BMT Sponsor Shipwrights
A University professor, composites yacht builder, inspirational single-handed deaf yachtsman, joiner shipwright and panel of experts chaired by an experienced journalist are among the eclectic line-up of personalities who were presenting at the 2014 Shipwrights Lecture.
The lecture series, now in its fourth year, was a fantastic occasion for marine apprentices, young shipwrights and students to gather advice and be inspired.
The event took place on Wednesday 15th October 2014 at the Turner Sims, University of Southampton at 14.30. The aim of the Shipwrights Lectures is to inform, inspire and show apprentices and students how careers in the immensely wide-ranging marine industry can develop from learning skills in engineering, laminating, wiring, joinery and outfitting to design, naval architecture and management.
Attendance is free for apprentices nominated by their employers and young people under the age of 25 who are studying in the marine sector. Each apprentice received a certificate of attendance.
The year’s lecture was opened by Professor Ajit R Shenoi, FIMechE, FRINA, The Lloyds Register/Royal Academy of Engineering Research Professor in Lightweight Structures and the first Director of the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute.
The next section was a panel discussion entitled, ‘Marine Electronics – ‘Past, Present and the Future’ chaired by the well-known yachting journalist and broadcaster, Matt Sheahan, Technical Editor of Yachting World. The discussion focused on electronics, electrics and related power management requirements on yachts, both sail and power. This was a great chance for the apprentices to get involved and ask questions as this is a particularly relevant topic for the marine industry at present.
Oyster Yachts Joiner Shipwright, Alice le Good talked about her apprenticeship and subsequent experiences at the world-class yacht builder Oyster Yachts and her involvement of being ‘a women in a man’s worlds’! She held a great connection with the audience and such a passion for boat building it was infectious.
Richard Acland, CEO of Green Marine was the next to take the stand. He opened with a comment that he didn’t know what to include in his talk, so instinctively went and spoke with the Green Marine apprentices and asked exactly what they would like to hear. So he touched on his own experiences, what he wish he knew aged 20 and latest developments in the super-fast racing yachts the company is currently working on.
To bring the event to a close the award-winning Gerry Hughes captured the crowd, the first profoundly deaf person to sail single-handed around the world talked about his inspirational voyage. Gerry received the RYA Sailability Personal Endeavour Award for his 32,000 mile circumnavigation via the Five Great Capes in Quest III, his Beneteau 42s7. He highlighted the bad weather he had to contend with and the ongoing electrical faults meaning a prolonged trip.
It was an exceptionally well received event with over 300 members attending the lecture.
