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how to be a yacht designer

How to Be Yacht Designer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

  • How to Become
  • Job Descriptions
  • Skill & Competencies
  • Common Tools
  • Professional Organizations

The role of the Yacht Designer is crucial to the modern yacht industry, as they are responsible for creating beautiful and functional vessels that meet their clients' needs. The Yacht Designer's responsibilities include conceptualizing designs, specifying materials, and working collaboratively with the engineers to ensure that the yacht meets safety standards. As a result, the Yacht Designer's work has a direct impact on the success of the yacht and its performance in various conditions.

To ensure a successful yacht design, the Yacht Designer must have an understanding of naval architecture, engineering, and aesthetics, as well as a deep knowledge of materials and production techniques. With these skills, the Yacht Designer can create yachts that are both structurally sound and visually appealing.

Steps How to Become

  • Obtain a bachelor's degree in naval architecture or marine engineering. Most employers require a minimum of a bachelor's degree.
  • Take courses in yacht design. During your undergraduate studies, take courses that are specific to yacht design and engineering.
  • Receive on-the-job training. Many employers prefer to hire people with experience in the industry, so internships or apprenticeships may be beneficial.
  • Earn a master's degree in naval architecture or marine engineering. This will give you an edge over other applicants.
  • Obtain certification as a yacht designer. You can obtain certification through organizations such as the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC).
  • Stay up to date with advances in the industry. Technology is constantly changing, so it is important to keep up with the latest trends and developments.
  • Network with other yacht designers. Joining professional organizations and attending conferences will help you stay current and build relationships with other professionals in the field.

You may want to check Yacht Sales Manager , Yacht Electronics Technician , and Yacht Repair Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

  • Develop creative concepts, designs and layouts for new yacht projects.
  • Perform detailed calculations to determine structural integrity and stability of yacht designs.
  • Utilize CAD software to create detailed plans, schematics and renderings for yacht designs.
  • Liaise with naval architects, engineers and other stakeholders to ensure all requirements are met.
  • Monitor the construction process to ensure design integrity is maintained throughout the build.
  • Conduct research on current trends in yacht design and develop innovative solutions.
  • Prepare technical reports and presentations for clients on design solutions.
  • Estimate costs associated with yacht designs and evaluate solutions to reduce costs.
  • Create technical drawings and documentation for yacht designers and builders.
  • Participate in boat shows, industry events and seminars to develop relationships with potential clients.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  • Knowledge of boat building materials and techniques
  • Knowledge of boat design principles and hydrodynamics
  • Knowledge of boat systems and components
  • Creativity and innovative thinking
  • Computer-aided design (CAD) skills
  • Ability to understand and interpret client requirements
  • Excellent problem-solving skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Good communication skills
  • Project management and budgeting skills

Having a good eye for aesthetics and an understanding of the science behind yacht design are essential skills for any successful yacht designer. Knowing the basics of physics, hydrodynamics, and aerodynamics allows the designer to create a yacht that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also structurally sound and efficient. strong communication skills and an ability to collaborate with engineers and other professionals are key to properly executing the design plan.

Understanding the needs of the customer, such as their lifestyle, budget, and safety requirements, is also essential in order to create a design that meets the client’s expectations. a successful yacht designer is able to take all of these components into consideration when creating the perfect design.

Yacht Painter , Yacht Refrigeration Technician , and Yacht Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

  • What experience do you have designing and constructing yachts?
  • How do you stay up to date on the latest yacht design trends?
  • What materials and techniques do you use when designing a yacht?
  • What is your creative process for designing a yacht?
  • Describe a project you have completed that you are particularly proud of.
  • How do you work with clients to create custom yacht designs?
  • What challenges have you faced when designing and building yachts?
  • How would you integrate new technologies into yacht design?
  • What safety considerations do you take into account when designing a yacht?
  • How do you ensure the quality of the yachts you design?

