Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition 2023

The Superyacht UK Young Designer (SYUK) competition, sponsored by Marine Resources, revealed the winner at the Southampton International Boat Show on Thursday 21 September. Read on to find out what happened and who won!

Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition
Image sourced from: Southampton Boat Show


What Happened?

The brief gave competitors a day and a half to present their designs to the judges.

The task was to produce a profile illustration drawing of the vessel –  a block General Arrangement (GA). They had to define the general space allocation and detail sketch developments (including 3D illustrations as appropriate), illustrating at least three unique selling points of their proposal.

Chairman of Superyacht UK and one of the judges, Stephen Hills, remarked:

“These young designers have produced a really impressive body of work; from a blank piece of paper to these fantastic outputs on display is incredible. The judges have been really impressed by the diversity of the designs and commend everyone for using their imagination and for the quality of their designs in such a short space of time.

“It was incredibly hard to pick a winner, but the top three really stood out for the judges. The judges loved the profile drawings presented by Oliver. His designs quickly caught the judges’ eyes and stood out, with exceptional quality of line. Fantastic.”


Who Won?

Oliver Rommelrath from Staffordshire University was crowned the winner. Second place went to Ben Kenward from Coventry University, and third place to Dhruv Raajput, also from Coventry University.

Oliver stated:

‘This is fantastic, I really didn’t expect it.  This is the first time doing a Superyacht design and winning feels like a great achievement. It has really been heads down right from the start and although the process is exactly the same as my other design work, there have been challenges such as working out how to fit the exterior design around the interior design. I knew from the start I wanted to do a motor yacht and once I had the brief, I had a vision in my head of how it would look. As for the prize, I’m going to sleep on it before I decide, but I am definitely going to have a smile on my face on my drive home.’

Now with the winners’ title, he has the option to choose from two incredible opportunities. He can either embark on an internship with Olesinski or one at Sunseeker. The runner-up takes the other internship.


The Importance Of Seeking Talent

Founder and CEO of Marine Resources and sponsors of the Superyacht UK Young Designer competition, James Ward concluded:

“We are absolutely thrilled to support this event. It is vital for the industry and showcases the talent that is out there outside of the industry and it is key that we seek to attract this talent to the sector.  None of these designers come from a marine background, these amazing designs have come purely from talent.  It is important to keep supporting events of this nature and providing these opportunities, so we are delighted to be involved.”


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M/Y Scout: The Striking Black-And-Yellow Superyacht

The striking black-and-yellow Superyacht Scout is a very impressive vessel indeed. In this article, we cover some facts regarding the Superyacht, including her stats, design, and history. Read on to find out more.

Scout Superyacht
Image sourced from: BOAT International


The Process Behind Constructing Scout

Hakvoort built Scout in 2019, and H2 Yacht Design designed the vessel. The goal was to construct a capable, comfortable explorer in which to travel the world.

Before James Berwind purchased the Supyeryacht and named her Scout after one of his dogs, it was named ‘Project Zeus.’


Read more SYC: All About M/Y Marala: Winner Of The Rebuilt Yacht Category 2023


The Design

Exterior:

  • Teak deck
  • Steel hull
  • Aluminium superstructure
  • The sundeck features a shaded spa pool on the aft deck
  • The main deck aft has sliding glass walls that create a winter garden, with overhead heaters if required
  • The owner, a keen gardener, has his own greenhouse and potting shed aft on the bridge deck
  • The exterior lounge area on the main deck has a fire pit, and the winter garden features a cocktail bar

Interior:

  • The main deck saloon features Giorgetti chairs and a sofa constructed on what appears to be a turbine
  • Sauna
  • Observation lounge
  • A large globe in the observation lounge opens to reveal a bar
  • A faux-riveted floor surrounds the lift and steel cable handrail

The Stats

  • Top speed: 14.8 kn
  • Cruising speed: 12.5 kn
  • Length: 63.72 m (in the top 5% by LOA in the world)
  • Maximum cruising range: 4800.0 nm at 12.0 kn
  • Can accommodate up to 10 guests (and a crew of 14)
  • Gross tonnage of 1700.0 GT and a 11.6 m beam.

Alongside this, Scout carries a custom 8 m tender built by Cockwells.

Superyacht Scout
The Observation Lounge. Image sourced from BOAT International


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Zero-Emission Catamaran Collaboration: Cambridge Uni & Propulsion House

Propulsion House Pulling-e and Cambridge University’s Riviera Racing Team have joined forces to collaborate on the development of a zero-emission racing catamaran. This partnership was initiated after the Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous earlier this year. This project’s objective is to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen as a sustainable solution for the yacht industry, which will take place at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge scheduled for July 2024. 

