5 ways to win the young designer of the year award

The design brief for the inaugural Young Designer of the Year Award specified a unique charter vessel with a low carbon footprint. The award, presented in 2008 at the World Superyacht Awards in Venice, Italy, went to Fadi Pataq for his 70.26m motor yacht concept, Pelagia. The judges singled this steel-aluminium design for its styling and engineering that clearly achieved the necessary balance between form and function.

Looking back, Fadi, who is now the Creative Director for superyacht builder Nobiskrug, says that the story behind his design – the packaging of various green technologies – made it a winner in the judges’ eyes. Pataq's design also stood out amongst the other entrants in that it was a viable design – one that not only possessed uniqueness in its styling but had the potential to be built.

_Winning Design: Pelagia, 70.26m steel/aluminium motor yacht

Designer/Year: Fadi Pataq/2008_

Within the parameters of a broad design brief that specified a regulated yacht fit for charter, the judges found Adam Voorhees' design of 66m Ra – which explored the transformability of space and interactions with light to reinforce the connection with the sea – to be not only imaginative, but one that would appeal to both owner and guest for its balance between interior and exterior spaces. They were particularly impressed by Voorhees’ clear understanding of the quality and enjoyment of life on the water.

Voorhees believes his design furthered the discussion about the relationships and interaction between exterior and interior, and had the potential to expose or refute the traditional yacht design process. ‘While my solutions were very conceptual in nature, they clearly explored the potential,’ he says. Voorhees has expanded upon this idea in his current work, where he strives to create through non-traditional methods. He says his primary area of interest lies in ‘modulating and controlling the interface between exterior and interior environments, which is directly related to the goal of maximising one’s enjoyment at sea.’

_Winning Design: Ra, 66m diesel/electric motor yacht

Designer/Year: Adam Voorhees/2010_

The brief for the 2011 Young Designer of the Year Award specified a yacht for first-time owners who wanted exterior deck spaces that could be used to the fullest. Michael Givens won for his design KT, a modern 76.8 metre motor yacht based on the classic styling of the 1930s. The large aft deck area afforded by the fantail design met the requirement for a large open entertainment area whilst the interior design specified high ceilings in the main-deck staterooms and large beach club, and upper decks that flowed into spacious exterior areas.

‘I am still extremely proud of the design,’ says Givens. ‘She is very modern yet incorporates a lot of classic elements including a fantail and long unbroken sheer.’

Givens explains that at the time of his submission there were few well executed new build classically styled yachts on the market and he felt the time was right for a new take on some old ideas. He also wanted to toy with a bow that was more vertical in its look without going to a full vertical straight line. The result was a very unique vessel that met the brief’s requirements and impressed the judges for its timeless design.

_Winning Design: KT, 76.8m fantail aluminium/composite motor yacht

Designer/Year: Michael Givens/2011_

The brief for the 2014 Young Designer of the Year Award called for an ‘edgy’ 65 metre vessel based on a small waterplane twin hull (SWATH) platform intended for a client – a famous classical conductor – who planned to cruise the world with his wife, children and grandchildren. Three-time YDOY entrant Raphael Laloux took home the prize for his concept, Symphony which emphasised styling borrowed from the world of classical music, with features that flowed in harmony with the sea.

The judges particularly enjoyed the design’s signature feature, an architectural promenade that lent definition to both the exterior design and interior layout whilst inviting the guests to explore myriad family activities.

Laloux advises that young designers must be able to interpret and answer their clients’ desires whilst surprising them with unexpected details.

_Winning Design: Symphony, 60m Swath motor yacht

Designer/Year: Raphael Laloux/2014_

The 2015 Young Designer of the Year Award was the first event in which a sailing yacht – specifically a 55m Panamax ketch – was the brief. This proved a challenge for many young entrants – some exhibited more talent in draughtsmanship and exterior design, while others showed aptitude in interior layout. Still, others showed proficiency in both areas but lacked flair and originality.

It was Timur Bozca’s entry Cauta, which featured a revolutionary Dynarig sail plan, that was declared the worthy winner. Bozca took a flowing, modernistic approach to the deck styling that continued into the interior. His plan for LED light strips embedded into the furnishings, walls and floors was seen as a bold approach. Bozca also styled a forward-looking exterior which the judges felt rounded out an accomplished yacht with a striking appearance.

Bozca agrees that Cauta pushes the envelope with a surprising, innovative appearance that emphasizes curves and sensuality. ‘Cauta is an inspiring, forward thinking design,’ he says. ‘The yacht world is no longer conservative; it is looking for new, fresh ideas.’

_Winning Design: Cauta, 55m sailing superyacht with Dynarig

Designer/Year: Timur Bozca/2015_