2019 Shipwrights’ Lectures
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The 2019 Shipwrights’ Lectures
The 2019 Lectures were held on October 16th at the Nuffield Campus Theatre with strong industry support.
Organised by the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights in conjunction with the University of Southampton the lectures are designed to inform and inspire apprentices and students giving an insight into the exciting career opportunities and future developments in their broad ranging industry.
This year the theme was design and sustainability looking at the challenge of moving towards zero carbon.
After a formal welcome from the Vice Chancellor, Mark Smith CBE, the day was launched with a speech by Bob Sanguinetti, Chief Executive of the UK Chamber of Shipping who saw a bright future for the UK maritime industry by harnessing teamwork, technology and innovation.
Pendennis Training Manager Steve Hancock led a discussion between two current and one past Pendennis apprentices. Joe Hayes (Electrical Apprentice), Tobias Sydenham (Joinery Apprentice) and Jacca Stephens, Pendennis Engineer covered their experiences from their careers and aspirations for the future giving everyone food for thought.
Supporting the zero-emission goal, Nigel Stuart, MDir Spirit Yachts then gave a thought provoking presentation on sustainable sailing using their new Spirit 111 yacht and its hybrid powering system.
This was followed by Dr Blair Thornton, Associate Professor UoS who gave a fascinating insight into the intricacies of Deep-Sea Mapping using autonomous robotic systems and the contribution it makes to both scientific and commercial sectors.
After the interval Matt Sheehan hosted a lively panel discussion on Sports Boats and Superyacht tenders with Andrew Hay, Chief Naval architect Princess, Richard Watson, Man Dir Pascoe, Kevin Hunt Man Dir Scorpion and Nigel Stuart Man Dir Spirit Yachts. As a thought-provoking alternative to gas guzzling super yacht tenders however smart they may be, Charlotte Mille (Project Manager Monaco YC Solar Energy Boat Challenge) opened our minds to the increasing capabilities of solar and hydrogen power. Each year the Monaco YC challenge sees speed and range of these non-fossil fuel powered craft increase. Charlotte laid down the challenge for UK companies and universities to enter the 2020 Monaco competition.
Again, supporting sustainability, Colin Henwood gave a talk on his life and passion as a traditional timber boatbuilder and restorer on the Thames. The range and quality of beautiful boats he has worked on was incredible. His talk, “Head, Heart, Hand – a Boatbuilder’s Story” was a true portrayal of his love of his work and the advice he gave was indeed inspiring for us all.
The final talk was led by Shipwright James Wilson, QSM awards chairman, who introduced the 2017 and 2018 Queens Silver Medallists. Louis Castle and Oliver Smart enthusiastically reported on the rigours and their experiences on the course and the long lasting benefits to their self-confidence and leadership skills.
Finally, Shipwrights Prime Warden, Mr John Denholm, thanked the Vice Chancellor, Mark Smith CBE, for the University’s support each year and all speakers for their presentations. He acknowledged the time and thought they freely gave in support of the lectures. To close the afternoon the Prime Warden presented the Shipwrights’ Prize to Jessica Carter, the best performing student in Part 3 of the MEng degree in Ship Science at the University of Southampton.
The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights acknowledges and thanks the BMT Group for their continued sponsorship of the Shipwrights' Lectures and the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute for their support in hosting the event. We hope to see you all again next time.
“The 2020 Annual Shipwrights Lectures will be held on October 21st. Due to an 18 month refurb of ‘Nuffield Campus’ starting this April we will be at the sister theatre, ‘Nuffield City’ https://www.nstheatres.co.uk/city/how-to-find-nst-city . Full details will be on this website in due course once the programme has been finalised. We look forward to seeing you at this new theatre complex.”