Image sourced from Plugboats


The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge

The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is a platform that highlights innovation and sustainability within the yachting sector. Participants are encouraged to explore cutting-edge technologies, materials, and alternative propulsion systems that can reduce environmental impact while maintaining high-performance standards. The event will feature more than forty international teams from around the world competing in speed, agility, and endurance tests.


About The Catamaran

Heikki Bergman, the CEO and Design Manager at Pulling-e, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing that the team’s efforts in creating a specialized and innovative design tailored to meet the challenges of this project have been exhilarating. He sees this initiative as a pioneering step in advancing sustainable maritime technology and eagerly anticipates the opportunity to showcase the results in Monaco:

“Creating a holistic and tailor-made design for the team has been exciting, pushing the boundaries of innovation to create something unique, purpose-built and engineered to meet the demands of this Challenge. This is about pioneering new frontiers in sustainable maritime technology, and we eagerly anticipate Monaco to showcase the results.” 

The catamaran racer, a collaborative effort between the university and the engineering firm, incorporates a propulsion system developed by Pulling-e. This system utilizes a hybrid power source that feeds an electric motor and directly drives a pulling-type propeller located within the underwater pod unit. This design ensures that the propeller operates in an undisturbed water field and facilitates gearless power transfer.


Cambridge Workshops

The propulsion system will be transported to the team’s workshops in Cambridge for comprehensive real-world testing under various conditions. Subsequently, Pulling-e’s team will verify the component’s performance through full-scale testing in their workshop.

Harsh Sinha, Co-Captain and Director of Operations at Cambridge University Riviera Racing, expressed their gratitude for the high degree of customization provided by the Pulling-e team for their propulsion unit. He commended their unwavering support from the early stages of the project. Praising their receptiveness to exploring and experimenting with new ideas, he explains:

“The team at Pulling-e have been fantastic in providing us with unprecedented levels of customisation to our propulsion unit.”


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The Origins of Electric Boats: Pioneering the Future of Superyachts

In the world of Superyachts, the emergence of electric boats is a testament to the industry’s commitment to sustainability and progress. As we enter a future of eco-conscious yachting, join us to explore some of the pioneering electric boats that have shaped the industry.

Electric boats - Artefact
Artefact. Image sourced from: Globetrender


Early Electric Endeavors

The concept of electric boats dates back to the late 19th century when inventors and engineers began experimenting with electric propulsion systems. One of the earliest recorded electric boats was the Le Téléphone, built in the 1880s by the French engineer, Gustave Trouvé.

Trouvé began this invention by working on a small electric motor developed by Siemens. Using the recently developed rechargeable battery, he fitted it to an English James Starley tricycle – inventing the world’s first electric vehicle. Although this was successfully tested on 19 April 1881 along the Rue Valois in central Paris, he was unable to patent it. Trouvé swiftly adapted his battery-powered motor to marine propulsion. To make it easy to carry his marine conversion to and from his workshop to the nearby River Seine, Trouvé made it portable and removable from the boat, thus inventing the outboard engine. In 1881, the 5m prototype, called Le Téléphone reached a speed of 1 m/s (3.6 km/h) going upstream, and at 2.5 m/s (9 km/h) downstream.

Nowadays, the Gustave Trouvé Awards for Excellence in Electric Boats and Boating recognise the inventors, designers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and visionaries who are making advances every day to develop clean, zero emission technologies and designs, all to reduce reliance on fossil fuel for marine propulsion. ‘The Gussies’, as they are called, are the only international boating awards to focus exclusively on electric boats and boating.

Electric boats
Caption translated to: ‘Trouvé’s electric boat, during the first experiment on the Seine in Paris on 26 May 1881’. Image sourced from: UPS Battery Center


Read more SYC: World’s First 100% Electric Superyacht Limousine Tender Sold


Modern Electric Superyachts

In 1982, the Electric Boat Association was formed and solar powered boats started to emerge.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and there has been a resurgence of electric boats in the Superyacht industry. Prominent yacht builders and designers are now incorporating electric propulsion systems into their creations. PlanetSolar, a solar-powered catamaran, gained international attention in 2012 by circumnavigating the globe entirely on solar energy, proving the feasibility of sustainable, electric-powered long-distance voyages.

To reduce friction and increase range, some boats and yachts use hydrofoils which is becoming an increasingly popular feature.

