Nathan has become a valued member of the R Marine Sydney team, bringing a strong work ethic, genuine passion for boating and a commitment to learning and developing his skills.

Since beginning his apprenticeship, he has gained valuable hands-on experience across a wide range of projects and embraced every opportunity to grow.

We’re incredibly proud of his achievements and congratulate Nathan on his TAFE graduation. We look forward to supporting his continued growth and seeing where his skills and passion take him next.

See the interview below to hear from Nathan about his apprenticeship journey, experiences and plans for the future.

Nathan’s Apprenticeship Journey

What first inspired you to pursue a career as a shipwright?

Boats have always been a big part of my life. During school, I developed a real passion for their design and how they were put together, which naturally led me towards a career as a shipwright.

What has been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship with us?

The opportunities and experiences that R Marine Sydney has provided me have been incredibly rewarding. One of the highlights was being sent up to the Riviera factory and seeing the different stages of the boat-building process unfold. It gave me a much greater appreciation for the level of skill and craftsmanship that goes into each boat.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced during your apprenticeship, and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges has been learning to manage different jobs and priorities while maintaining a high standard of workmanship. I’ve overcome this by asking questions, learning from the more experienced shipwrights around me, and becoming more organised and confident with each job.

Learning the Craft

What’s one skill you’ve learned at TAFE that you’ve found particularly valuable in the workshop?

Time management has been one of the most valuable skills I’ve learned at TAFE. Being able to plan each section of a job and manage my time effectively helps everything flow smoothly and ensures the work is completed to a high standard.

Working on Riviera motor yachts, what aspect of the boats do you enjoy working on the most?

Teak installation is one of my favourite parts of the job. I really enjoy seeing a project from start to finish and watching the transformation take place. The overall outcome is very rewarding, especially when you can step back and see the finished result.

Is there a particular repair, project or boat you’ve worked on that you’re especially proud of?

The Riviera 445 SUV is one that I’m particularly proud of. I worked on a refresh of the master stateroom, and it was really rewarding to see the space transformed and brought back to life.

Life at R Marine Sydney

What have you learned from the experienced shipwrights and technicians you’ve worked alongside?

Our senior shipwright, Ross Taylor,  has had a huge impact on my learning and experience. He has been in the business for 43 years, so there is an incredible amount of knowledge and experience to learn from. Working alongside him and getting hands-on experience across many different jobs has helped me develop both my technical skills and my confidence.

What do you think makes a great shipwright?

I think a great shipwright is someone who can always find a solution, plans the job ahead and takes pride in their work. Most importantly, you need to have a genuine passion for boats and a willingness to keep learning.

Looking Ahead

Now that you’ve graduated from TAFE, what are your goals for the next few years?

My goal is to continue developing my abilities and never stop learning. I want to keep building my experience, take on more responsibility and continue improving my skills as a shipwright.

For anyone considering a career as a shipwright, what would you say to them?

Be prepared to work hard and take every opportunity to learn from the senior staff around you. It’s very rewarding when you reach the stage of your apprenticeship where you’re trusted with the responsibility of taking on jobs of your own. Every day is different, you’re not stuck in one location, and you get to work on beautiful boats and spend plenty of time on the water.

What is your favourite Riviera?

My favourite is the Riviera 505 SUV and my favourite boating location is Castle Rock Beach. It’s a great spot for swimming, and I love being able to pull up in the shallow water and enjoy the day.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I have a massive passion for being on the water outside of work. Fishing is a huge part of my life, and I get out there as much as I can. It’s one of my favourite ways to switch off and enjoy my time outside the workshop.

Discover Nathan’s Favourite Riviera – The 505 SUV

It’s easy to see why the Riviera 505 SUV is Nathan’s favourite. Combining luxurious alfresco entertaining with exceptional blue-water capability, the 505 SUV is designed for both adventure and relaxation. With its spacious cockpit, versatile mezzanine and impressive performance, it’s a boat that makes every day on the water something to look forward to.