BOAT International has announced that Tim Heywood, one of the best-known names in the world of yacht design and a BOAT Design & Innovation Awards 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award-winner, has taken on the role of chairman of the BOAT Design & Innovation Awards.
Among the remarkable yachts to his credit are 147-metre A+ (formerly Topaz), 133-metre Al Mirqab, 115-metre Pelorus, 101-metre Symphony and 96.7-metre Mayan Queen IV. Up until 2024, he has been instrumental in the success of Damen Yachting's limited series yachts as exterior designer of the full range.
Although Heywood hardly needs an introduction, here are a few words about his impressive career. It began under the auspices of another legendary designer, Jon Bannenberg, who has been credited for taking a cottage industry and making yacht design a fully fledged practice. Heywood worked alongside Bannenberg for over two decades, honing his skills and developing a keen eye for innovation, aesthetics and functionality.
In 1996, he established Tim Heywood Designs with his partner in business and now wife, Vanessa Heywood, and the firm quickly gained recognition for its ability to push the boundaries of yacht design. His signature style – characterised by elegant lines, flowing curves and an emphasis on balance and proportion – became highly sought after by yacht owners and shipyards alike.
"I met Tim Heywood in person in Fort Lauderdale in 2010 on board the yacht then known as Cakewalk (now Aquila), built by American shipyard Derecktor," said Cecile Gauert, vice-chair of the BOAT Design & Innovation Awards. "I was immediately taken by his enticing descriptions of the yacht's design, how accessible he was and his good humour. He is also a great storyteller."
Fellow vice-chair Caroline White added: “It is a delight to have Tim on the team. His broad knowledge, deep expertise and balanced judgement make him the perfect person to steward the most important awards in superyacht design.”
Read More/Everything you need to know about the Design & Innovation Awards 2026