The Shipwrights Annual Lecture encourages industry leaders to inform and stimulate young apprentices, shipwrights as well as graduates about the breadth, possibilities and career paths available in the UK’s unique and dynamic marine industry. This brings annually £2.9billion and offers employment for approximately 33,000.
Shipwrights Annual Apprentice Lecture
Attendance is free for apprentices and shipwrights nominated by their employers together with young people under the age of 25 who are studying in the marine sector. Employers and Lecturers are encouraged to support their students by also attending.
The first lecture will be given by Andy Claughton from the Wolfson Unit, part of the University of Southampton. Andy specialises in developing the science of yacht design and performance prediction. From 2000 to 2007, Andy was Design Coordinator for Team New Zealand America’s Cup challenge. The practical experience gained at that time contributes to his science of yacht design activities at Wolfson, who provide world class consultancy in the field of ship and yacht design, marine technology and industrial aerodynamics. Andy will talk about the development of state-of-the-art hull forms, both power and sail that the Wolfson Unit have been involved with and will give an overview of their tank testing, wind tunnel and Computational facilities that they use for research.
This will be followed by a panel discussion chaired by Sue Grant, Managing Director, Berthon International, which will take delegates briefly through the second hand yacht sales process addressing the issues and work required to ensure that yachts are sold in a safe, seaworthy condition. The panel will focus in particular on how first class boatbuilding has a positive effect on second-hand boat values and will look at examples of poor attention to design and construction detail including small build errors which can impact on the cost of repairs and the resale value of a yacht. The aim of this lecture is to highlight to the apprentices and shipwrights the importance of accuracy in their work for the safety and through-life value of a yacht. Sue will be supported by a panel of marine experts all with experience in this field.
The aim of the Shipwrights Lecture is to awaken apprentices, students and young shipwrights to the opportunities in the immensely wide-ranging marine industry, to inform them of the careers that can develop from learning skills in laminating, wiring, joinery and outfitting to design, naval architecture and management and inspire them to make the most of the career opportunities that present themselves.
