Saltwater Stoke

I’ve often been asked why I pivoted from a successful career in financial services, later in life, to pursue naval architecture, a field where I don’t even design ships or have any ambition to. I usually cite my lifelong passion for all things maritime, a childhood dream. But recently, when considering the next steps in my education, someone asked me how I’d maintain the focus and make the sacrifices necessary to reach my goal. It wasn’t just curiosity, it was a serious question about motivation.

My instinct with life’s big questions is always to grab a board, paddle out to the back line, and let nature’s isolation chamber clear my mind. But this time, I had to respond in the moment. So, I thought back to my 12 year old self, and what motivated me then, and what still drives me today.

As a young surfer, I was always captivated by the beauty and power of waves. I had a vague idea of how they formed, but it wasn’t until I delved into the principles of physics, meteorology, oceanography, and geology that I truly began to understand them. Learning about the gravitational pull of the moon, the shaping of the seafloor, and the winds that breathe life into swells didn’t take away from the magic, it deepened my appreciation and sharpened my instincts. It made me a better surfer, able to anticipate waves. choose the right board for the conditions, and find the perfect spots to ride them.

In much the same way, my journey into naval architecture has been about deepening my understanding of the ocean and its relationship with the vessels that traverse it. My passion for ocean conservation and maritime decarbonisation stems from a love for the sea, but I realised that love alone wouldn’t bring about change. I needed the tools to make a tangible impact. Studying ship design, fluid dynamics, and engineering principles has given me the credibility to influence an industry that plays such a critical role in the health of our planet.

For me, being a naval architect isn’t just about designing ships, it’s about designing solutions. It’s about bridging the gap between passion and knowledge, creating the practical pathways that help decarbonize shipping and preserve the oceans I love so much. The more I’ve learned, the more I’ve come to see that science and passion aren’t opposing forces, they’re partners in driving meaningful change.