Common Tools in Industry

  • CAD Software. Computer-aided design (CAD) software is used to create 2D and 3D models of yachts for detailed design and construction. (eg. Autodesk AutoCAD)
  • 3D Modeling Software. 3D modeling software enables designers to create realistic and accurate renderings of their yachts before they are built. (eg. Autodesk 3ds Max)
  • Marine Design Software. Marine design software helps designers to analyze yacht hydrodynamics, structural integrity, and stability. (eg. Maxsurf)
  • Naval Architecture Software. Naval architecture software helps designers to calculate a variety of parameters related to yacht performance, such as slip, drag, and lift. (eg. Delftship)
  • Simulation Software. Simulation software helps designers to simulate a variety of scenarios, such as wave action and wind forces, to test the yacht’s performance. (eg. OrcaFlex)
  • Hull Design Software. Hull design software helps designers to calculate the optimal shape and dimensions of the yacht hull for optimal performance and stability. (eg. Rhino Marine Design)

Professional Organizations to Know

  • American Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (ASNAME)
  • The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA)
  • International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA)
  • International Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (IYDS)
  • The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC)
  • National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)
  • British Marine Federation (BMF)
  • Boat Builders and Repairers Association (BBRA)
  • International Superyacht Society (ISS)
  • International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI)

We also have Yacht Electrician , Yacht Steward , and Yacht Upholsterer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

  • Naval Architecture – the science and art of designing, building, and maintaining ships, boats, and other watercraft.
  • Marine Engineering – the branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction, and operation of ships and other marine vessels.
  • Systems Engineering – the practice of designing and building complex systems by taking into account their integration, interactions, and interdependencies.
  • Hydrodynamics – the study of the motion of fluids, particularly liquids, and the forces acting on them.
  • Structural Engineering – the science and art of designing and constructing structures that are strong, durable, and safe.
  • Drafting – the act of creating a technical drawing of an object or system.
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) – the use of computer-based tools to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional models of a design object or system.
  • Materials Science – the study of the structure, properties, and behavior of materials on a molecular level.
  • Marine Safety – the practice of taking measures to protect people, property, and the environment from potential hazards associated with marine activities.
  • Aerospace Engineering – the field of engineering dealing with the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of air and space vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a yacht designer.

A Yacht Designer is responsible for designing recreational vessels such as sailboats, motorboats, and yachts. They create plans and specifications that are used to build and construct the vessels.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Yacht Designer?

To become a Yacht Designer, one must have a degree in naval architecture or marine engineering, and must also have knowledge of engineering principles, construction techniques, materials science, and hydrodynamics.

What type of tasks does a Yacht Designer perform?

A Yacht Designer performs tasks such as creating plans and designs for vessels, conducting research into new materials and construction methods, evaluating vessel performance, and working with manufacturers to ensure the accuracy of their plans.

What tools do Yacht Designers use?

Yacht Designers use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create plans and designs for vessels, as well as naval architecture software to analyze vessel performance. They also use physical models and testing equipment to evaluate their designs.

What is the job outlook for Yacht Designers?

The job outlook for Yacht Designers is positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting an 8% growth in the field from 2019-2029.

What are jobs related with Yacht Designer?

  • Yacht Rigging Designer
  • Yacht Refit Technician
  • Yacht Plumber
  • Yacht Delivery Captain
  • Yacht Supply Manager
  • Yacht Project Manager
  • Yacht Charter Manager
  • Yacht Fabrication Technician
  • Yacht Carpet Installer
  • Yacht Refit Supervisor

Web Resources

  • Yacht Design - IED www.ied.edu
  • Dynamic Yacht Design Course - The Landing School www.landingschool.edu
  • Yacht Interior Design - Design Institute of San Diego www.disd.edu

Author Photo

BK Yacht Design

UNDERSTANDING BOAT DESIGN PROCESS: CONCEPT TO CREATION

The boat design process is a multi-faceted and technical endeavor that encompasses several stages, each with its own set of challenges and considerations. The process requires a comprehensive understanding of naval architecture, structural engineering, and materials science. In this article, we will outline the four primary stages of the boat design process and the specific technical considerations involved in each stage.

