GSF 2013 Speaker Spotlight: Martin Francis
Martin Francis needs no introduction having worked in the industry for over 40 years, collaborating on a number of high profile yachts. The designer will be speaking at the upcoming Global Superyacht Forum on the latest in superstructure design.…
Martin Francis
Martin Francis needs no introduction, having worked in the industry for over 40 years, collaborating on a number of high profile yachts, including 119m Blohm+Voss built A with Philippe Starck. Following his appearance as a speaker at June's SuperyachtDESIGN Week, Francis will be speaking about the latest in superstructures at the Global Superyacht Forum in Amsterdam 18-20 November. We caught up with him for a quick Q&A.
SYD: What is one of your most interesting projects/career highlights to date?
Martin Francis: Every project, big or small, is interesting if the client has the motivation to look for new solutions and the courage to see them developed. Happily the projects that I’m working on at the moment (which unfortunately I can’t tell you about until they are launched) are all fascinating in their own ways. Eco being my first motoryacht, for one of the most experienced and forward thinking owners of his generation, has a special place in my heart, as well as A for the imagination and daring personality of the owner and the collaboration with Starck. Then there is Senses for the quality of life aboard and the flexibility it offers. However there are other projects in the field of architecture and engineering of which I’m equally proud.
SYD: Why do you think events like the Global Superyacht Forum are so important?
MF: An opportunity to share ideas, meet new people and find out about technical developments.
SYD: What are some interesting and exciting changes you are seeing in your field at the moment?
MF: An interest in reduced fuel consumption, the preservation of the marine environment and the replacement of teak by more sustainable materials.
Francis will deliver a presentation and then speak on a panel of design experts on Day 2, Tuesday November 19 from 17:00 - 18:30. If you have any questions you would like to submit to Francis or topics to be raised during this session, please contact Rebecca Curran. For full details on the programme please go to the website. If you would like to register your place, please contact Suzie on +44 207 801 1014, suzie@thesuperyachtgroup.com, or click here to register online.
We would like to thank our sponsors AdvanTec Marine, Awlgrip, Caterpillar, Cayman Islands Shipping Registry, Clyde & Co., MTN, MTU Friedrichshafen, Palladium, R&Q Yachtsure24 and Struik & Hamerslag.
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