yacht by design

Every yacht we create is the result of maximizing design and materials, so the boat excels. Then, the reward for me is seeing the way my clients enjoy using my designs. — Doug Zurn, Founder and Principal, Zurn Yacht Design

Vendetta was a commission by superstar singer-songwriter Billy Joel, and so it makes sense now that she echoes his first project with us—the Shelter Island Runabout.

The Bruckmann 42 is a daysailer with classic good looks, graceful lines, long overhangs and confident performance to bewitch owners and guests into lingering longer aboard.

We believe exhilarating performance and timeless design are attributes that must always fit together perfectly. The Zurn/NEB 50 is fully representative of this long-held philosophy.

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The evolution of yacht design – yachting style

Evolution of yacht design, Superyacht builders, Marine boat construction, Future hull marina architecture

The future of yacht design

9 September 2024

Author: Joanna Lewis

Yacht design is constantly evolving as yacht designers push the boundaries of traditional design and new technologies come to the fore.

The world’s most iconic yachts boast striking design features that set them apart from other vessels, from innovative naval architecture to design features that focus on enhancing a yacht’s green credentials.

Here we take a look at some of the most pioneering yacht design trends changing the yachting industry for the better.

The evolution of yacht design - rendering superyacht

Interior yacht design trends

Interior yacht design has changed significantly to factor in modern yachting lifestyles.

Yacht interiors now have a strong focus on flexible layouts that are more open-plan. Furthermore, there is a growing trend for onboard spaces that blur the boundaries between a yacht’s interior and exterior areas. Vast glass sliding doors that can be fully opened, retractable roofs, and fold-down balconies are designed to completely eliminate any boundary between a yacht’s interior and exterior.

Wellness is a big part of the yachting lifestyle, with private yachts now dedicating a significant portion of their real estate to spas, fitness suites, and yoga and meditation areas. Interior designers are also now bringing nature onboard, with hydroponic and vertical gardens that not only enhance wellbeing but also offer chefs access to an organic garden.

The latest interior yacht design trends are also harnessing exciting new materials such as sustainable textured wood, recycled glass, natural stone, and fine fabrics with a firm nod to organic forms that mimic nature.

Finally, advances in digital technology are transforming interiors, with vast tech windows or walls that offer virtual views and streaming services.

The evolution of yacht design sketch exterior

Exterior yacht design trends

Exterior yacht design has, arguably, seen the most significant shift in design trends from vessels with soft curved exteriors that mimic the organic shapes found in nature to avant-garde vessels that challenge conventional yacht design.

One key advancement in technology has been glass, which has led to a slew of eye-catching vessels with vast glass superstructures. Not only does the use of glass create head-turning vessels, but this material also floods the interior with light, while providing owners and their guests with breathtaking views of the ocean.

In addition, yacht exteriors are becoming more striking, with deck spaces being used in new ways. Yacht designers are now placing more emphasis on a yacht’s exterior with an increasing amount of real estate being designated to alfresco dining.

Vast beach clubs are now the norm on modern-day vessels, enhancing an owner’s connection to the water and direct access to the sea. It is common to see multiple exterior decks for relaxing and entertaining.

marine design yacht interior

New advances in hull design are also helping to transform onboard comfort and the overall performance of luxury yachts. A hull typically amounts to around 70% of a yacht’s total structural design, making hull design a complex part of a yacht’s overall design.

Thanks to advances in hull designs, modern yachts now boast enhanced seakeeping and energy efficiencies.

There is no question that the world of yacht design is constantly evolving as designers seek to create ever more eye-catching vessels that meet the demands and lifestyle habits of today’s yachting enthusiasts

Comments on a guide to Evolution of yacht design – marine boat construction are welcome

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Owen Clarke Design, yacht designers and naval architects, exist to continually advance yacht design, fulfilling sailors' requirements for fast, beautiful sailboats. OC believe in innovative thinking and pushing technological frontiers achieving excellence in racing, cruising, and explorer yacht design. Sailing is our business and our passion.

We are one of the world's leading companies of yacht designers and naval architects. OC specialise in custom sailing designs and naval architecture of racing boats and performance cruising, expedition and explorer yachts. Our studio has designed sailboats ranging from a 6.5m Mini Transat to a 76m superyacht, are specialists in the use of high-tech composite materials as well as experienced in more mainstream construction methods.