Stage 1: Conceptual Design

The initial stage of the boat design process is conceptual design. This stage involves creating initial sketches and concepts that will ultimately be refined and developed into a final design. During this stage, the designer must take into account factors such as the intended use of the boat, the type of water it will operate in, and the number of passengers and crew it must accommodate. Additionally, the designer will consider the overall aesthetic of the boat, including its lines, shape, and style.

16m Catamaran

  • Brainstorming: The designer will gather information and ideas about the project and begin sketching various concepts that could work.
  • Research: It is important to research the intended use of the boat and the type of water it will operate in, as well as the number of passengers and crew it must accommodate.
  • Evaluation: After creating several concepts, the designer will evaluate each one, taking into account factors such as feasibility, cost, and overall aesthetic.
  • Concept Sketches: The designer will sketch out different concepts, keeping in mind the intended use, size, and overall aesthetic of the boat.
  • Profile/top view 2D: The designer will create a 2D profile and top view of the boat, which will provide a detailed view of the overall shape and layout.

Stage 2: 3D Visualization & Renderings

Once the designer has settled on a final concept, the next step in the boat design is to create a 3D visualization of the boat. This stage involves creating a detailed, three-dimensional model of the boat that can be viewed from all angles. The model will include all of the major components of the boat, including the hull, deck, and superstructure.

7m HDPE Boat

  • Complete 3D model: The designer will create a detailed 3D model of the boat’s exterior, including all of the major components such as the hull, deck, and superstructure.
  • Photo-realistic renders: The designer will then create photo-realistic renders of the boat, using advanced texturing, lighting, and rendering techniques.

Stage 3: Detailed Design & Construction Drawings

Once the 3D model is complete, the final step in the boat design process is to create detailed construction plans. These plans will include all of the information necessary to build the boat, including detailed plans for the hull, deck, and superstructure, as well as specifications for materials and components.

WORKBOAT 16M

  • Final hull shape optimization: The designer will use the results of structural calculations to further optimize the shape of the hull for improved performance and stability.
  • Weight Estimate: The designer will also estimate the weight of the boat, taking into account all of the materials and components that will be used in its construction.
  • Structural Drawings: The designer will perform structural calculations to determine the strength and stability of the boat. These calculations will take into account factors such as the weight of the boat, the forces it will be subjected to, and the materials used in its construction.
  • Stability: The designer will also perform stability calculations to ensure that the boat will remain upright and stable in various conditions. This will include determining the center of gravity and the metacentric height of the boat.
  • Resistance and Powering Calculation: The designer will also perform resistance calculations to determine the amount of drag the boat will experience in the water. This will be used to optimize the boat’s hull shape and propulsion system.
  • CNC Files: The designer will create CNC (computer numerical control) files, which will be used to control computer-controlled cutting machines during the construction process. These files will contain precise instructions for cutting and shaping the materials used in the construction of the boat.
  • Manufacturing Drawings: The designer will create detailed manufacturing drawings for each component of the boat, including the hull, deck, and superstructure. These drawings will contain all of the necessary information for the construction and assembly of the boat, including dimensions, material specifications, and fastening locations.
  • Bill of Materials: The designer will also create a bill of materials, which is a comprehensive list of all the materials and components that will be required to construct the boat. This list will include items such as the type and quantity of materials, as well as the suppliers and vendors who will be providing them.

Stage 4: Launch & sea trials

After the construction is completed, the boat is launched into the water. This can be done by either hauling it out of the dry dock or sliding it down a slipway into the water. Sea trials: Sea trials are conducted to test the boat’s performance and seaworthiness. This includes testing the boat’s speed, maneuverability, stability, and handling. The boat is also checked for any leaks or other issues that may have arisen during the construction process. Any necessary adjustments or repairs are made before the boat is delivered to the client.

