BMF Member Confirmed as Closing Speaker for 2012 Shipwrights Lecture

Published on 26/7/2012

Robert Braithwaite CBE has been confirmed as the closing speaker for the 2012 Shipwrights Lecture for marine apprentices, young shipwrights and marine graduates which is taking place Wednesday 17 October 2012 at the Turner Simms Hall, University of Southampton.

From modest beginnings 40 years ago, starting in a shed with a showroom and slipway, Sunseeker International has evolved into a global luxury brand with a workforce of 2,500, modern manufacturing facilities and a world beating technology centre.

Robert Braithwaite CBE, began as an importer and distributor of boats from Scandinavia and the USA and the company started moulding and fitting out their own range of boats in the early 1970s. The success of Sunseeker has been the result of constant innovation; be it in design, performance, technology or luxury. From early 28ft power boats the company now produces yachts well in excess of 100ft and has become both a boatbuilder and a shipbuilder.

Robert Braithwaite CBE commented, “If I had not decided to take on apprentices some 40 years ago, we would not have the management and workforce that we have today.  It has always been a passion of mine that the basics in boatbuilding should be taught, unfortunately colleges and schools have moved away from this. To encourage the gaining of knowledge of this industry and to aspire to being the best in their chosen career, I wholeheartedly applaud the Worshipful Company of Shipwright's trade guild for the very important work they undertake and totally support them in any way I am able.”

This annual lecture is free to attend for marine apprentices, young shipwrights and marine graduates together with their employers and lecturers. The aim of the lecture is to inspire and inform young people starting out in the marine industry about the breadth, opportunities and career paths available in the UK’s dynamic marine sector.