Major Partner Cobham-Ultra Electronics Engineer Bob O'Brien joins Athena Pathway
Bob O’Brien, the Boat Electronics Engineer joining us from Cobham-Ultra, brings a wealth of experience from his experience at the forefront of British engineering excellence. As the Major Partner of the Athena Pathway Programme, Cobham-Ultra stands as a beacon of innovation, ensuring Athena Pathway are set to compete in the inaugural Puig Women’s America’s Cup and defend the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup in Barcelona this year.
Hailing from Canterbury and raised in Whitstable, Bob's affinity for the sea was nurtured from a young age, leading him to participate in tall ships regattas across the North Sea in 2014 to 2016. His journey continued in Southampton and Portsmouth, where he pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics.
Bob's passion for sailing was not just a personal pursuit but also a platform for community enrichment. Volunteering with the Morningstar Trust in Chichester, he empowered youth and individuals from underprivileged backgrounds by teaching them how to sail and fostering confidence on the water. “Seeing the transformative development in each person who learned to sail with the program was incredible; you see so many life skills develop, and the difference in their outlook from when they arrive to when they leave was always warming to see the growth in confidence.”
As an Electronics Engineer at Ultra Maritime, Bob was deeply engaged in the dynamic world of maritime technology. His role revolved around crafting innovative solutions to enhance vessel performance and safety by contributing to the development of cutting-edge electronic systems. His dedication to excellence extended beyond the drawing board, as he rigorously tested these systems during sea trials, upholding the highest engineering standards.
Bobs commitment to excellence fuels his determination to shape the future of maritime electronics and through the Athena Pathway Programme he hopes to inspire more youth into STEM subjects to engage in the experiences, “If I can share my story and encourage the younger generation into STEM subjects then that’s fantastic, if I can show what a great time we’re having while encouraging them, then that’s even better.”
Bob's commitment to shaping the future of maritime electronics is further exemplified through his involvement in the Athena Pathway Programme. Embracing the opportunity to join the Women's & Youth America's Cup team in Barcelona, Bob immersed himself within the team and the AC40 programme. “We’ve gone from a few containers in a shed, to launching the AC40 yacht from our new base with a brand-new team and building the programme together. I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
Reflecting on his journey so far with the Athena Pathway Programme in Badalona, Bob highlights the collaborative spirit and continuous learning environment that defines the team. Beyond the pursuit of victory, “We want to win, but it's not just about winning, it's about enriching lives, the over-all team experiences and winning is a byproduct of being the best we can as a collective.”