Electric boats - PlanetSolar
PlanetSolar. Image soured from: New Atlas


Environmental Responsibility & The Future Of Electric Superyachts

Electric propulsion systems provide near-silent operation, which eliminate the noise and vibration associated with traditional engines, creating a tranquil environment for passengers. As well as this, striving for electric boats to produce zero emissions would significantly reduce the carbon footprint of Superyachts and preserve the pristine marine ecosystems they explore.

Artefact, an early adopter of the International Maritime Organisation’s Tier III emissions regulations, incorporates advanced eco-friendly features. These include solar panels, a wastewater recycling system, and a substantial battery storage system, allowing the yacht to operate independently of internal combustion engines on occasion. Despite its substantial size (80m with a volume of 2,999 G), Artefact uses custom six-bladed propellers designed to minimize noise pollution and vibrations during sea travel. It also has a hybrid diesel-electric system, which incorporates lithium batteries which apparently achieves a 30% reduction in energy consumption and emissions.

As we examine the historic milestones of electric boats, it is clear that they are redefining the future of Superyachts. Yacht enthusiasts and eco-conscious owners are increasingly turning to electric boats as a sustainable and luxurious option with advancements in battery technology, too.

Electric boats - Artefact
Artefact. Image sourced from: BOAT International


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Plectrum: Lazzarini Design Studio’s ‘Flying’ Foil Superyacht

In early 2023, Italian designer Pierpaolo Lazzarini shared his vision for a new 74m Superyacht named Plectrum. The interesting part? It is designed to be powered by an interesting and unique foiling system.

Keep reading to find out more about the stunning design features of this fascinating concept, finished with an eye-catching burnt orange hue. There’s even a video at the end by the Lazzarini Design Studio to show you around!

Foil Superyacht Plectrum
Plectrum. Sourced from Lazzarini Design Studio


Hydrofoil Technology & Impressive Speed

Today, foiling technology is becoming a big part of electric powerboats, waterborne bicycles, and surfboards. If constructed, Plectrum could become the largest foiling yacht in the world at 74 metres with the foils lifting her above the water with minimal drag, enabling the impression of ‘flying’. Three hydrogen-powered motors would power Plectrum at a maximum speed of 75 knots.

Foil Superyacht Plectrum
Plectrum side. Sourced from Lazzarini Design Studio


Read More SYC: The Edorado 8S Model: The Future Of Sustainability


The Inspiration

Apparently, the design for Plectrum was derived from the America’s Cup sailboats, which are exemplary of how yachts can utilise foiling as an integral part of technology. They sail at speeds of well over 40 knots.

America Cup's sailboat
Prada Cup winner Luna Rossa. Photo sourced from: Yachting World


The Layout

With 4 decks, the foil Superyacht has an impressive arsenal of luxurious features and would be completely constructed in carbon.

Exterior:

  • Streamlined design
  • Flat arched sides to form side decks and garage openings

Interior:

  • 6 guest cabins
  • Beach club
  • Pool
  • Owner’s suite
  • Helipad
  • Garage
  • Amidships storage

Foil Superyacht Plectrum
Plectrum rear. Sourced from Lazzarini Design Studio


Official Video For Plectrum By Lazzarini Design Studio

Take a closer look at the unique foil Superyacht design in the video below!


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5 Amazing Superyacht Wellness Spaces

Health and Wellness is the fastest-growing sector in luxury tourism, with UHNW clients expecting spa-quality treatments wherever they choose to travel. So naturally, the emphasis on Superyacht Wellness spaces, that allow guests to truly disconnect from the outside world (and indulge in premium treatments) has taken centre stage.

In recent years, the overall design of Superyachts has become more and more ambitious and technologically advanced, and so have the Spas onboard. Let’s delve into 5 of the most impressive modern Superyacht wellness spaces…


Ragnar – 68.2m – 2020

Photo Courtesy Of Tom Van Oossanen

She may be a super rugged explorer, capable of reaching some of the world’s most far-flung yachting destinations, but the 68.2m Ragnar does not compromise on comfort. Amenities in the spa area include warmed benches, an ice bowl and cold bucket, sauna and steam rooms – and even a snow machine, naturally.


Tatiana – 80m – 2020

Photo Courtesy Of Erray Altay

Rather than using the aft space to store toys or feature a beach club, 80m Tatiana’s designers placed the focus on the impressive onboard Spa and wellness area. When the aft door and side terraces unfold, a full-blown wellness area is revealed, complete with sauna and steam rooms, cosy massage parlours, two pools, and two bars.


