Graduate Chris is helping to '˜bring the cup home'

GRADUATE Chris Holdsworth-Swan has spoken of his pride at helping with Land Rover BAR's bid to win the America's Cup World Series.
Chris Holdsworth-Swan at Ben Ainslie RacingChris Holdsworth-Swan at Ben Ainslie Racing
Chris Holdsworth-Swan at Ben Ainslie Racing

As part of BAE Systems’ graduate development programme, Chris has been working on a number of innovative, highly-technical projects, including a secondment into Land Rover BAR – Britain’s Challenger for the 35th America’s Cup.

Chris, 25, said: ‘When the secondment became available I didn’t think twice. It just seemed to be such an amazing opportunity to gain experience working in a fast-paced and dynamic sporting environment alongside top engineers, while proudly supporting the British effort to ‘Bring the Cup Home’.’

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As part of his six-month secondment at Land Rover BAR’s headquarters in Portsmouth, Chris has worked with the boat dynamics team.

Using simulation tools designed to analyse boat performance in racing scenarios, Chris’s work helps to determine how the crew should approach each race depending on the range of conditions they could face at sea. The accuracy of their software ensures Chris and the team are able to fine tune Land Rover BAR’s preparations before each race.

Chris said: ‘I was entirely new to sailing when I began the role, but I’ve been able to use my experience from studying mechanical engineering and from my previous placements to quickly get up to speed.

‘It’s exciting to see the way the sailing team uses the information provided from our team to gain a competitive advantage and boost their performance on the water.’

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Originally from Shawforth, Lancashire, Chris sat A-levels in maths, further maths and physics, before completing his Master’s in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College, London.

He moved to Portsmouth to begin his career at BAE Systems.

Chris said: ‘Working with programmes in the maritime industry, including Land Rover BAR, has been incredibly rewarding and I would not have had this opportunity had I not joined the company.’

To find out more go to baesystems.com.