Written by Kerryn Caulfield, Executive Director, Composites Australia Inc.
With a Master of Science in Naval Architecture from the University of Southampton and a Master of Engineering from Arts et Métiers ParisTech in France, he built his career on the convergence of naval design and advanced composites manufacturing. Since arriving in Sydney in 2005, Desjardins has contributed to some of Australia’s most demanding projects in yacht racing, defence, and exploration.
During his near 20 years tenure at McConaghy Boats, Desjardins managed teams of experts through projects that pushed the limits of yacht performance. “The most successful projects all involved a committed and highly skilled group of specialists, working relentlessly from design to delivery to achieve the owner’s vision. These projects are the most satisfying ones… albeit in hindsight I might add!”.
These yachts are built under special regulations requiring strict hull construction processes to comply with ISO standards, as well as with third party certification and class rules specific to each racing category. Wild Oats XI underwent a significant refit under his management in 2015, its hull cut and extended to shift the centre of gravity and maximise sail power. In 2017, Blackjack underwent a similar refit and received the first 100-foot prepreg hull cured at McConaghy’s new Gosford facility. In the last 20 years, McConaghy-built yachts have taken 11 Rolex Sydney to Hobart line honours, a strong reflection of both the yard’s and Desjardins’ ability to deliver high-performance crafts that meet uncompromising standards.
Image: Wild Oats XI with its higly engineered hydraulic canting keel canted to windward, boosting stability and speed for multiple Sydney–Hobart line-honours wins. Image credit Andrea Francolini.
One of McConaghy’s most challenging undertakings was participation in filmmaker James Cameron’s deep-sea submersible program. As part of an Australian specialist team, McConaghy assembled the composite backbone of the sub using advanced infusion techniques and engineering that had to keep James Cameron safe under extreme pressures – close to 110 MPa. Desjardins also guided McConaghy into new fields, as the company produced prototypes for CSIRO radio-astronomy projects, the transport industry, and defence applications.
In 2023, Desjardins joined The Whiskey Project Group as Program Manager, taking on the delivery of next-generation multi-mission combatant crafts to U.S. Marine Corps operators. The role required stabilising evolving designs, managing the integration of defence sensors and systems and directing multidisciplinary teams across continents under tight schedules.
The result was the acceptance of the lightweight carbon fibre prototypes after rigorous sea trials and engineering inspections, which adhered to the specific standards of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). Delivered within a USD $ 20 million program, the project established readiness for full-scale production and strengthened Australia’s sovereign capability in composite watercraft design and manufacturing.
Desjardins has also shown a rare ability to explain complex engineering. His 2021 Engineers Australia lecture, hosted by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and IMarEST, gave a precise account of how an advanced racing yacht is built — from concept to final fit-out. The presentation, now on YouTube, remains a reference point for students, sailors and engineers seeking to understand the craft behind high-performance composites.
Across racing yachts, submarines, astronomy prototypes and defence craft, Desjardins’ career highlights the role of composites in solving complex engineering problems. The projects he has contributed to are united by technical precision, adherence to strict standards and the ability to convert ambitious concepts into structures that perform in the most demanding environments.
Outside of work, Eric remains connected to performance through fencing, where he represents Australia internationally, and through sailing, his lifelong passion.
Looking back across two decades, Desjardins reflects not only on projects but also on the broader industry he has helped shape: “In Australia, I’ve seen composites move from niche applications to a recognised industrial capability across a multitude of sectors. Even in traditionally conservative industries, designers and stakeholders have understood what’s possible with lightweight and strong composites, and increased their willingness to push boundaries. That culture of innovation is what keeps our industry moving forward.”
YouTube Lecture – Construction of Advanced Composite Racing Yachts
In March 2021, Eric Desjardins presented Construction of Advanced Composite Racing Yachts to Engineers Australia, hosted by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).
He traced the step-by-step process behind the manufacture of a number of high-performance yachts, explaining the role of carbon-fibre composites, boatbuilding processes and the regulatory standards that govern competitive fleets. The session continues to serve as a teaching resource via YouTube. Watch the lecture
