Ascent Shipwrights is an owner-operated business providing the best service in the industry. Our team is led by our experienced Managing Director Daniel Roberts, who has been in the marine industry for over 16 years. Daniel works alongside a uniquely talented team of experienced shipwrights and marine painters with a wealth of knowledge to ensure the highest quality results.
We pride ourselves on providing outstanding quality for each and every one of our clients. We take the time to understand your unique boating needs and ensure that your vessel is completed on time and on budget.
The Ascent Shipwrights Team
Daniel Roberts
MANAGING DIRECTOR / SHIPWRIGHT
Daniel grew up around boats, spending his childhood and young adult life competitively sailing. During his sailing career, Daniel has won numinous state and national titles, whilst also developing a passion for boat building.
Daniel has over 14 years of experience in the boat building industry, spending the initial years in Western Australia specialising in composite constructions and modifications. After completing his apprenticeship to become a qualified Shipwright and marine construction engineer Daniel ventured to England to further his skills in high tech carbon composites and his career as a professional sailor. Whilst in England Daniel worked on numerous superyacht constructions and rebuilds.
After 18 months overseas Daniel moved back to Western Australia in 2011 and established his own business, since then he has continued to grow the team and business to what it is today. When Daniel is not at work you’ll often catch him off the coast either spearfishing, surfing or kite surfing.
Kate Davies
OFFICE MANAGER
Kate joined the team as the Office Manager in 2020 and immediately made an impact in the office. Kate comes from a Marketing and Public Relations background, graduating from the University of Notre Dame back in 2017.
Kate’s experience, positive attitude and hard work behind the scenes assist the Ascent team to deliver only the best customer service and outcomes.
Outside of work, Kate enjoys playing footy, surfing, going to the beach with the dogs and getting out on the boat at every opportunity.
John O'Connor
SHIPWRIGHT - LEADING HAND
John is a WA marine industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in the industry! John is a great addition to the Ascent family, he has made an instant impact both in the office and on the tools. John has incredible attention to detail, you can see his hard work and quality workmanship in every job he undertakes.
Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his family and getting out on his boat.
Federico Fedi
NAVAL ARCHITECT
Hailing from Italy Federico joined us in 2023, making an immediate impact within the team. Federico has a Degree in Nautical Engineering from the University of La Spezia, Italy. After graduation Federico worked for Studio Roberto Angel, Sanlorenzo Yachts and Sealine before coming to Australia. Since joining the team Federico has worked on a number od major projects including a commercial vessel interior design, The Ascent 665, The AXE 80 and our new patrol vessels.
Outside of work, Federico loves to travel and enjoys spending time at the beach.
Adam Franklyn-Smith
MARINE PAINTER
Adam is a talented painter/ fairer with over 20 years experience in the industry. He is an incredibly diligent worker with an eye for detail and is a great asset to our team.
Adam is experienced in painting all types of vessels from superyachts to trailer boats. Adam prides himself on always producing a high-quality finish no matter how big or small the project is.
In his spare time, Adam enjoys hanging out with his family, working on his cars and taking his kids fishing.
David Mcaleese
BOAT BUILDER
Hailing from Ireland, David is a talented Boat Builder with experience building fibreglass vessels of all sizes. David has extensive knowledge of GRP builds and repairs, as well as a wealth of experience as a chopper gun operator.
David is a dedicated worker, who is detail driven. David is always working to get the best results for our clients, his meticulous care can be seen in every job he undertakes.
In a past life, David was a professional fisherman. He still enjoys getting out for a fish every chance he gets.
Jordon Vukojevich
SHIPWRIGHT
Jordon joined our team in mid-2022 and has proven himself as a hard worker with a keen eye for detail. Jordon is part of our fit-out team, producing fantastic results on refits and rebuilds for our clients.
You will always find Jordon with a smile on his face, ready to help in any way he can.
In his free time, Jordon enjoys 4WDing and camping. You’ll often find him modifying his car for his next adventure.
Tex Sjerp
APPRENTICE SHIPWRIGHT - THIRD YEAR
Tex joined the Ascent Shipwrights team after graduating from CBC in 2019. Tex has proven himself as a dedicated and hard worker, who enjoys learning new skills. We have watched Tex excel throughout his apprenticeship and we look forward to watching him become a talented shipwright in the coming years.
Outside of work, Tex is a talented Water Polo player. He has represented both Western Australia and Australia numerous times. Tex also enjoys going out on his boat, surfing and spearing fishing.
Caelan Grimwood
APPRENTICE SHIPWRIGHT- THIRD YEAR
Caelan has always been passionate about boats, the ocean and most of all sailing. So when he completed high school he had only one career in mind, becoming a shipwright. Starting his apprenticeship at the beginning of 2022, Caelan is a passionate and productive team member.
Caelan still loves sailing competitively and on the weekends you will often find him out on the water racing cherubs!
Lucas Cattalini
APPRENTICE SHIPWRIGHT - First Year
Lucas joined the team at the end of 2023, after completing work experience with us during the year. Lucas is a fast learner and is showing a natural talent for shipwrighting.
Outside of work Lucas enjoys playing Football and hanging out with his friends.
Neville & Elsie
CLIENT GREETING & RAG COLLECTION TEAM
Neville and Elsie are the client greeting and rag collection team. You will often find them supervising the team or in the office taking a quick break. They are always ready to greet our clients and receive a quick pat. Neville is Ascent Shipwrights’ longest-serving employee, starting on the job at just 8 weeks of age.
Outside of work, Neville is passionate about chasing shadows and cuddling on the couch, whilst Elsie enjoys playing fetch and eating as much as possible.
