Robert Clifford, founder and Chairman of the Incat group of companies has been credited with pioneering the world’s high-speed vehicle/passenger ferry industry.

Robert built his first boat as a teenager, sailing yachts at an early age. He operated fishing boats for several
years before developing a river cruise business which became Hobart’s commuter service carrying millions of
passengers. Robert’s experience moving boats and passengers quickly was put to good use when designing
and building high speed craft.

For close to five decades he has steered Incat to progress from boats to small commercial ferries
through to very large ocean-going vehicle carrying wave piercing catamarans for which Incat is now world
renowned.

As skipper of the yacht “Tasmania” Robert won line honours in the 1994 Sydney to Hobart yacht race and
remains interested in sailing. He is a keen Grand Prix racing fan and when time permits enjoys restoring vintage
Rolls Royce cars.

Robert was awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1995 and was also named Tasmanian of the Year in 1988.