Andrew Whittaker Email and Phone Number

I am extremely happy and proud to be able to share the news that I have been appointed General Manager of Ring Powercraft. I have an amazing build and tech team supporting me and our journey with a Ring. We have many exciting and novel boats currently in build alongside some very interesting new ones in development. I look forward to catch-up up with many friends and colleagues in METs next week and as alway can’t wait to meet all the new faces and build strong relationships for the future.

With over 20 years in the marine industry, I’m driven by a passion for creativity, adventure, and sustainable innovation. As Managing Director of Fast Boats at Arksen, I lead a talented team that’s redefining what’s possible in naval architecture and high-performance design. Our mission? To create vessels that don’t just meet the challenges of the world’s oceans but embrace them fully.Having decades of practical hands on experience on the open sea to the peaks of remote mountain ranges I ensure that every product we bring to life is built for purpose, with durability and performance at its core. My role at Arksen spans across Arksen Labs, Arksen Adventures, and Arksen Overland, where I work as a conduit, aligning our R&D, design, and strategic goals to inspire a new era of sustainable marine exploration.Alongside our commitment to building the best in adventure boats, I’m deeply invested in revitalizing British boat building, drawing on craftsmanship and innovation to foster a future where UK marine design leads on a global stage. Equally important is our dedication to education and sustainability—offering young people the opportunities to engage in marine science and technology, building awareness, and instilling respect for our planet.This is about more than just boats; it’s about creating pathways to a bolder, more sustainable future for exploration.

I set up my own design and project engineering company. In conjunction with a composite boat yard in Hamble, I designed and engineered a custom luxury RIB for a large mega yacht, a Trans Pack 52 race yacht and a Ker 36 cruiser-racer using carbon pre-preg and Nomex. I worked on the design and quotation of several luxury yacht tenders and sailing yachts. I have implemented various methods and techniques in the yard which improved quality and productivity.

Senior Lecturer on the Yacht and Power Craft and Yacht Design and Production Degrees. Responsible for unit management, assessment and teaching on many subjects including Marine Materials, Marine Production, Advanced Production technology, Sailing Yacht design, Yacht Hull surveying and Practical Marine structures. These subject bring together my past production, engineering, design and project management experience. The mentioned subject are very practical in their approach to the specifics of small privet and commensal motor and sailing craft. Hands on Lab work take a lead in the materials, production and surveying units. 3D / 2D modelling and drawing is a major area covered in the design and structures units. Alongside this, rules and regulations such as the RCD, ISO 12215, DvN and Lloyds special service craft are covered from a highly relevant case study and practical basis. Teaching across 4 years from Foundation though to final year students allows the build-up of theoretical knowledge and practical hands on construction. I personally cover most the composite, practical structures and production sides of the degree. Engaging in classroom based teaching, hands on lab experimentation using basic though to advanced composite processing techniques such as infusion, SPRINT and Prepreg. I also take students on hands on surveys and yard / vessel inspections leasing with a large network if marine contacts. Additional I deal with small craft systems covering engine instillations, propulsions, electrical and hydraulic systems. Last academic year I carried out a Post Graduate Certificate in learning and teaching. This was an interesting process of research and reflection of my professional development within my industry (advanced composites and yacht design / production) as well as the educational world. This helps to see the relationship between training and development in the industry and education to improve and enhance this rapidly expanding technological sector.

Composite design engineer at Gurit (SP-High Modulus)Structural engineering design and annalysis. Project managment.Responsible for the structural design, project management and production support of numerous medium to large scale projects. A typical working week involves working on several projects at a time which entails managing priorities, risks and customer’s requirements as well as delegating project tasks to my colleagues. I collaborate with interior and systems designers to produce accurate structural 3D models in Solid Works and Rhino. I also provide design details to our draughting team in order for them to produce construction drawings. I am currently working on the structural design of the sailing yacht Pink Gin VI (Baltic 175’). I am heavily involved in the projects’ design and build team, developing the structural GA and producing structural specifications. I utilise the design, engineering and construction experience I have gained on previous projects such as Hetairos (Baltic 200’ Panamax Ketch) and Nautor Swan’s 60’, 80’ and 105’. Other recent projects include a composite 24m SWATH, Southern Wind’s 82’, 94’ and 102’, numerous offshore racing yachts and X Yachts’ current range of production boats. Smaller projects have included several components such as communications masts, swimming pools, boarding ladders and large hatch covers for +50m motor yachts. I have also worked on civil engineering projects such as wind turbines, a station roof for the DLR in London, the Dokaae Clock Tower in Mecca and automotive body parts for the Aston Martin DBS. My communication skills help me to deal with everyone from race teams, classification societies, and major civil engineering firms.

I was responsible for the prototype design and build development of a luxury motor yacht utilising SP’s advanced composite “Sprint” system. I worked on the design and production of two luxury custom tenders for a large mega yacht, using carbon pre-preg. Responsibilities included producing construction and concept designs from the initial design brief. Concept and final drawings of systems were produced using Rhino CAD and Auto CAD. I produced and tested advanced composite components from many manufacturers to keep up to date with new systems that may be suitable for the yacht construction or tooling. I specified and ordered equipment and components, and managed the assembly ad fitting procedures. I held regular meetings with the Managing Director, Yard Manager and International Design Team to discuss developments with the design. I worked closely with industrial specialists, influential guests and customers in all areas of the projects. I worked on the boats technical and owners’ manual drawings assessing the boats compatibility with the current RCD, MCA and ABS regulations liaising with the surveyor.