The Annual Shipwrights’ Lectures Held at MAST Studios on Wednesday 20th October 2021

The 2021 Annual Lectures was a very successful ‘first’. Some reluctance due to Covid19 meant attendance was unfortunately down on previous years however a full program of topics on the theme of Sustainability and Innovation delivered by accomplished professionals was enjoyed by all those present. The afternoon’s programme was led by Simon Crawford Shipwrights’ Liveryman who multi tasked as presenter, question master and rigorous timekeeper. He was ably assisted by Paul Dougal Harris Lead of Foil Production at Maguire Boats in coordinating the Audience Q & A sessions.

Apprentices Session

 

Jade & Olivia from Sunseeker together with Belinda and Sally from Spirit Yachts provided a refreshingly inspirational start to the afternoon. From differing backgrounds all are currently engaged in a variety of roles in their respective companies within the marine industry. They each have huge ambitions not only for their personal career progression but also to encourage other women to consider entering this significant sector of the UK economy.

 

 

Who better to start the debate on Sustainability and Innovation than James Scott-Anderson from Blue Parameters. His passion for sustainable marine solutions was infectious and he set a challenge for everyone which will be picked up in 2022

 

 

 

Rodi Basso Founder and CEO of UIM E1 pulled the audience into the glitzy and exciting new world of Formula E foiling powerboat racing.  The prototype model would not look out of place on a Star Wars set. And the overall concept sparked a considerable amount of interest both during the Q and A session and also during the Intermission when Rodi was surrounded by students and apprentices keen to find out more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Panel Discussion

Chaired by broadcaster Matt Sheahan  the panellists are all proponents of sustainability coloured by their own experiences. Sean McMillan, Founder Spirit Yachts argued strongly that timber construction was the only true sustainable material. Richard Gibson, Sales Director Oyster Marine outlined the changes that Oyster is making to its build programme to increase sustainability. Jamie Marley a hybrid propulsion specialist covered the steps required to change power sources, and James Scott Anderson further developed his earlier theme.

 

 

 

Keynote Speaker

Pip Hare became a national treasure when her cheery video blog whilst battling mountainous seas in the Vendee Globe Race went viral. She was not only competing beyond all expectations as a woman of a certain age in her first single-handed nonstop circumnavigation; but was also skippering the oldest yacht in the fleet.

Despite illness Pip was determined to not let the Lectures’ attendees down and joined by video link.

 

In the final session Steve Hancock Training Manager Pendennis Shipyard extolled the benefits to both employers and apprentices of participation in the Queen’s Silver Medal Award programme. This was fitting as not only were Pendennis Shipyard awarded the Company Prize in the 2021 Awards but also Harrison Chivers one of five participants from Pendennis was to be recognised for Most Notable Endeavour.

 

Prime Warden Mr Richard Close-Smith TD concluded the day’s proceedings by awarding the Shipwrights’ Prize to University of Southampton student Jaume Ensenyat Vicens.

 

 

 

 

The Prime Warden thanked Professor Damon Teagle and Professor Ajit Shenoi for the University of Southampton’s support each year.   He also thanked all the speakers for their enlightening presentations acknowledging the time and thought they freely gave in support of the Lectures.

The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights acknowledges and thanks the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute, University of Southampton for their support in hosting the event.

The 2022 Lectures will be held at MAST Southampton on Wednesday 19^th October

The Lectures Team look forward to seeing you all then.