Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition 2018

The competition to find the next generation of superyacht designers is about to begin. 

The Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition 2018, will take place from Wednesday 10 – Thursday 11 January.

Ten students from universities across Britain will compete to design the next evolution of explorer superyacht converted from an ex-military vessel. Those competing are from

  • Southampton Solent University
  • University of Plymouth
  • University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD)
  • Staffordshire University
  • University of Central Lancashire

With their previous experience ranging in transport and product design, these aspiring designers will be delivered a full brief, including a customer profile and essential architectural features.

They will then embark on a day and a half of designing under the pressure of a live Boat Show, with an audience of thousands. With no previous preparation time, it is a true test of their imagination, innovation and ability. 

Explaining his life-long ambition to be a superyacht designer, one of the students, Thomas Scowcroft from the University of Central Lancashire says: “Ever since I was a young boy I have had a passion for design. It is the motive for me being an aspiring designer today. I appreciate the natural forms and attention to detail within these companies who design luxury yachts. The competition will vastly benefit me in developing my sketching skills to a more refined level. It will also give me an insight into how these fascinating vessels are designed.” 

William Sack from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is another one of the competitors. Explaining what he wants to get out of these awards, , “I feel that this competition will be a perfect opportunity to showcase my abilities and push my limits within this field, as well as getting some experience. Having gained a strong interest in yacht design I feel that this it is something I am very passionate about and would like to peruse as a possible career in the future.”

“This competition will offer me a true taste of a career as a superyacht designer,” says Southampton Solent University student, Katherine Selfe.  She says “My passion for hand-drawn concept sketches is something I have been developing for a number of years. In this competition, drawing concept sketches under pressure will simulate an experience in the working industry, similar to a design brief to be completed within a constrained time. Furthermore this competition would provide an ideal environment to meet and connect with established designers and showcase my work.”

Judging their designs and deciding which talented students win the first prize, a four-week internship at Pendennis Shipyard, and the second prize, a two-week internship at Olesinski, will be a panel of world-renowned designers and industry professionals.

The winner and runner up for the Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition 2018 will be announced at a special presentation ceremony at 15:30 on Thursday 11 January 2018. The award will be made on the Show’s Legends Theatre, powered by British Marine. Following this, all of the students competing designs will be on display at the Superyacht UK Technical Seminar Drinks Reception.