Superyacht UK Technical Seminar 2026 names explorer Mensun Bound as keynote speaker

Superyacht UK has confirmed that maritime archaeologist and author Mensun Bound will deliver the keynote presentation at the Superyacht UK Technical Seminar 2026. The event takes place on Thursday 19 March 2026 at the Union Jack Club in London.

Bound is known for leading the 2022 discovery of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship, Endurance, which was found at a depth of almost 3,000 metres beneath Antarctic ice. His keynote will draw on his book, The Ship Beneath the Ice: The Discovery of Shackleton’s Endurance, and will address some of the technical and leadership aspects involved in the expedition.

“We are delighted to welcome Mensun Bound as our keynote speaker for the 2026 Technical Seminar,” says Michael Beattie, Superyacht UK manager. “His extraordinary career and the discovery of Shackleton’s Endurance represent the very best of exploration, innovation and determination, qualities that strongly resonate with the superyacht sector.”

The Superyacht UK Technical Seminar is now in its 15th year. The programme brings together regulators, designers, builders, engineers, surveyors and senior technical specialists for a day of presentations and discussion focused on regulatory, operational and technical developments affecting the superyacht sector.

The 2026 seminar is chaired by Ben Geary of Döhle Yachts, chair of Superyacht UK. Agenda items include an update on the REG Yacht Code, with particular reference to shell doors and openings, presented by Julian Smith, regional director (Europe, Middle East & Africa) at the Cayman Islands Shipping Register. Lars Lippuner, director of UK customer maritime services at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, will outline developments in cadet training, modernisation programmes and pathways to unlimited Certificates of Competency.

Updates on International Maritime Organization developments and decarbonisation are scheduled from Lorenzo Pollicardo, technical and environmental director at SYBAss, and Patrick Hemp, technical director at ICOMIA. Corrado Musso, lead specialist – yacht centre of expertise at Lloyd’s Register, and Matteo Magherini, head of North Europe yachting centre at RINA, will discuss the Yacht Safety and Environment Consortium, including loadline clarification and future steps.

A panel session will address post-build and refit warranty works. Participants include Howard Lowe, managing director at Mayfair Marine, Tim Woollard, senior associate – yachts team at Hill Dickinson and Michelle Van der Merwe, superyacht group manager – Mediterranean at Pantaenius. A session on artificial intelligence and intellectual property will be led by Harry Strange Beng, partner at Withers & Rogers, focusing on ownership and protection of innovation. A cybersecurity update is also scheduled, with the speaker to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

The event programme also includes a networking lunch and a drinks reception supported by Laurent Giles. An optional evening networking dinner will be held at the Union Jack Club from 7.30pm, subject to a separate ticket.

Ticket prices are £208 incl. VAT for members, or £311 incl. VAT including dinner. Non-member prices are £376 incl. VAT, or £479 incl. VAT including dinner. A dinner-only ticket is priced at £105 incl. VAT. Further details are available on the British Marine website.