Amatasia – 85m – 2017

The amazing Superyacht Wellness Space onboard Amatasia
Photo Courtesy Of Klaus Jordan

Built for a former Olympic cyclist, the wellness centre onboard the 85m Amatasia, is a space for guests that are seeking some serious restorative treatments. With an onboard Spa manager, guests can enjoy a 12-seater Spa pool, a plunge pool chilled down to 8˚C, Hydrotherapy showers, a massage room, a steam room, and ‘Experience showers’ that offer varying temperatures and ‘aroma settings’ to stimulate certain tropical environments.


Ace – 87m – 2012 (refit in 2019)

One of the most iconic Superyacht wellness spaces onboard M/Y Ace
Photo Courtesy Of Klaus Jordan

Designed to emulate a Roman villa, decorated with hand-painted Lemon Groves, this spectacular spa features not only a sauna, spa pool and icy plunge pool, but also a full hammam and relaxing lounge. It was previously described by Superyacht Times as ‘one of the most luxurious spas that has been built into a yacht’.


La Datcha – 76.9m – 2020

Photo Courtesy Of Edmiston

Another expedition yacht that provides guests with a nourishing space after a day of exploring. It features a Finnish sauna and Hammam, as well as a unique ‘Stalagmite Ice Fountain’ and a fully equipped state-of-the-art Gym. La Datcha’s wellness space proves that even the most adventurous Superyacht owners want to unwind with bespoke treatments during their time onboard.


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All About M/Y Marala: Winner Of The Rebuilt Yacht Category 2023

The 18th edition of the World Superyacht Awards took place in Istanbul, Turkey on May 20th. The annual ceremony recognises and celebrates the world’s most notable and impressive Superyachts. There were numerous awards handed out, but one of the most spectacular vessels was certainly Marala – which won the category for Rebuilt Yachts.

Find out more about the vessel, her rich heritage, and the amazing makeover she received for a 21st-century lifestyle!

Marala Superyacht
Photo credited to: Pendennis Shipyard


The History

Camper and Nicholsons built Marala in 1931.

Since then, her layout, original engines, and character have all remained. However, her superstructure and interior have been modified throughout her life, particularly when she was converted for a stint in the navy during World War II. Many guests (including Amelia Earhart, Salvador Dali, Frank Sinatra, and international royalty) have stepped onboard too.

That’s not the only transformation the vessel has gone through. Originally Evadne, she was then renamed Zapala, and before she became Marala, she was Gaviota IV.


“The goal was to respect Marala’s heritage whilst granting a new spirit”


21st Century Update

The goal was to respect Marala’s heritage whilst granting a new spirit.

When she entered the market in 2016, it was the first time in over half a century. It became her new owner’s goal to restore her to glory. It was important to preserve her heritage and original design, so those involved approached any engineering updates cautiously.

The yacht was brought to Pendennis for her restoration to determine her legacy for years to come.

Marala Superyacht
Photo credited to: Ocean Independence


Design & Inspiration

Marala’s interior shows reverence for historical authenticity and innovation.

  • The inspiration stemmed from the original Nicholson details
  • The joinery includes Elegant soft pillowed deco edges. En-suites have an anthracite and white palette, and the offset with chrome fittings implement a strong deco feel
  • On the cinema deck, there is a jacuzzi with a copper basin to suit the antique aesthetic
  • The ‘Evadne’ Cabin pays homage to the ship’s military days. It is decorated with blue, purple, white and graphic print upholstery. Also, the ‘Gaviota’ Cabin’s pleated walls imitate a seagull’s quills. This hints to Marala’s time as La Gaviota IV

The restoration effort preserved some of Marala’s original materials, such as the solid timber flooring and carved handrails. Original brass hardware was also repurposed for the handles of a sideboard in the dining area.


The Stats

  • Top speed: 13.0 kn
  • Cruising speed: 11.0 kn
  • 247-foot (75.2-metre)
  • Maximum cruising range: 4500.0 nm at 13.0 kn
  • Can accommodate up to 12 guests (and 19 crew members)
  • Gross tonnage of 499.0 GT and a 8.08 m beam

Marala Superyacht
Photo credited to: BOAT International


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Yacht Island Design: Challenging Industry Conventions

In the world of Superyachts, pushing the limits of what is technologically and structurally possible is often the name of the game when it comes to design. Concept yachts provide yacht designers with a unique opportunity to push their imaginations to the limit. But what about Concept Islands?

Yacht Island Design wanted to create designs that feature locations, rather than transportation, approaching traditional yacht design in a unique way:

“We like to base our designs upon innovative floating platforms. It frees us to explore bold and daring ideas which challenge the accepted norms within the yachting industry. No longer are we bound by the restrictions of a conventional hull shape. This unleashes creative flair and individualism for our clients as well as us!”

