18/02/2025
Remembering John Moxham (1935 – 2025)
It is with profound sadness that we mark the passing of John Moxham - our Chief Designer, a pioneer of advanced hydrodynamics, and above all, a cherished friend.
John was more than a brilliant naval architect. He was a force of nature - an innovator whose genius reshaped not just boats, but entire industries. From his early days in aerospace, shaping the performance of legendary aircraft like the Lightning, Hunter, Venom, and the Gnat, to pioneering the most advanced hull designs ever seen on water, he saw what others missed, created what others thought impossible, and inspired those lucky enough to work alongside him.
His work was not about chasing accolades - it was about solving real-world problems with elegant, functional, and often breath-taking solutions. The RNLI E-CLASS MK1 Lifeboat. The Royal Navy Offshore Raiding Craft. Vessels that were not just feats of engineering, but vital lifelines for those who relied on them. And true to form, he was never one to stand still - his mind was always racing ahead, refining, improving, creating. In recent months, he had been fully immersed in developing a ground-breaking hull design for a Commando Insertion Craft (CIC), once again pushing the limits of what was possible.
As our Chief Designer, John’s hull technology didn’t just push the boundaries of performance and sustainability - it redefined what a boat could be. Yet, for all his professional triumphs, his greatest passion was people. He designed to serve, to save, to empower. And despite his extraordinary talent, he remained the same modest, self-effacing gentleman - as respected for his humility as for his brilliance.
John’s legacy is not just in the vessels he designed, but in the people he mentored, the minds he shaped, and the countless lives he touched. Those of us who had the honour of working with him knew we were in the presence of something special - not just because of what he achieved, but because of who he was.
He was loved by all - from seasoned naval architects to the youngest apprentices. His stories, his wisdom, and his relentless curiosity will remain with us forever.
To say he will be missed is an understatement. To say his impact will endure is a certainty.
John, thank you for everything. Fair winds and following seas, dear friend.
Ultimate Boats
