Working harmoniously with your yacht designer

| With thanks to Sterling / Scott Yacht Designs

 

Working alongside the elected naval architect, yacht designers plan, design and supervise the build, construction and repair of luxury yachts and superyachts: They are responsible for working with the yacht owner and his/her representatives to create an amazing yet achievable design that is feasible within the realms of the industry’s various design rules and regulations.

The realisation that a superyacht dream is soon set to become reality is an exciting time for any new or existing yacht owner, as he or she works to find a design and build team who can understand and interpret their vision.

But what makes a good designer a great designer? Yachting Pages details the factors that help to pick an accomplished yacht designer, with the belief that understanding their role and responsibility will forge a more harmonious working relationship for a smoother journey to completion.

Working with a yacht designer: The start of a beautiful friendship

The right design from the right designer can transform an owner’s dream into an exquisite and unique superyacht, which excites, moves and captures the imagination of yacht owner and admirers alike. 

Diana Scott of Sterling / Scott Yacht Designs said, “I ensure that my design nurtures and expresses the owner’s wishes by capturing their vision of comfort, freedom and style by listening, listening and listening. This cannot be emphasised and expressed enough. Then, once you have listened, listen some more, only then, once they see you have really taken this on board, can you start to let them see your ideas unfold.”

Starting with a great deal of fleeting inspiration and sketching of ideas, the long journey of designing the perfect superyacht undergoes many revisions to ensure that the owner’s wish list is met. Only once all parties are completely happy with the design proposal will the project enter into the build phase, where the designer will be responsible for managing and overseeing the design and build process, supporting the shipyard.

How to find and choose a yacht designer

It’s assumed that a yacht owner will be familiar with the artistic styling and existing work of any yacht designer before considering undertaking such a large and exciting project with them.

New build or refit, an excellent way of getting familiar with a designer’s work in more depth is to charter a yacht that they have been involved in the design of, or to arrange an appointment to go through some concept designs in more detail. It should be possible to speak with past clients to gather valuable insight into past projects and their triumphs and challenges.

Alongside discipline and creativity, and accomplished design, drafting and sketching skills, a good yacht designer should have:

• Knowledge of different styles of boats and yachts
• An understanding of boat building methods and requirements
• Knowledge of materials and their performance
• Knowledge of structural engineering
• Understanding of hydrodynamics and aerodynamics and their effects upon the vessel
• Understanding of boat handling and maneuverability
• Knowledge of industry standards and their changing regulations
• Proficient CAD and 3-D modeling skills

Patience is a virtue: A yacht owner should meet as many people as time will allow before making a decision. Always remember that the job of an excellent designer is to interpret the vision, turning it into a reality.

Superyacht design: Future trends and capabilities

Although future yacht design trends, build methods and technical capabilities cannot be predicted, it is expected that designers, architects and shipyards will unleash the full force of their creativity, showcasing new designs that meet the demand for environmental awareness, functionality, comfort and luxury.