In this exclusive interview, we explore their unconventional work, hopes for the future, and their approach to challenging the status quo for yacht design.

Yacht Island Design
Streets of Monaco interior: Photo courtesy of Yacht Island Design


The Foundation Idea Of Yacht Island Design

1. Could you describe your ethos and approach to yacht design?

The foundation idea for the company was to offer something different in the yacht design space. We wanted to create designs that were a place to be, choosing to base design on a theme, that could be anything a client desired.

2. Any future hopes and goals for your designs?

Currently, we are in discussions with a couple of potential clients. We hope to start working with them on one of our concepts in the not too distant future.

Yacht Island Design
Project Utopia side: Photo courtesy of Yacht Island Design


The Streets Of Monaco

As our first project, we wanted to make a statement by showcasing just how different this design philosophy could be from what is usual in the industry today. We are big motorsport fans, and the idea of putting a kart track on board was one of our first ideas. Combining this with our desire to design themed vessels Monaco seemed like the perfect overarching theme. We tried to capture the style and elegance of Monaco in the design.

Streets of Monaco: Yacht Island Design
Streets of Monaco: Photo courtesy of Yacht Island Design


Tropical Island Paradise

For our next concept, we wanted to create a design that blended a slightly more traditional-looking super structure with highly themed deck designs.

Tropical Island Paradise: Yacht Island Design
Tropical Island Paradise: Photo courtesy of Yacht Island Design


Project Utopia

Our third concept was very interesting. Lateral Naval Architects (BMT Nigel Gee at the time), approached us after prior discussions regarding the use of SWATH platforms as the basis for our designs. They wanted to submit an entry for the 2010 Monaco YachtShow Future of Future Concepts competition. The brief was quite simple: create a vessel as a place to be, based on the idea of a small waterplane area platform. It needed to be attractive and functional to showcase the possibilities of a vessel where cruise speed has been removed as a key attribute. It was a very interesting and productive collaboration – and we were very proud that the joint entry was chosen as the winner.

Yacht Island Design
Project Utopia: Photo courtesy of Yacht Island Design


Challenging Yacht Design Conventions & Upcoming Projects

1. For your current projects, what was the inspiration behind each design, and how do they challenge the usual conventions of yacht design?

The key element of change relative to conventional yacht design is considering the design primarily as a place to be rather than transportation. But that is not to say they can’t be used as transportation – it is just not the driving requirement. This provides huge scope for design creativity and enables us to offer clients highly personalised, exceptional experiences on the water.

2. What are your upcoming projects, and what new aspects to the design are you aiming to implement?

We are currently in discussions with a client but I can’t discuss this in any more detail at this time. I would see our future projects being led by our clients with our current portfolio acting as inspiration. That said, I do hope that in the not too distant future someone will commission The Streets of Monaco. As our first concept, it has a special place in my heart.

Yacht Island Design
Tropical Island Paradise rear: Photo courtesy of Yacht Island Design


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Which Country Has the Most Superyacht Owners In 2023?

Which countries have the most Superyacht owners in 2023? According to a report by Superyacht Times, there have been some interesting changes to Superyacht ownership in 2023 due to World events and an increased interest in the industry from certain countries.

For clarification in this article, a Superyacht is defined as a yacht with a length of over 40m, of which there are around 2,000 worldwide. Keep reading to have a look at the top 11 countries that own the most Superyachts, and a selection of the most impressive vessels!


1. United States

  • Ownership: 23.6%
  • Average length: 54 m

The US is a domain driver for yacht sales whose ownership rose by 0.6% from last year.

Notable Superyacht: The largest yacht to be built in the USA since the 1930s, motor yacht Aquila‘s overall length is 85.6 m. The builder is Derecktor Shipyards.

Aquila Superyacht - US
Photo credited to: YACHT CHARTER


2. Russia

  • Ownership: 8.1%
  • Average length: 62 m

Last year, Russia’s ownership was at 9.1%. That has dwindled due to international relations (including a small number of confiscations, etc.). But that is not the main reason. There have been a few incidences in which a Russian yacht, built for a Russian owner, could not be delivered – so it was instead passed on to an owner of a different nationality. Additionally, some yachts were sold, and a small number of Russian owners have changed to their second nationality.

Notable Superyacht: 156 m long, Dilbar took nearly five years to construct before her launch in 2016. Dilbar is also installed with one of the largest pools onboard a yacht in the world.