16m Passenger Ferry

In summary, the boat design process is a complex and technical endeavor that involves several stages. Each stage requires a thorough understanding of naval architecture, structural engineering, and materials science. By following these stages and paying attention to the specific technical considerations involved, a designer can create a safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing boat that will meet the requirements of the client.

To read about the “ QUESTIONS TO ASK A DESIGNER TO BUILD YOUR DREAM BOAT “, click here

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3DSourced

Top 8 Best Boat Design Software in 2024 (Free & Paid)

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Written by: 3DSourced

January 16, 2024

Whether you’re a student, a hobbyist, or a professional, finding the right software is the key first step to designing a boat. However, with such a wide range of programs available, you need to make sure you choose the best boat design software for you.

We usually talk about 3D software in relation to 3D printing, but 3D modeling techniques are used across many applications and industries, including boat design. In fact, 3D printing is becoming increasingly prevalent in the boat design industry, with one example being Tanaruz’s 3D printed boats .

Quick Overview

  • Free!ship : Best Free Boat Design Software for Linux
  • Sailcut CAD : Free Sailboat Design Software
  • Bearboat SP : Free Boat Designer for Small Boats & Kayaks
  • DELFTship : Intuitive Free Boat Design Tool with Professional Option
  • Fusion 360 : Best Free Boat Design Software for Beginners & Mac
  • SketchUp : Best Boat Design App for iPad
  • Autoship : Best for Naval & Marine Architecture, Best for Windows
  • Solidworks : Best for Aluminum Boat Design Software & Best for Yachts

In this guide, we review several 3D ship design software to help you do just that. We’ll take a close look at both free and professional options, so that you’ll be able to find a suitable program regardless of your budget and experience.

Read more: our feature story on 3D printed boats

Best Free Boat Design Software

1. freeship – best free boat design software for linux.

Yacht designed in Free!ship

Completely free and open source 

Subdivision modeling to design any hull shape

Can export designs in a range of file formats

Can submit support and feature requests 

Positive reviews from users 

Can be tricky for novices to get used to 

Not available on Mac 

Unlike most of the boat building software on our list, Free!ship isn’t developed by a company, but rather by an individual called Marven with a desire to make boat design accessible to anyone.

Free!ship is a surface modeling program for designing ships and yachts, using subdivision surfaces modeling rather than NURBs, providing the freedom to design hulls of any shape. 

Available on Windows and Linux, you can get started with this free CAD software by automatically generating a basic boat structure to use as a template. You can then easily use the nodes on the structure, as well as a variety of tools like curve, split, collapse, and insert plane, to reshape the design to your liking.

You need to fill in certain parameters, such as:

  • Boat length
  • Beam length
  • Longitudinal and vertical direction

Once you’ve done that, you can view your boat design in four different perspectives and every angle to help you finalize your structure.

Free!ship offers the option to fill out support requests, feature requests, and report bugs. However, bear in mind that design beginners may be better off with a professional free ship design software that has more support options and tutorials available, as you don’t get any training with Free!ship.

2. Sailcut CAD – Free Sailboat Design Software

how to be a yacht designer

Specialist sailboat design software 

Easy to use node editing

Supports a variety of sail designs

Export designs in different file types including DXF files

Not suitable for designing other boat types

If you’re looking for a free small boat design software specifically geared towards designing sails and sailboats, you can’t go wrong with Sailcut CAD .

This design and plotting software can be used to design the sail, hull, and rail of a boat, in addition to precisely computing panel development in flat sheets.

You can use it for a variety of different sail types, including wing sails, cross cut, twist foot cut, vertical cut, mitre cut, and radicul cut, so it’s a versatile tool that will suit virtually any sailboat designer.

The software provides a base design template that you can then edit and view in a variety of formats, including shaded, wireframe, and development. It provides control over all the key dimensions of your sailboat, such as boat length, gaff round, and seam width.

Sailcut provides documentation that explains how to use it for CAD as well as community mailing lists and a bug tracker where you can report issues.

