BOAT International Young Designer Competition stands as the premier showcase for exceptional yacht design talent. Fresh perspectives from emerging designers shape the future of superyacht architecture, blending advanced technology with sustainable design principles.
The competition draws talented design students and recent graduates from leading naval architecture programs worldwide. These young designers present their concepts directly to industry leaders, demonstrating technical excellence in modern yachting. Their designs reflect crucial elements of contemporary yacht creation from environmental considerations to dedicated research capabilities.
The BOAT International Young Designer of the Year Award 2025 is currently in progress, with finalists already announced. This prestigious competition, sponsored by Feadship, celebrates emerging talent in yacht design and is open to designers who will be 28 years old or younger on January 1, 2025.
Key details for the 2025 competition include:
- The task challenges applicants to design a rugged expedition yacht with helicopter and scientific research facilities, while maintaining Feadship’s signature comfort and luxury.
- The winner will receive an internship at Feadship and a €3,000 cash prize.
- A new addition for 2025 is the Feadship Collaborative Challenge, where finalists will participate in a design brief at Studio De Voogt in April 2025.
- The winner will be announced at the Superyacht Design Festival in Kitzbühel, Austria, from February 2-4, 2025.
- The judging panel consists of internationally renowned yacht designers, including representatives from Winch Design, Tim Heywood Designs, and Reymond Langton Design.
This competition provides young designers with valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities, potentially launching their careers in the superyacht industry
History and significance in yacht design
The competition’s remarkable history showcases numerous success stories in marine architecture. The most notable winners include:
- Yihharn Liu’s stunning 80-meter motor sailer “Manta” triumphed and
- Nicolò Piredda 2018 student prize with the innovative 60-meter explorer yacht “Galàna,” demonstrating exceptional feasibility in construction planning
- Raphael Laloux, 2014 winner with design: Symphony, 60m SWATH is currently yacht designer at Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design
Partnership with Feadship
2025 welcomes Feadship’s return as official sponsor, strengthening the competition’s dedication to design excellence. The Dutch shipyard offers participants direct access to industry expertise and resources.
Impact on marine architecture industry
The competition shapes the future of marine architecture. Past winners and finalists now hold prominent positions throughout the superyacht industry. Each year brings promising talents before a distinguished panel of experts.
Success stories tell a compelling tale:
- Baoqi Xiao’s winning design earned him a six-month position at De Voogt Naval Architects, creating proposals for Feadship clients
- Thibaud Le Merdy joined Silver Arrows Marine within 24 hours of the prize-giving ceremony
- Timur Bozca talent led him to Philippe Briand’s team, where he contributed to significant projects including a 50-meter vessel for Pendennis
Meet the Next Generation of Yacht Designers
This year’s competition reveals extraordinary talent, each designer bringing unique perspectives to maritime architecture. The finalists showcase remarkable diversity in their approaches to yacht design, reflecting varied cultural backgrounds and educational experiences.
Profiles of International finalists
The 2025 competition presents truly amazing international talent:
- Oguzhan Akilli crafts “Gaia,” a Turkish vision emphasising ocean conservation
- Melisa Civlez brings practical workspace solutions to life through Turkish design
- Lisandro Nicoletti melds Italian-Brazilian influences in scientific vessel design
- Aleksandra Orescanin presents “Zazi,” a South African exploration vessel concept
- Fabio Peduzzi creates “Curiosity,” uniting Mediterranean elegance with research capabilities
- Dimitrios Timagenis Oceanus: Bold Arctic yacht inspired by Greek sea titan.
Oguzhan Akilli
The designer’s vision: “Gaia was created with her owner’s extraordinary vision and an unending passion for the wonders of nature”, says the designer. The yacht represents the owner’s desire to explore the sea with a commitment to ocean conservation”. (boat International)
Melisa Civlez
The designer’s vision: “During the design process of the operation centre, I had two factors that shaped my design: good exterior vision and practical workspace,” says the designer. For this reason, Civlez designed large windows that allow for a perfect view of helicopter and tender operations and the surrounding environment. In the interior, she used special glass to reduce reflections”. (Boat International)
Lisandro Nicoletti
The designer’s vision: “Named after NASA’s iconic spacecraft, Voyager combines scientific capabilities with comfort. Designed as the “ultimate enabler for private oceanographic expeditions”, Voyager features minimalist black and wood aesthetics, with double-height laboratories, floor-to-ceiling windows, a stateroom equipped with an observatory and a wellness centre tailored for high-latitude explorers”. (Boat International)
Aleksander Orescanin
The designer’s vision: “Zazi is “a symbol of exploration and self-discovery”. Named after the concept of “knowing oneself” from Zulu, Zazi entails the journey of an experienced yachtsman transitioning from the familiar shores of the Mediterranean to the uncharted beauty of the Northwest Passage. Its design merges elegance and rugged capability, allowing it to thrive in both tranquil and extreme environments.” (Boat International)
Fabio Peduzzi
The designer’s vision: “Named Curiosity, this yacht embodies the owner’s spirit to explore and discover. The concept is designed for exploration and research in extraordinary climates but can be also used for classic cruising in the Mediterranean. The main idea was to create a flow of use, from bow to stern, on various decks, so that depending on the guests’ needs and interests, the yacht could be used in different ways. The designer also focuses on using eco-friendly materials, including ecological teak decking, sustainably sourced wood for the interiors and other recycled materials”. (Boat International)
Dimitrios Timagenis
The designer’s vision: Oceanus, is a yacht concept inspired by the Ancient Greek Titan, who ruled the seas. Designed for Arctic exploration, it combines modern elegance with rugged strength, symbolising the beauty of icy landscapes. (Boat International).