Dilbar Superyacht - Russia
Photo credited to: SuperYacht Times


3. Greece

  • Ownership: 6.2%.
  • Average yacht length: 51 m

Greece’s involvement in the industry is moving from strength to strength. Grecian owners are allegedly good negotiators and understand the market well.

Notable Superyacht: With an overall length of 115.82 m, Atlantis II is the largest yacht built by Hellenic Shipyards S.A., with an impressive steel hull and steel superstructure.

Atlantis II Superyacht - Greece
Photo credited to: BOAT International


4. Turkey

  • Ownership: 5.7%
  • Average length: 47 m

Host of the 18th annual International World Superyacht Awards 2023, Turkey became the world’s third-largest builder of Superyachts in 2021.

Notable Superyacht: Victorious‘ life started in Chile as a 77 m explorer vessel (Gin Tonic II at the time). After being transported as an unfinished vessel to New Zealand, she spent a couple years in construction before she was sold in 2016, now at 85 m.

Victorious Superyacht - Turkey
Photo credited to: H2 Yacht Design


5. United Kingdom

With the UK becoming more of a destination for Superyachts due to Yacht Agencies such as MGMT, perhaps we are set to see an increase in the amount of UK UHNW individuals building large yachts in the near future…

  • Ownership: 5.4%
  • Average length: 56 m

Notable Superyacht: At 48.31 m, Param Jamuna IV was launched in 2013, built by the Italian yard Rossinavi. With naval architecture, the vessel was also designed by the Italian design studio Team 4 Design.

Param Jamuna IV Superyacht - UK
Photo credited to: CharterWorld.com


Read more SYC: 6 Of The World’s Most Impressive Expedition Yachts


6. Italy

  • Ownership: 4.8%
  • Average length: 50 m

Notable Superyacht: comes with two primaries, two VIPs, two pools and two cinemas. At 54.6 m long, C was constructed by Horacio Bozzo, and the Hot Lab design firm handled the interior.

Photo credited to: SuperYacht Times


7. United Arab Emirates

  • Ownership: 3.4%
  • Average length: 62 m

Notable Superyacht: Platinum Yachts launched Dubai in 2006, making it the world’s second largest private yacht (162 m) with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure.

Dubai Superyacht - UAE
Photo credited to: SuperYacht Times


8. Germany

Germans are frequent travellers, particularly enjoying the world of luxury travel. This countries’ love of Superyachts proves this with many recent new-builds belonging to UHNW German owners.

  • Ownership: 3.3%
  • Average length: 50 m

Notable Superyacht: Equipped with two helicopter landing pads and two 9.5 m Rupert Marine tenders, 85.3 m Bold was built by SilverYachts in Australia and delivered in 2019.

Bold Superyacht - Germany
Photo credited to: y.co


9. Saudi Arabia

Well known for their love of large vessels, this country shows no signs of stopping when it comes to producing Superyacht owners.

  • Ownership: 3.1%
  • Average length: 68 m

Notable Superyacht: One of the largest yachts in the world, Serene is 134 m long, carries a small electric submarine, and is also powered by 8 MTU diesel marine engines.

Serene Superyacht - Saudi Arabia
Photo credited to: Yacht Harbour


10. Australia

Australia has a thriving Superyacht industry, and Australian yacht owners are now expanding the length of their yachts from the ‘modest’ average of 30m to Superyacht sizes of over 50m.

  • Ownership: 3.0%
  • Average length: 52 m

Notable Superyacht: A while after her construction in 1994, Coral Ocean underwent a modern refit in 2022 and is 75 m long.

Coral Ocean Superyacht - Australia
Photo credited to: BOAT International


11. France

The South of France is a billionaire’s playground, so it makes sense that French ownership of Superyachts should be on the rise.

  • Ownership: 2.5%
  • Average length: 49 m

Notable Superyacht: Baton Rouge is 63 m long and was launched in 2010. Dutch yacht builder Icon Yachts constructed the yacht.

Baton Route Superyacht - France
Photo credited to: Fraser Yachts


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Elite Yacht Covers: Using CAD Technology To Create Bespoke Covers

With an impressive combined experience in design of 50 years, Elite Yacht Covers are familiar with the specific needs of Superyachts. When it comes to bespoke yacht Awnings, Covers and Canopies, Elite Yacht Covers are the go-to company, and understand the unique requirements of every vessel that they work with. Not only are yacht Awnings crucial for protecting the guests and crew from the sun, but they are also essential for protecting the yacht’s finishings, furnishing and fixtures from any potential damage.