3. Bearboat SP – Free Boat Designer for Small Boats & Kayaks 

Bearboat Software

Specialist kayak design software 

Simple to use 

Control all aspects of your design

Multiple view options

Advanced tools like wetting

Not suitable for larger boat designs

Dated interface 

Bearboat SP is a specialist kayak design software that can also be used to design other similar types of small boats.

People have been using Bearboat to design kayaks since 1998 – and it’s the most popular program for this specific type of boat design. 

It’s a fairly simple, no-frills software that makes it easy to get stuck straight in. You begin by filling in the core boat hull parameters, such as length, stability, and design deplacement, and then just click the ‘create’ button to generate your base kayak template. 

From there, you can go about making structural changes to aspects like shape seam, bow and stern seam height, and rockers parameters. You can also easily change dimensions using the nodes on the 2D wireframe design.

There are three viewing options – bird view, side view, and cross-section view – for inspecting your design from different perspectives, as well as options such as changing the color of the wireframe design for easier analysis. 

Advanced features include the ability to view the wetted surface and underwater area, and a drag spreadsheet that contains all the parameters of your boat design, making Bearboat SP a well-rounded boat design tool overall.

4. DELFTship – Intuitive Free Boat Design Tool with Professional Option

how to be a yacht designer

More up-to-date and intuitive than other free boat design software tools

Impressive model rendering

Professional license and extension options

Perform basic calculations to check buoyancy and other factors

Free version has limited features compared to paid version

DELFTship is another great free boat design software, and offers a somewhat more professional and up-to-date solution versus Sailcut and Free!ship, with more impressive renderings than other free programs.

This 3D hull form modeling program is very intuitive with a range of easy-to-use design features, including lots of nodes that make it simple to edit your base model just by dragging and dropping.

You can inspect your models from five different viewpoints and convert them to wireframes and other formats to better analyze structure. Features like the keel and rudder wizard make it simple to design additional components of your boat.

DELFTship provides an unlimited free version alongside a professional license that costs $160. You can also add on extensions and board stability analysis calculations upon request for additional fees.

Even without the paid license you can still use DELFTship free to perform basic hydrostatic calculations and resistance calculations to help improve the precision of your designs, making this one of the most impressive free boat design tools. 

5. Fusion 360 – Best Free Boat Design Software for Beginners & Mac

how to be a yacht designer

More beginner-friendly than other boat design software 

Lots of learning resources & tutorials

High quality, flexible 3D modeling tool

Impressive renderings

Available on Mac

Not a specialist boat hull design software

Unlike the other programs we’ve covered so far Fusion 360 is a general purpose 3D modeling software that’s not specifically made for boat designing. However, it’s still widely used in boat designing, and its more general nature has some advantages.

For starters, designing a boat is a fairly large and complex task, and the more specialist software like Free!ship and Bearboat SP are complex if you’re new to computer aided design. 

While Fusion 360 still has a learning curve, it’s one of the best designed, intuitive, and beginner-friendly 3D modeling software out there. On top of that, it has a huge range of learning resources and tutorials, great support, and a large user community, so it’s very popular among new designers.

In fact, there are a variety of YouTube videos and written tutorials showing how to use Fusion 360 for boat design and for different types of vessels, including yachts and canoes. These include videos showing how to design wooden boats , so it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a plywood boat design software.

Another benefit of Fusion 360 is that, unlike most naval architecture boat design software, it’s available on Mac. It even has iOS and Android apps that allow you to view designs and collaborate via your smartphone or tablet. 

Fusion 360 is also free for three years as long as you’re using it non-commercially.

Best Paid Boat Design Software 

6. sketchup – best boat design app for ipad.

  • Price : $119 a year for the app (free online version available)

how to be a yacht designer

3D modeling iPad app

High quality renderings

Intuitive and beginner-friendly

Free online version available

Not specialized for boat design

SketchUp is another general purpose 3D software used for boat design. While it’s not one of the most widely used boat design programs, the reason it’s on our list is that it’s one of the few premier 3D CAD tools that has a fully-fledged mobile app for iPad.