Take your time to review the areas of our site that are relevant to you, after which we hope you’ll contact us at and/or:

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Delivered in 2016, Dilbar is the largest motor yacht in the world by gross tonnage. She is one of the most complbuilt as and challenging yachts ever built, in terms of both dimensions and technology. At 15,917 tons, the 156-meter superyacht features entertainment and recreation spaces never before seen on a yacht. These include a 25-meter swimming pool that holds an incredible 180 m³ of water, the largest pool ever to have been installed on a yacht. The exterior design, a classic profile with a light ivory hull and bronze accents, was developed by Espen Øino International. Her spectacular interior, created by the Winch Design team, uses rare and exclusive luxury materials.

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INTRODUCTION TO SAILBOAT DESIGN: A TECHNICAL EXPLORATION

Sailboat design is a complex and fascinating field that blends engineering, hydrodynamics, and aesthetics to create vessels that harness the power of the wind for propulsion. In this highly technical article, we will delve into the key aspects of sailboat design, from methodology to evaluation.

1)     Design Methodology

Designing a sailboat is a meticulous process that begins with defining the vessel’s purpose and performance goals. It involves understanding the intended use, whether it’s racing, cruising, or a combination of both. Sailboat designers must also consider regulatory requirements and safety standards.

Once the design objectives are established, naval architects employ various computational tools and simulations to create a preliminary design. These tools help in predicting the boat’s performance characteristics and optimizing its geometry.

Design methodology also encompasses market research to understand current trends and customer preferences. This information is critical for creating a sailboat that appeals to potential buyers.

2)     Hull Design

The hull is the heart of any sailboat. Its shape determines how the boat interacts with the water. Hull design encompasses the choice of hull form, its dimensions, and the material used. The hull’s shape affects its hydrodynamic performance, stability, and overall handling.

For example, a narrow hull design with a deep V-shape is ideal for speed, while a wider, flatter hull provides stability for cruising. The choice of materials, such as fiberglass or aluminum, impacts the boat’s weight and durability.

The hull design is a balance between achieving efficient hydrodynamics and providing interior space for accommodations. As a designer, finding this equilibrium is a constant challenge.

3)     Keel & Rudder Design

The keel and rudder are critical components of a sailboat’s underwater structure. The keel provides stability by preventing the boat from tipping over, while the rudder controls its direction. Keel design involves selecting the keel type (fin, bulb, or wing) and optimizing its shape for maximum hydrodynamic efficiency.

Rudder’s design focuses on ensuring precise control and maneuverability. Both components must be carefully integrated into the hull’s design to maintain balance and performance.

Keel and rudder design can be particularly challenging because they influence the boat’s behavior in different ways. A well-designed keel adds stability but also increases draft, limiting where the boat can sail. Rudder design must account for both responsiveness and the risk of stalling at high speeds.

4)     Sail & Rig Design

Sail and rig design play a pivotal role in harnessing wind power. Sail choice, size, and shape are tailored to the boat’s intended use and performance goals. Modern sail materials like carbon fiber offer lightweight and durable options.

The rig design involves selecting the type of mast (single or multiple), rigging configuration, and mast height. These choices influence the sailboat’s stability, maneuverability, and ability to handle varying wind conditions.

Balancing the sails and rig for optimal performance is a meticulous task. The sail plan should be designed to efficiently convert wind energy into forward motion while allowing for easy adjustments to adapt to changing conditions.

5)     Balance

Balancing a sailboat is crucial for its performance and safety. Achieving the right balance involves a delicate interplay between the hull, keel, rudder, and sail plan. Proper balance ensures the boat remains stable and responds predictably to helm inputs, even in changing wind conditions.

Balance is not a static concept but something that evolves as the boat sails in different wind and sea conditions. Designers must anticipate how changes in load, wind angle, and sail trim will affect the boat’s balance.

Achieving balance is both an art and a science, and it often requires iterative adjustments during the design and testing phases to achieve optimal results.

6)     Propulsion

While sailboats primarily rely on wind propulsion, auxiliary propulsion systems like engines are essential for maneuvering in harbors or during calm conditions. Integrating propulsion systems seamlessly into the boat’s design requires careful consideration of engine placement, fuel storage, and exhaust systems.

The choice of propulsion system, whether it’s a traditional diesel engine or a more eco-friendly electric motor, also impacts the boat’s weight distribution and overall performance.

7)     Scantling

Scantling refers to the selection of structural components and their dimensions to ensure the boat’s strength and integrity. It involves determining the appropriate thickness of the hull, deck, and other structural elements to withstand the stresses encountered at sea.

