New generation superyacht designers on deck

08 May, 2017 – Superyacht designs are evolving rapidly, as new features are incorporated at a rate of knots; innovation is a design imperative, with owner hunger for the customised, the individual and the downright original seemingly impossible to satisfy.

For the upcoming generation of superyacht designers, a myriad of new design elements is on the horizon. But, in a sector that has been accustomed to the use of traditional materials and adapt standardised designs, the responsibility of ensuring that the new wave of pacesetters can flex their design muscles and push the boundaries of innovation sits both with training schools and technology providers.

For ship decking specialist Bolidt, this is a responsibility taken very seriously. Supporting the future generation of designers sits high on the agenda for a company that is completely at home in the world of superyachts.

The Rotterdam-based company is well-situated at the heart of a region known as a breeding ground of maritime innovation. In fact, the history of the Dutch yacht-building industry can be traced back to the 17th century. Fast forward to the present day, and Bolidt seeks to build on these traditions by encouraging the design talent on which the Dutch reputation for yacht construction excellence has been based.

To this end, Bolidt is playing a leading role in enabling young designers to expand their creative vision by supporting The Annual Young Designers Getaway, a special event celebrating global yachting innovation which takes place on April 26 and 27.

The Getaway is powered by Bolidt, alongside sister company Esthec and Dutch shipyard Oceanco. It will host the six finalists of the Young Designer of the Year Award 2017, showcasing the industry’s finest young designers, as selected by a panel of experts based on the submission of a concept superyacht design.

The annual event includes a tour of Bolidt’s headquarters and facilities, as well as a workshop highlighting the potential Bolidt’s unique materials and technology hold for the designers of tomorrow.

Robert Van Aarle, Sales & Business Development Manager Maritime at Bolidt, explains: “Bolidt is privileged to be able to welcome the finalists of the Young Designer of the Year Award to our headquarters in Rotterdam. Hosting and nurturing the industry’s finest new design talent is of key importance to us in supporting the careers of students and trainee designers through our role as a trusted partner for global superyacht builders and design companies. We are honoured to encourage the ideas and visions of aspiring young designers this year.”

The materials used for decking on board superyachts are changing, with customers decisively moving away from traditional and unsustainable solutions based on scarce resources. At the same time, customers are seeking greater levels of customisation, meaning that a knowledge of the latest materials and their potential use is a crucial competency for a successful career in yacht design.

“At Bolidt, design is everything. Whatever the design demands are, we can enable young designers with the creative freedom via a complete spectrum of colours and design possibilities,” says Van Aarle.

Even after the dust has settled on the Annual Young Designers Getaway festivities, Bolidt’s involvement with emerging superyacht design talent will go on as part of a deep-rooted, long-term strategy of interaction and support.

For Bolidt, young designers are the future.