Educational backgrounds and influences
The Politecnico di Milano stands as a leading force in maritime design education, producing multiple finalists. The University of Southampton’s dedication to naval architecture continues shaping exceptional yacht designers through their comprehensive program.
Design philosophies and approaches
These talented designers bring fresh mindsets to yacht creation. Their dedication to environmental consciousness shapes every concept. Their designs feature:
- Sustainable propulsion systems
- Advanced material applications
- Research facilities for marine conservation
The shift toward practical, family-friendly vessels marks a new era in yacht design. The designers truly understand modern yacht owners’ needs. Their innovative approach includes dedicated “Zoom rooms” for remote work capabilities, reflecting the evolving nature of luxury yachting.
Future of Luxury Yacht Design
Luxury yacht design stands at the threshold of extraordinary transformation. Our expertise reveals stunning trends reshaping the future of vessel creation.
Emerging design trends
Spatial design philosophy takes center stage in modern yacht creation. Truly amazing innovations include:
| Design Element | Innovation | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Sheltered Foredecks | All-season terraces | Enhanced functionality in various climates |
| Textured Ceilings | Undulating wooden waves | Elevated visual interest in interior spaces |
| Indoor-Outdoor Flow | Veranda Deck concept | Seamless integration with surroundings |
| Screen Integration | High-luminosity displays | Enhanced entertainment options |
Yacht interiors embrace warmer, more inviting spaces. Rich browns, terracottas, and soft beiges create atmospheres resonating with natural environments.
Sustainability considerations
Environmental stewardship shapes modern yacht creation. Key initiatives include:
- Advanced Propulsion Systems:
- Hybrid electrical drives reaching 8-knot speeds
- Zero-emission anchoring capabilities
- Methanol-ready vessel designs
Sustainable materials stand essential in contemporary yacht design. Recycled woods and energy-efficient lighting systems mark this evolution. Design studios now feature dedicated sustainability experts managing eco-friendly resource libraries.
Conclusion
BOAT International Young Designer Competition 2024 showcases truly amazing talent shaping luxury yacht design. These exceptional designers unite sustainability with advanced technology. Oguzhan Akilli’s “Gaia” and Melisa Civlez’s workspace solutions demonstrate practical innovation meeting environmental consciousness.
The dedication to nurturing design talent extends worldwide. British Marine hosts the Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition, drawing promising naval architects each year. The ShowBoats Design Awards celebrates excellence across yacht design. Leading shipyards – Lürssen, Benetti, and Royal Huisman – provide invaluable support to emerging talents.
These designers prove luxury and sustainability create extraordinary harmony. Their concepts feature advanced propulsion systems, smart materials, and dedicated research facilities. Lisandro Nicoletti’s research vessel design and Aleksandra Orescanin’s “Zazi” exploration concept exemplify vessels serving both private luxury and scientific purposes.
Yacht design stands poised for remarkable evolution. These talented individuals understand the delicate balance of innovation and practicality. Their commitment to sustainable solutions and technical excellence shapes tomorrow’s maritime experiences, creating truly amazing possibilities at sea.
FAQs
Q1. What is the BOAT International Young Designer Competition? The BOAT International Young Designer Competition is a prestigious platform that showcases innovative yacht design concepts from emerging talents in marine architecture. It attracts design students and recent graduates from leading naval architecture programs worldwide, offering them an opportunity to present their ideas to industry leaders.
Q2. How are sustainability and technology integrated into modern yacht designs? Modern yacht designs increasingly incorporate sustainable features such as hybrid propulsion systems, solar power integration, and advanced waste management. Technological innovations include AI-driven systems for navigation and maintenance, virtual reality for design visualization, and “invisible technology” that seamlessly blends into the yacht’s esthetic.
Q3. What are some emerging trends in luxury yacht design? Emerging trends in luxury yacht design include the creation of all-season terraces, textured ceilings for visual interest, improved indoor-outdoor flow, and high-luminosity display integration. There’s also a shift towards warmer, more inviting spaces with earthy color palettes and a focus on creating multifunctional areas that can serve both luxury and scientific purposes.
Q4. How are young designers addressing environmental concerns in yacht design? Young designers are addressing environmental concerns by incorporating sustainable propulsion systems, using eco-friendly materials, and designing vessels with research capabilities. Some concepts focus on ocean conservation, while others explore ways to repurpose retired yachts into marine and astronomical museums, extending their usefulness beyond traditional lifecycles.
Q5. What technical challenges do yacht designers face and how are they overcoming them? Yacht designers face challenges such as balancing structural stability with complex equipment installations, reducing noise and vibration, and optimizing performance. They overcome these through innovative engineering solutions, advanced materials science, and the use of computational fluid dynamics for performance optimization. Some solutions include using phase-change materials for temperature regulation and employing vacuum infusion techniques to improve strength-to-weight ratios.