Scantling is a critical aspect of sailboat design, as it directly relates to safety. A well-designed boat must be able to withstand the forces exerted on it by waves, wind, and other environmental factors.

8)     Stability

Stability is a critical safety factor in sailboat design. Both upright hydrostatics and large-angle stability must be carefully assessed and optimized. This involves evaluating the boat’s center of gravity, ballast, and hull shape.

Achieving the right balance between initial stability, which provides comfort to passengers, and ultimate stability, which ensures safety in adverse conditions, is a delicate task. Designers often use stability curves and computer simulations to fine-tune these characteristics.

9)     Layout

The layout of a sailboat’s interior and deck spaces is a blend of functionality and comfort. Designers must consider the ergonomics of living and working aboard the vessel, including cabin layout, galley design, and storage solutions. The deck layout influences crew movements and sail handling.

Layout design also extends to considerations like ventilation, lighting, and noise control. Sailboats are unique in that they must provide both comfortable living spaces and efficient workspaces for handling sails and navigation.

10)  Design Evaluation

The final phase of sailboat design involves rigorous evaluation and testing. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, tank testing, and real-world sea trials help validate the design’s performance predictions. Any necessary adjustments are made to fine-tune the vessel’s behavior on the water.

The evaluation phase is where the theoretical aspects of design meet the practical realities of the sea. It’s a crucial step in ensuring that the sailboat not only meets but exceeds its performance and safety expectations.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, sailboat design is a highly technical field that requires a deep understanding of hydrodynamics, engineering principles, and materials science. Naval architects and yacht designers meticulously navigate through the intricacies of hull design, keel and rudder configuration, sail and rig design, balance, propulsion, scantling, stability, layout, and design evaluation to create vessels that excel in both form and function. The harmonious integration of these elements results in sailboats that are not just seaworthy but also a joy to sail, and this process is a testament to the art and science of sailboat design.

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  • Meet Spitfire, a New 164-Foot Superyacht Based on a High-Performance Patrol Boat

The newcomer features a robust hull by Ares Shipyard in Antalya, Turkey.

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Spitfire Superyacht

Bannenberg & Rowell Design just proved you don’t have to reinvent the wheel—or hull, in this case—to stand out.

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Spitfire Superyacht

The new 164-footer, christened Spitfire on account of her grunt, pairs a sleek, sporty, and somewhat utilitarian exterior with a luxurious, amenity-plenty interior. Bannenberg & Rowell executed the design, while fellow British outfit Lateral Naval Architects spearheaded the engineering.

Spitfire is lightweight in construction but punchy in terms of performance and range, according to Bannenberg & Rowell. The studio didn’t share any details regarding the propulsion system but says the “super-nimble” yacht can cruise “electrically and silently,” can hit 22 knots, and cover up to 3,500 nautical miles.

yacht by design

Spitfire is designed to run like a workhorse but offers all the requisite mod cons. Bannenberg & Rowell has stuck with the old naming conventions in a nod to the newcomer’s military roots. The layout includes buddy quarters (guest cabins) and a wardroom (salon) with an opening roof, as well as a scramble station (helm) and a fun store (gym). The owner doesn’t just get a lavish suite, but also a private, forward area with a Jacuzzi. Other highlights of the yacht include an outdoor cinema, a grill, and a beach club with fold-out terraces.

Spitfire is one of Bannenberg & Rowell’s smaller and more understated creations. The studio previously penned a 367-foot superyacht with two cinemas, two jacuzzis, a large wellness center, a 33-foot pool, a DJ station, and a jazz bar, for example. That may have resulted in a shorter production time. Bannenberg & Rowell says the vessel is due to be delivered in 2026.

Click here to see all the photos of Spitfire.

Spitfire Superyacht

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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DESIGN UNLIMITED

Fulfilling our clients aspirations through intelligent design and shared passion..

Design Unlimited is a versatile yacht design studio with an established reputation for excellence in both interior design and exterior styling.  The multi-award winning team, led by founder Mark Tucker, excels in new challenges and welcomes the opportunity to work alongside owners looking to realise their own distinctive visions.  Our diverse portfolio and creative style enables us to meet client briefs with confidence and efficiency.  Our extensive experience and practical approach can be relied upon and trusted.  Cooperation and versatility lie at the core of everything that the studio creates with the ultimate aim of total client satisfaction.

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Our interior design and exterior styling can be seen in both production ranges and full-custom new build superyachts, as well as refit and restoration projects.

