Chris Noble

“There’s never a boring day, it’s an industry that’s always challenging in unexpected ways. Every project has new people to engage, new ideas and new problems to tackle!”

Growing up competing in youth classes back home in Scotland, the desire to pursue a career in sailing was there from an early age. Going on to study Naval Architecture was a natural transition, whilst working as a Bosun at Sunsail in Largs to fund tuition, and commuting south to train and race on Bear of Britain. Eventually, the desire to pursue a career in the professional side of the sport became too strong and Chris committed to relocating to Southampton.

Chris’ first foray into ‘working’ in the yachting industry came in the guise of the voluntary boat captain role for the now British Keelboat TP52 ‘John Merricks II’. Off the back of that came an opportunity that led to almost ten years with Team Aqua’s RC44, seven of those as Boat Captain. In between RC44 fixtures, Chris continued to build on his inshore and grand prix expertise providing rigging services in several classes, notably Quantum Racing in the 52 Super Series.

In January 2016 Chris signed with Land Rover BAR as Head of Rigging and Test-Boat Captain. Off the back of this, between the 35th and 36th America’s Cup cycles; under BAR Technologies, Chris was responsible for the formation of BAR Rigging - a first taste and experience of starting and operating a viable commercial rigging outlet. Offering the highest levels of craftsmanship and sustainable manufacturing techniques, BAR Rigging saw immediate uptake and acceptance as a fresh-faced offering in the market.

2018, Chris signed for another campaign with INEOS Team UK for the 36th challenge as Rig Manager. An ultimately rewarding role helping develop new systems and solutions to new and unseen problems.

Leaving the Cup arena in 2020 to start a family with wife, Sara, Chris formed Rigging Works, offering innovative and sustainable solutions to a growing market demand.