In this article, we talk all things CAD design with Elite Yacht Covers’ Sales Director Paul Gray, and how the company have harnessed technology in order to achieve greater results for their clients. Here, Gray speaks about how digitalised designs and 3D drawings open up a world of opportunities for onboard covers. We also hear about the future of Elite Yacht Covers and how their partnership with both Loft Customs and Ratsey and Lapthorn allows the company to reach even more clients internationally.


SYC: What are some of the most common issues when it comes to yacht covers and how does Elite Yacht Covers endeavour to resolve this?

Elite Yacht Covers: Experience over the last 20+ years has shown me that the main issue is within the build design and manufacturing detail, as well as the misuse of materials. For example, not using the correct fabric for the project. For us, the design process involves the material selection very early on, so that these two elements work to benefit each other rather than restrict.

For example, we only downscale the weight/strength of fabrics if we are able to add lightweight, but incredibly strong Dyneema cables/webbings. We sometimes use Dyneema to take the load path’s, similar to a skeleton, which means that the fabric is less loaded.


SYC: What kind of materials do you use when creating your bespoke covers?

EYC: We use the full range of Serge Ferrari products, which includes their mesh shading range. For a particular Mega Yacht, we used Stamoid Smart, for all their furniture covers and the 3x30m sail covers. Smart is breathable, meaning the wood is less likely to sweat, it is also impermeable, so the cushions stay dry and last, it has a silicone finish and this means that dirt simply washes away without any effort in cleaning.

For our sailing yacht tensile awnings, we use WeatherMAX 80, which is a breathable polyester. We use this for awnings that are regularly put up and down by lightly crewed yachts. WeatherMax is an 8oz fabric that is super strong and stable under
high loads. For motor yachts that have fixed tensile awnings, we use Stamoid Top, or Soltis mesh, depending on usage requirements.


“Digitising the yacht or working from 3D drawings opens up a huge amount of opportunities, from millimetre perfect measuring, laser-cutting fabric, exacting repeatability and CAD design work”


SYC: Can you give a brief explanation of the use of CAD technology when designing and creating your bespoke covers?

An example of the digital design work used to design a bespoke covers for a Motor Yacht

EYC: Digitising the yacht or working from 3D drawings opens up a huge amount of opportunities, from millimetre perfect measuring, laser-cutting fabric, exacting repeatability and CAD design work. For Awnings, we can test differing loads to gauge the size of the cables required to make sure that they stand up to the working loads. We are also able to show different design shapes to the client for approval so that the finalised design meets the clients expectations and there are no surprises.


SYC: How do you believe CAD technology gives EYC an edge in the industry?

EYC: The aforementioned question provides great context here, but this is a good opportunity to note the limitations of CAD. With our expertise within the field, we can see straight away if a project would be better suited to the age-old art of hand templating. Some shapes require real-time hand manipulation over certain radius/tight bends, so expertise in both fields is essential to make the correct decision.


More SYC Articles: Elite Yacht Covers, Choosing The Best Cover For Your Vessel’s Tender


SYC: Can you provide an example of a time when you worked on a particularly specific project/problem onboard a yacht?

EYC: We were working with an 80+M yacht that used a window enclosure on one of her decks. This popular deck became too hot with the StrataGlass window panels in place, but was too exposed not to have any protection. Because we had the CAD data from the window enclosure, we were able to ship over the exact copy in Soltis 86 Mesh shade material. This material considerably reduces heat by projecting shade and by the small apertures that diffuses the breeze but allows shaded and cooled air through. We often sell ‘winter’ and ‘summer’ sets at the same time now.

See the below video of EYC’s work onboard a Swan 100 Sailing Yacht:


SYC: How does your partnership with Loft Customs in Palma and Collaboration with Gonzalo Romagosa of Ratsey and Lapthorn in Barcelona, allow EYC to reach further clients?

EYC: Being based in the UK, and close to London, we do have some yachts that we service, mainly via MGMT, which is growing year on year. However, this is still a limited flow of Superyachts, compared to Palma and Barcelona. We have worked together with both Loft Customs in Palma and Gonzalo at Ratsey and Lapthorn in Barcelona for many years because these guys are also at the top of their game and their locations produce many more enquiries than we have here in the UK. The guys on the ground with the enquiries work with the clients to produce the desired specification, timelines and CAD drawings, or carry out the digitising on board. We then produce the renderings for sign off and then start manufacturing and organising the shipping. Once arrived at the destination the team will take over the final fitting.


SYC: What are some of your next big projects?

Elite Yacht Cover's Bespoke Awning for a motor yacht

EYC: As you can quite imagine, we cannot say due to the ever-increasing NDA world that encompasses the Superyacht world! I am able to confirm that we currently working with multiple yachts to confirm designs and we are now producing a second and third order from our digitising trip to the Seychelles last year and the products are being shipped to the French Polynesian islands in the coming weeks.


