An important phase of the design process is in reviewing the ideas conceived to ensure they are fit for purpose and meet the given brief. As we welcome the new year, we take a moment to reflect on the achievements of the design community in 2015.

Last year offered a wide variety of design solutions and thinking to elevate the standard of living and entertainment on board tomorrow’s yachts. A reoccurring theme centred on achieving a beach house feel with soft and subtle finishes, open areas that identify with the surrounding environment, additional space on deck and the growth of the beach club. Of the many concepts to be presented to the market was Belle Epoque, a 56m classic looking motoryacht created by Uchiyama Design for an Asian client new to yachting.

56m Belle Epoque

This modern classic with overhanging stern offers a host of features, the most elegant being its double-height atrium forward of amidships, which successfully marries the styles of old and new.

Double-height atrium

From a pure motoryacht design to a motorsailor, France-based VPLP presented a trimaran concept called Komorebi. The 86m features a new rigging system developed by the studio and due to be trialed on a smaller vessel in January 2016.

“The new system is what we call an alien engine, as it works with the wind but it is also powerful and automated, as well as there being no tension and it requiring little maintenance,” said VPLP’s chairman and a naval architect Marc Van Peteghem at the time of the interview.

86m Komorebi

Sticking with the French, Synthesis is a 60m concept by designer Mathis Rühl who combined elements of land-based design and naval architecture to create a design with intriguing interior spaces. The profile is engaging and would be easily recognisable on the horizon, thanks in part to its grand lobby and wheelhouse located aft.

60m Synthesis

Influenced by Scandinavian design and featuring simple and matt-lacquered wood commonly used in Danish and Swedish architecture, Project Pøre is a 95m concept by Feadship. The design includes a glass bottom pool beneath which is a ‘sea club’ — a glass box offering views into the sea below and into the pool above.

95m Project Pore

Project Pore's sea club

One of the larger concepts to be unveiled last year was 180m Symmetry by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design, which includes a wide range of features including the ability to travel forward or backwards, giving the owner the flexibility to be at either end of his or her private deck without having to sacrifice on the view or comfort.

 
180m Symmetry

The first issue of SuperyachtDesign in 2016, Issue 26, will explore some of the ideas we expect to see on board projects in the near future. From aesthetics to materials, we take a look at key areas of a superyacht and propose features and technology that could and should work their way into the yachts of tomorrow.

Profile links

Uchiyama Design Inc.

Van Peteghem Lauriot Prevost VPLP

Feadship

Sinot Yacht Design

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