Our Heritage

Norman R. Wright & Sons is a custom designer and builder of the highest quality commercial and pleasure boats – from tenders to superyachts. Based in Brisbane, Queensland, we have been mastering the art of vessel design and building for over 110 years. From the initial proposal, to the launch of the vessel, and subsequent lifetime care and repair, we have been providing our clients a complete in-house service for all of their needs.

meet our team

The PEOPLE Behind THE BUSINESS

At Norman Wrights, profound commitment is coupled with strong business ethics. We are proud to uphold the traditions of
the previous Wright generations and strive to maintain this outstanding standard of quality into the future.

Managing Director

Tony Riek

Tony has had a long association with Norman R. Wright & Sons and formally came to the company in 2016 – initially to help with the move to new premises at Rivergate Marina and then to take on the management role. Tony is a mechanical engineer with a history in production boat building and a lengthy stint in project management in the mining sector.

DIRECTOR, OPeration Manager

David Fussell

David began his boat building apprenticeship with Norman R. Wright & Sons in 1988. He has been working with the business as a boat builder, leading hand and manager of operations. In 2016 David became a director and with his wealth of experience continues to oversee all projects, working closely with our clients, our design team, and our highly skilled workforce.

BillWright
DIRECTOR & Mentor, Archivist

Bill Wright

Bill Wright began working with his father Ron in 1972 as an apprentice boat builder for Norman R. Wright & Sons. He has been working with the company for more than forty-five years and has continually been involved with designing and building the boats. In 2019 Bill formally retired but remains actively involved with the business as a director and mentor to our design team. He has an honorary role as Company Archivist – cataloguing our historical records and responding to all manner of enquiries regards the Norman Wright alumni and fleet.

DIRECTOR, Project Manager

Ian Wright

Ian Wright has been a Boat Builder for more than forty years. He has a vast amount of experience in building commercial & pleasure vessels and has a wealth of knowledge in composite construction and sustainable design. Ian’s role encompasses the development and execution of new builds and projects.

DIRECTOR, non executive

Alistair Harvey

Alistair is 4th generation Wright family and runs a successful property development company. He is a non-executive director contributing to Company strategy and marketing.

NAVAL ARCHITECT, Head Designer

Adam Evripidou

Adam holds a Bachelor of Engineering Naval Architecture (Honours). Adam has a great deal of experience in designing both commercial & luxury vessels and has been our resident Naval Architect for 20 years. In partnership with Bill Wright, he has been responsible for some of our most iconic vessels. Adam currently heads up our Sydney office.

NAVAL ARCHITECT

Angus Cameron

Angus is a graduate from the Australian Maritime College and holds a Bachelor of Engineering Naval Architecture (Honours). Angus graduated with the Captain Thomas Gold Medal and Connel Silver Medal for academic performance and joined Norman R. Wright & Sons in early 2018.

New Build Supervisor

Ian Lauman

Ian joined Norman R. Wright & Sons straight our school in 1994 where he completed his apprenticeship in Boat Building and continued as a tradesman for a further 10 years. He returned to NRW to help us with infusing CityCat superstructures and has remained highly skilled in composite boat building techniques.  He graduated to the role of New Build Supervisor where he oversees our range of new build projects.

Works Supervisor

Adam Thomas

Adam began his boat building apprenticeship at Norman R. Wright & Sons in 2002 and stayed as a tradesman until 2008 after which he spent time in the construction and resources industries.  Adam rejoined Norman Wrights in 2014 as leading hand and has graduated to the role as Works Supervisor where he oversees our extensive refit project work.

OFFICE MANAGER

Tanya Crowe

Tanya joined Norman R. Wright & Sons in 2013 and since that time has managed all our office functions including control of finances. She is an integral part of our team and on-going success.

Contracts Administrator

Sam Webber

Sam in an Engineer who spent 5 years as a Project Manager in the resources industry.  His Contracts Administrator role is a diverse role involving assisting with the management of overall project scheduling, resource allocation and tendering as well as liaison with clients. 

Accounts and Office Administrator

Melissa Roberts

Melissa joined Norman R. Wright & Sons in April 2023 and brings her invaluable accounts experience from the construction industry to bolster the NRW team.