While some programs like Fusion 360 have viewer apps, these don’t have the modeling tools of their desktop counterparts. However, with the SketchUp iPad app, you can enjoy advanced modeling on a tablet, and you can even get creative using an Apple Pencil stylus.

There are a variety of tutorials and videos showing how to design boats with SketchUp, and as a user-friendly software it’s a good option for beginners. SketchUp also boasts high quality renderings for producing 3D boat designs that you can easily share with anyone. 

While the SketchUp boat design app has a yearly fee, you can also use the software for free using the online-only version, or choose from a variety of desktop licenses that vary in terms of features and storage.

SketchUp also offers iPhone and Android apps, although these are more stripped back versions more suited to viewing and sharing designs on your mobile.

7. Autoship – Best for Naval & Marine Architecture, Best for Windows

  • Price : upon quote 

Boat designed in Autoship

Large software suite that covers the entire boat design pipeline

Used by professional boat manufacturers

Highly intuitive NURBs modeling

Comprehensive testing features and data management

Extensive training and support

Can be used to create load plans

Not available on Mac

Steep learning curve 

Autoship is a software suite designed for professional naval and marine architects that provides solutions for every aspect in the boat design process, from modeling to construction and load planning modules for more optimal loading.

In terms of design, Autoship software offers five different CAD/CAM solutions:

  • Autoship Pro – a hull design and surface modeling program.
  • Modelmaker – for creating 3D models of vessels and components.
  • Autohydro Pro – for analyzing hydrostatics and stability of your models.
  • Autoplate – a plate design, expansion, and management system.
  • Autopower – for resistance and powering predictions.

So, you can create a package with any number of these programs based on your needs. The great thing about Autoship software is all the programs are fully integrated, so any changes made to your model integrate into each solution.

Autoship Pro is the primary design solution in this suite, with a vast array of advanced features for designing vessels. Based on NURBs modeling, the intuitive interface allows you to work in up to four views simultaneously with ten levels of zoom and unzoom for top precision.

Some of the impressive features of this vessel design software include extensive context menus to help speed up operations, the ability to color surfaces so it’s easy to pick out parts in complex designs, curvature displays for curves and surfaces, hydrostatic and resistance calculations, and strength assessment tools.

Overall, with its mix of powerful design, testing, and engineering features, Autoship is one of the most complete boat design software on the market.

8. Solidworks – Best for Aluminum Boat Design Software & Best for Yachts

  • Price : upon quote

Yacht designed in Solidworks

Solidworks is one of the most advanced 3D CAD/CAM software out there and is widely used across design and engineering industries, from automotive to aerospace as well as boat design. 

In fact, this software is used by a number of leading boat manufacturers. One such example is Kvichak Marine Industries, a Seattle-based maker of high quality aluminum vessels, including both passenger and industrial boats.

In this v i deo , the assistant chief engineer explains how Solidworks’ highly precise 3D modeling tools allow them to improve processes by spotting issues quicker and therefore improve efficiency, with the ability to inspect every element from the individual pipes within hulls to the connections within engines.

Solidworks’ extremely advanced and flexible modeling allows you to create any type of boat you like. There’s even an eBook that explains each step in designing a superyacht using Solidworks.

While this software is mostly used by professional companies, there are also numerous YouTube videos showing you how to design a boat with it, so it’s accessible to amateurs.

What is Boat Design Software?

A boat design software is a program used to sketch, plan, and model a boat in 3D. Popular boat design programs include Free!ship, Solidworks, Fusion 360, and Autoship.

What is naval architecture?

Naval architecture is the processing of designing and engineering marine vessels like ships and boats, as well as their parts. Naval architects also work in boat and ship repair. 

Do I need special software for designing boats?

You don’t need a special boat design software to design boats and ships. While there are a number of specialist boat design software tools out there, general 3D modeling CAD programs like Fusion 360 and AutoCAD are also used for this purpose. 