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The Design Unlimited team worked hard to achieve outstanding results on the refit of ‘Lady A’, they undertook the interior design and interior decoration as well as the exterior design revisions, furnishings and overseeing the work on board.

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Naval Architecture + Award-Winning Design = Elegant Engineering

Bill Prince Yacht Design, Inc. has established itself as one of the most accomplished yacht design offices in the United States. With a clientele spanning the globe, BPYD has earned a reputation for infusing each project with inspired design style and deep technical expertise.
Whether in advanced composites, aluminum or contemporary cold-molded wood construction, our award-winning office has the boat-building experience and engineering expertise to ensure each project is designed to be as seaworthy, efficient and elegant as the laws of nature allow. We provide extraordinary engineering and naval architecture services for production boat builders and those seeking pedigreed design for a custom yacht.
Be it power or sail, traditional, contemporary, commercial or military, each project from the waterfront offices of BPYD helps to set a new standard for her class. We welcome you to explore the BPYD fleet, and consider how our decades of experience can be put to work on your next vessel.

“You will not find a more technically competent and talented yacht design office."

– posh owner f. todd warner.

Yacht design is a multi-faceted discipline requiring a full range of engineering, aesthetic, practical and regulatory considerations. Bill Prince Yacht Design Inc. offers a complete range of design services, from the first conversation about your yacht right through launch day. BPYD has the ability to conceptualize a vessel with an eye towards a wide variety of classification rules (MCA,CE, ABYC and others) from the earliest concept drawings. This is the result of years of experience designing vessels for construction all around the world. A custom yacht is a mark of your life's journey; a tangible expression of where you've been and where you intend to go. Begin your next chapter by looking at what Bill Prince Yacht Design has done for others and what BPYD can do to bring your yacht to life.

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Messing about in boats since 1975.  Online Since 1997.

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My specialty is custom yacht design, from concept to launch. 

Strength, safety, comfort, performance, style, grace... the essential attributes of a yacht.  Whether built in wood, steel, aluminum or composite, those qualities shape my design strategy. 

My mission is to combine an owner's wishes with graceful aesthetics, human-friendly design, competent analysis, maximum performance, robust structure, and classic form. I offer a high degree of creativity in pursuit of solutions to client requests.  I view this as the essence of good design.  See the article for more information.

See the for a complete index to over 250 web pages that include yacht designs and articles about boats and boating.
 

By using computer aided modeling a yacht design can be created with optimum aesthetics, structure, performance, stability and seakeeping. Using the same digital model, the structural parts of the vessel can be defined for CNC cutting. 

CNC cutting delivers a more accurate and higher quality structure at a more favorable cost than would be possible using manual lofting and cutting methods. 

See the article for a detailed outline of my design development process. 
 

   

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Design Your Own Yacht

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When designing your own yacht, you have a few options, from commissioning a custom new build yacht construction project through to refitting an existing yacht. When deciding which route to take, it’s helpful to know some of the pros and cons of each approach.

yacht by design

Option 1: The deluxe, no-holds-barred, fully custom yacht.

Experienced yacht owners and charterers often dream of one thing: the day they design their own yacht from scratch. A fully custom new build project is the pinnacle of the yacht ownership experience, as it allows you control over every aspect of your yacht’s design, from technical details like hull form and noise-dulling technology, right through to you designing that split-level master stateroom with private terrace or beach club with spa. Designing a fully custom yacht ensures that your yacht is the realization of every yachting dream, tailored perfectly to how you use your yacht. However when designing your own yacht, this luxurious bespoke option comes at a price, and the build time tends to be longer than with semi-custom models.

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Option 2: The freedom and efficiency of a semi-custom yacht.

If you want to design your own yacht, and want to give your input in the design, but want to take advantage of efficiencies in build time and budget, you can opt for a semi-custom design, whereby the yacht’s hull form and design is part of an existing series of yachts. Building on a proven platform, the yacht owner gets to design the yacht’s décor, and depending on the builder, amend parts of the interior layout. The degree of freedom to change elements of the yacht will vary depending on which yacht builder you go with. A semi-custom yacht can have very different décor than other yachts in the same series, but the exterior design (and sometimes interior layout) is clearly part of a series, which will not appeal so much to yacht owners who crave a unique look to their yacht design.

