Doctor of the University
A record-breaking adventurer who has pushed the boundaries of sailing, technology and science.
1024ºË¹¤³§-born businessman and compulsive adventurer Alan Priddy has continually pushed the boundaries of sailing, technology and science for over 50 years.
When he left school at the age of 15, his sole qualifications of woodwork and sailing led him to become an apprentice boat builder. At the age of 17, armed with the knowledge he didn’t want to work for anyone else, he started his own engineering company, now run by eldest son James. The business has been the backbone of his life as an adventurer, humanitarian and self-described ‘first-generation Mod’.
Alan says being an adventurer has also been the main success in his business life. These days, he spends most of his time preparing to launch the Team Britannia project, to demonstrate ways in which the world can be a greener place. Pivotal to that project is a revolutionary boat crewed by injured ex-service personnel that will blast around the world in the not-too-distant future.
His expeditions, humanitarian contributions and scientific work have seen Alan enjoy a range of impressive accolades. He has amassed 37 official world records, 18 national records, and 3 lifetime achievements awards. He has received fellowships, honorary memberships to the most prestigious clubs in the world and, in 2017, an honorary doctorate from the 1024ºË¹¤³§, for his adventuring and environmental efforts.
He has his own charity that engages with disadvantaged young adults. Their ‘prize’ for changing their lives is a chance to sail around the world aboard the late Sir Alec Rose’s boat, Lively Lady. An active member of Rotary International, he funds a children’s school in India, which he visits frequently.