What Can You Do With Boat Software? 

All boat software have different features that determine what you can do with them. For example, certain programs are designed for creating certain types of boats, such as kayaks and sailboats, so this is the first consideration you need to make to find a suitable program.

More expensive programs typically offer a much wider range of features than paid versions. At the top end are industrial solutions like Autoship and Solidworks, which offer extremely high quality and flexible modeling tools and provide support for testing, manufacturing, and engineering processes, so they’re complete solutions. 

There are also software like DELFTship and Fusion 360 that provide both free and paid versions, so you can try out the free versions and then upgrade if you want the extra features available on the paid licenses.

What Can You Do With Boat Software

Buying Guide – Things to consider when choosing boat software

Buying Guide-Boat Design Software

Type of Boat

Boats come in all different shapes and sizes, and some software are specially built for designing certain types of boats. For example, Bearboat SP is primarily geared towards kayak designing, while Sailcut is for sailboats. 

On the other hand, general 3D modeling software like Fusion 360 and Solidworks are more flexible, so you could use it as a Yacht design software and for other types of boats. The benefits of this are the increased flexibility and beginner-friendliness, but these general programs can lack some of the more specialist features that the likes of Bearboat SP and Sailcut have.

Compatibility

The device you’re using is going to have an impact on what naval architecture software you use, as most programs only work on certain operating systems.

In fact, the majority of boat design software are only compatible with Windows. If you’re looking for a boat design software for Mac, Linux, or iPad, you may be best off using a more general purpose 3D modeling software like Fusion 360 or SketchUp.

3D Rendering & Graphic Quality

Free programs like Free!ship, Sailcut, and Bearboat SP are all great for creating precise boat designs at no expense, but in terms of graphics and 3D model rendering, they’re all very basic. 

Yachts rendered in Solidworks and SketchUp

This isn’t unusual when it comes to free programs, and if you’re not bothered about graphics then it’s no issue. However, if you do want to create higher quality models and renderings – which is especially important if you’re a student or aspiring professional boat designer – then you’ll need a program that provides this, such as Solidworks or Autoship.

Usability & Training

Boat design isn’t exactly a simple process, so if you’re a complete beginner, you’ll want a software that’s easier to get to grips with. 

The free boat design software we’ve covered are all fairly simple to use, but the level of intuitiveness and support varies. If you’re a complete newbie to computer design, you may want to go for a widely used modeling software like SketchUp or Fusion 360, both of which boast great support, large communities, and more tutorials than specialist boat structural design software.

Budget & Free Trial 

The price of boat design software can vary a lot, from free programs to expensive professional solutions like Solidworks and Autoship that can cost thousands, so bear this in mind. Many paid boat design software offer free trials, so you should definitely take advantage of this to try a program out.

What software is best for basic boat design?

Free!ship, Delftship, and Sailcut are all popular free software that allow you to create basic boat designs. 

How do you design a yacht?

If you want to design yachts, the first step is to find a high quality yacht designing software such as Solidworks or Autoship.

How do you become a boat architect / ship designer?

To be a boat architect or ship designer you need to first obtain a relevant degree, such as a BEng or MEng in naval architecture.

How much do yacht architects make?

Yacht and naval architects can make anywhere from $60,000 to $150,000 depending on their experience and position, with the average salary around $75,000.

Autoship, Solidworks, Maxsurf, and OrcaFlex are all popular marine design software that are used in professional ship design.

To become a boat designer you first need a degree in a relevant subject, such as naval architecture, ship science, or marine technology. 

The best way to learn how to make a boat hull in Solidworks is by watching one the boast hull design tutorial provided by Solidworks Product Manager Mark Biasotti.

The first step to designing a yacht is finding a suitable CAD software, such as Solidworks or Fusion 360.

Lightning CAD Dock Designer is one of the most popular boat dock design software.

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  • Top Picks For Beginner & Pro Free Furniture Design Software
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  • Garage Design Software
  • Great Pool Design Software

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how to be a yacht designer

How long does it take to design a yacht?