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Option 3: Buying ‘off the plan’ with a production yacht

This is the quickest and most cost effective way to buy a new yacht, as production yacht builders buy materials in bulk and put their yachts together quickly due to repetition of process. You can often purchase a yacht that is already under construction, meaning that time to delivery is slashed and you can take possession of your yacht much sooner than if you buy a custom yacht. This option has a lot less room for owner input on design, although some décor choices are normally left open.

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Option 4: Refit an existing yacht

If you’re not in the mood to wait for several years for a brand new yacht to be delivered, refitting an existing yacht is an excellent option that can dramatically change the look of your yacht, while also providing the opportunity to update the engineering and onboard systems. A quality refit with a great design can deliver a ‘like-new’ yacht, and will normally significantly add to the resale value and charter potential of your yacht. However, major yard periods run the risk of going over time and over budget, so planning your yard period well is imperative.

Deciding between fully custom, semi-custom, production yacht and refit depends on how you use your yacht and how much input you want on the design process. If you would like to design your own yacht and want to discuss these different options in more detail, please contact our yacht construction team directly by sending us a message by using the form on the right, or give us a call by using the phone numbers listed in the footer of this page.

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yacht by design

Superyacht design trends to look out for in 2022

There’s a new wave of design trends shaping the fleet this year. Ahead of the Superyacht Design Festival, BOAT rounds up some of the stand-out features to look out for in 2022.

The future of yacht design will be a hot topic at the upcoming Superyacht Design Festival, with leading designers taking to the stage to discuss everything from flying yachts to immersive artwork. In order to predict some of the trends we might expect to see in 2022, BOAT takes a moment to reflect on the hottest design elements of the past year . 

New pool settings

Exterior decks will always be prime real estate for superyacht pools. Whether they’re within toe-dipping distance of a sunpad spread or stretching out invitingly as you step onto the main deck, a swimming pool in a sun-soaked spot is hard to beat.

But recently we’ve seen designers look for more inventive ways to give their clients poolfront fun in a different setting. The beach club seems to be the spot of choice.

The 73 metre Yalla was one of the yachts to start this trend, with a roomy rectangle of swimming pool only visible when her transom is opened up. Delivered in 2014 by Italian yard CRN , the yacht’s Droulers -designed interior was miles ahead of the game.

Fast forward to the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show, where we saw two yachts sporting a similar beach club arrangement. These were 80 metre Bilgin flagship Tatiana and AK Yachts ’ pride and joy, the 85 metre Victorious .

Both of these yachts buck the trend for pools being the stand-alone showpiece on board, and instead integrate the swimming pool as part of a social hub. Victorious ’ pool is flanked by a sofa and a drop-down TV screen, while Tatiana's is bordered by a glass bar and unfolding swim platforms that practically invite a party.

These two yachts feature design from Jonny Horsfield at H2 . “It’s a reaction to the fact that a lot of these clients are really focusing on their lifestyles now,” says Horsfield. “The layouts of yachts aren’t as predictable as they used to be, because people are being more specific about they how use their yachts."

“The danger with beach clubs is that they become a bit of a dead space. I think people like the idea of swimming inside,” adds Horsfield. “Obviously you can get a deeper pool, and it’s also more private.”

The trend continues in Benetti’s 108 metre Luminosity , where the pool takes centre stage in the 250 square metre beach club. Zaniz Studio created the yacht’s light-filled interior, and the interior pool is a key focal point on board.

If the popularity of interior pools over the past year is anything to go by, we can expect to see more pools cropping up in unexpected onboard places.

Curve appeal

Curving shapes and soft lines are invariably on-trend in both interior and exterior design, but 2021 saw certain designers take things up a notch. We can expect to see those themes continue into 2022. “I do see that clients tend to prefer lines that are closer to nature,” comments Karel Nguyen, yacht designer at Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture .

One of Azure’s latest project is the 75 metre Admiral flagship Kensho . The yacht is a wealth of gently curving lines and shapes, with the most notable example being her elegant deck arrangement, which is best observed from above. “The idea is that in the lines, you see the layers of the earth,” explains Nguyen. “It looks like it’s really shaped by the forces of nature.”

Meanwhile, Benetti’s 36.8 metre Koju features curves on the interior. The yacht was delivered in 2021 as the first unit of the Italian yard’s Motopanfilo series and was immediately acclaimed for her retro, yet fresh-feeling design. By using curving beams on the overheads, Italian studio Lazzarini Pickering Architetti has added depth and dimension to the space.

