships. Dennett BoatBuilders are based on the River Thames, Chertsey. Dennett’s restorations were officially recognised at the Classic Boat Awards 2025. Dennett’s had an extraordinary year with a royal visit from Princess Anne in February, where she recognised the work of the historic restorations that were taking place and the work of preserving marinetime skills.

Congratulations to Star Yachts who are finally back in the workshop at Underfall Yard after a turbulent couple of years. Great to hear that Will and Oli have now taken the helm from Win, continuing the Star Yachts legacy. We wish them the best of luck!

And here’s a shout out to Forest Enterprise Scotland for celebrating National Apple Day. Put Wednesday 21st October in your diaries for this year and check out what else they are doing.

As we reflect on the past year we also look forward to the upcoming year, in which there is lots more to come! A massive thank you to the Chairman Colin Henwood for his continued enthusiasm to the boating industry.

A few highlights from 2025 and welcome 2026!

The Celebration of Wood, a conversation with Sykes Timber.