SYC: What are your hopes for the future for EYC?

EYC: This year so far, we have already completed 12 trips to service our yachts, as well as our partnering projects. We have a very strong business plan to see EYC grow year on year. This includes using our large network of captains and industry specialists/working partners to promote our services to Officers and crew that are not aware of us – yet!


To learn more about Elite Yacht Covers, visit their website.
For more Yacht Design articles, click here.




Oceanco Delivers A New Seven Seas Superyacht

Custom yacht builder Oceanco has recently delivered a motor yacht named Seven Seas – and it’s one impressive yacht! Not to be confused with other Oceanco Superyacht ‘Man of War’ (previously called Seven Seas), this Seven Seas is significantly larger and comes with a variety of spectacular features. Keep reading to find out more about the $250 million yacht.

Seven Seas Superyacht
Photo credited to: SuperYacht Times


Avant-Garde Design

Seven Seas underwent an extensive optimisation process overseen by Lateral Naval Architects. Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design mainly designed the vessel, which sports a lightweight aluminum superstructure, as well as:

  • A well-proportioned profile
  • Sharp lines and tapered decks
  • Sleek steel hull
  • Avant-garde aesthetic

Molly Isaksen Interiors designed the living quarters. These feature an array of natural materials and expansive glass panels. The panels will provide guests with cinematic sea views.


More SYC Articles: All About Kenshō: Motor Yacht of the Year 2023


Spacious Features

Seven Seas holds space for 14 guests in 7 cabins, up to 30 crew, a large pool, a spa pool and a helicopter landing pad.

Interestingly, Seven Seas is also the first LY3-compliant yacht to feature a Marine Evacuation System – this would make it a swift process to those onboard to slide straight into a lifeboat in an emergency situation.

Seven Seas Superyacht
Photo credited to: BOAT International


Her Impressive Stats

Seven Seas has a length of 109m (357ft), a beam length of 16m (52ft), can reach speeds of 20 knots, as well as an impressive gross tonnage of 4,444.

So far, 2023 has certainly proven to be a successful year for Oceanco. After delivering another remarkable vessel Koru to Amazon co-founder Jeff Bezos, Oceanco has not delayed in adding Seven Seas to the fleet.

Koru Superyacht
Koru was delivered earlier this year also by OceanCo. Photo courtesy of Boat International


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Entries Open For The Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition

Superyacht UK is calling for talented young designers to design the 50m yacht of the future, as part of the 2023 Superyacht UK Young Designer competition. This competition, sponsored by Marine Resources, returns this year during the Southampton International Boat Show (15-24 September).

Superyacht UK Young Designer competition

Superyacht UK is an association of British Marine that represents the interests of the UK Superyacht industry worldwide.

Design students from universities across the country are being invited to sign up for the competition, during which they will be asked to produce a General Arrangement (GA) sketch from a brief created by the judging panel at the start of the competition.

Drawing on inspiration from across the show, the entrants will be given one and a half days to complete the brief and then showcase their designs to industry experts and be in with a chance of winning an internship with a leading superyacht company.

“The UK is well recognised as one of the world leaders in the superyacht industry, and being able to find and nurture homegrown, talented individuals is a real boon,” says Stephen Hills, chair of Superyacht UK.

“This competition provides a unique and wonderful opportunity for the many talented young designers we have in this country to showcase their skills and vision and may even provide the first steps into a future career in the industry.”

Superyacht UK Young Designer competition


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James Ward, CEO and founder of Marine Resources, sponsors of the event adds:

“We are as committed as ever to promoting our amazing industry to the next generation. This competition puts a spotlight on Superyacht Design as a career choice like no other. With the chance to network with some of the most famous Superyacht Designers in the world and receive fully funded internships at their incredible studios, this competition is totally unique. The potential opportunities that come with being involved are unrivalled.”

The competition will get underway at midday on 19 September 2023, and run until 6pm on 20 September 2023, when each of the entrants will have 20 minutes to present their designs to the judging panel consisting of superyacht industry professionals.

The winners will then be announced a prize-giving ceremony on 21 September 2023. Internships will be offered to both the first and second-prize winners.

Accommodation costs for all students wishing to take part will be covered for the duration of the competition. A grant of up to £100 per student will be available to cover travel and subsistence.


Design students interested in taking part in the competition need to register by 19 July 2023.

To register for the Superyacht UK Young Designer competition email Liv Whetmore at British Marine.


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