New ways to dip

The foredeck is a superb place to position a dip pool, particularly on smaller models if the aft deck is reserved for dining. Models like the 26 metre Sirena 88, the brand new 26 metre Azimut Grande 26 Metri, or the larger, but sportier 43 metre Overmarine Mangusta Oceano 43 all take advantage of their foredecks for the use of petite pools. The 50 metre K2 , the latest Sport 50 MT from Columbus , also makes use of the foredeck for a dip pool. The key benefit is uninterrupted vistas, but this position also holds appeal for owners in search of increased privacy and smoother access from their cabin.

Recently we’ve seen a few larger superyachts have been getting in on the trend, too. The new Cloud 9 , a 61 metre Sanlorenzo delivered in 2021, volunteers a generous dip pool in a prime spot on the foredeck.

Feadship ’s 94 metre Viva , delivered in 2021, has a similar arrangement. Azure is also responsible for Viva’s design. “I think a large number of people have been inspired by this feature,” says Nguyen. “But it’s very personal as well. You have to think about how you’re going to use your foredeck. We have a client right now who likes sunset sailing, so they want to sit on the foredeck and make use of it. I think it’s a really cool place to have a Jacuzzi.”

Sterns worth shouting about

Yacht layouts are constantly evolving in line with market demands. In 2022 we might expect to see more of a focus on the stern area, following clients’ desires to reconnect with nature and spend more time closer to the water. Sanlorenzo’s 34 metre SX112 , first unveiled in 2020, is a prime example of a reimagined stern that prioritises waterfront living over an enclosed beach club or tender garage.

Benetti’s Oasis deck, a feature that was first unveiled on the 40 metre Oasis 40M , takes the trend a step further. Conceived by exterior designers RWD and interior designers bonetti/kozerski architecture , this wide-open deck space features unfolding bulwarks, sofa seating and a low-slung rectangular dip pool.

In 2020, Admiral’s 55 metre metre Geco took to the seas sporting another take on a stern ‘lounge.’ The design evolved from a simple set of steps and a swim platform into a spacious protected seating area complete with bulwarks, submersible stairs and a teak deck that wraps over the edge of the platform to meet the sea.

Retro returns

On shore, a vintage revival means bold colours, loud patterns and all-out maximalism. At sea, the trend manifests itself more subtly, but the retro revival is still there in the lines of certain boats.

The most obvious example is the 37 metre Motopanfilo, which is one of Benetti’s newest and oldest series. It takes its design cues from the yard’s classic Italian motor yachts of the 1960s. The style was historically such a hit that Benetti decided to breathe fresh back into it, and the new series was born at the tail end of 2020. A few key changes were made to appeal to the tastes of the contemporary yacht owner, but she retains the overarching essence of a vintage boat.

The Moonen 110 is another model which leans into the retro aesthetic. Described as a “gentleman’s yacht,” the 34 metre yacht boasts a low profile, geometric shapes, and foredeck steps that all carry echoes of classic models like the Moonen 84 and 97.

“Classic design might be on its way back to some extent, but not as we know it. I think lines are becoming ‘cleaner’ with less ‘multi angle’ windows,” says Rene van der Velden, the designer behind the Moonen 110. “The new 110 became a mix of the old and the new, with classic overall proportions and modern detailing.”

Clear vision

Glass was, and continues to be, one of the biggest design trends in yachting right now. We’ve seen it wrapped around Oceanco’s 90 metre Dar , stretched up high in the atrium of 80 metre Excellence and used to make geometric cut-out shapes on 80 metre Artefact .

As glass technology continues to evolve, so too do the various applications that designers can play with. One trend we might expect to see more of could be long lines of glazing with an absence of mullions. This design creates a sleek, almost futuristic profile from the outside and offers unparalleled views from the interior that let the yacht’s surroundings remain front and centre. “It’s all about the experience from the inside out,” confirms Nguyen. “What do you see when you’re on board, the overall view.”

Feadship’s 77 metre Pi , which debuted at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019, is penned by Jarkko Jamsen of Aivan . Glass is so instrumental to the design of the yacht that it plays a structural role as well as an aesthetic one, with glass making up around 97 per cent of the material in the superstructure on the owner’s cabin.

A similar design can be seen on Moon Sand . A more recent delivery from the drawing boards of Bannenberg & Rowell , Moon Sand features a long, linear profile with long lines of black glazing defining her silhouette.

All of these trends and more will be discussed during the upcoming Superyacht Design Festival, which will take place from June 22-24, 2022 in Milan, Italy.

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