Published 15 June 2021

In a world where conformity is the norm, the superyacht industry stands apart. Designing a yacht is a wholly personalised process, determined by a wholly personalised brief.

How will your yacht be used? Where will you cruise? Will it charter? What hobbies will it cater for? And of course, what’s the budget? After that, all that remains is to sketch out your dream. That's where our New Build Sales team comes in, to help connect the best commercial, operational, and technical teams and ensure your vision comes to life.

Burgess

Starting the design process

How long does it take to design a yacht?

Beginning the design process is a daunting task, even for the most seasoned yacht owners. But designing a superyacht is a smooth ride with an experienced designer on your side. Preferably one with naval architecture expertise, too. The interior design phase tends to take the longest, but creative flare and knowledge are key to getting it right.

Contact our construction team

Translating your dream superyacht concept to paper is tricky, and this is where our skilled construction team can assist. At Burgess, we understand the building process. We factor in material costs. We project manage the entire process for you. We can even introduce a designer. How long does it take to design a superyacht? As long as you need.

How long does it take to design a yacht?

How will your yacht be used?

If you regard your yacht as a boat to sail on, you’ll enjoy the seven seas. But if you design your yacht as a go-anywhere home, you can enjoy the world. Watersports enthusiasts will like a rejuvenating beach club for close-to-the-water action. Intrepid explorers will value amphibious tenders or helicopter capability. If al fresco dining is top of your list, a sprawling sun deck with bar, grill and jacuzzi is a popular option. 

How long does it take to design a yacht?

Where will you be sailing your yacht?

The balmy Bahamian waters are a popular winter cruising ground, but they require a shallow draft. To best experience the cool trade winds of the  Caribbean , a sailing yacht is the ticket. For chic but smaller ports, such as Sydney Harbour or Capri, only yachts below 70m will fit. And if the higher latitudes are calling, be sure to build an ice-class vessel.

How long does it take to design a yacht?

What features would you need on your yacht?

Storage can be a contentious issue on board, so if you want to kit the boat out with the latest watertoys and tenders, make sure to leave enough space. Consider crew areas and function, too; their ability to work well under less pressure is best for everyone. Then a cinema on the sun deck for starlit movies, a spa on the lower deck for indulgent relaxation, and an underwater observation lounge can round off a boat design nicely.

How long does it take to design a yacht?

How long does the design process take?

Designing a superyacht is the most critical stage, but there is no right or wrong amount of time. The design needs to meet all your requirements, and only then is it complete. With this in mind, the average length of time to design a yacht is between nine months and a year.

How long does it take to design a yacht?

Starting the build process

How long does it take to design a yacht?

Designing a superyacht that delivers on your dream is one thing, finding a shipyard that can make that design work is another. At Burgess, our expert New Construction team is in constant communication with shipyards around the world and can advise on those best suited to deliver your yacht to the highest build quality, on schedule and to budget.

Building your superyacht

Once the first cut of steel is made, the build has begun. There are several key stages in a yacht build, which include the laying of the keel, joining of the hull and superstructure, and the exterior and interior outfitting. Even the exterior paint job can represent around one third of the total build time.

How long does it take to design a yacht?

Every new yacht will go through sea trials to test its performance. This is the first opportunity to find out if the finished boat can reach its contracted top speed, has great manoeuvrability, and for the yacht owner to make any final requests before final delivery.

how to be a yacht designer

How long does an average build of a yacht take?

It takes an average of three to four years to build a fully-custom superyacht. Boats built on speculation by a shipyard offer shorter delivery times, which is a great option for yacht owners who don’t want to wait. But for those keen on designing their own fully bespoke superyacht, the longer build time pays dividends. 

how to be a yacht designer

Delivery of your yacht

How long does it take to design a yacht?

Taking delivery of your dream yacht is an astonishing experience, and one that yacht owners relish forever. To take receipt of an exquisite boat tailored to you and your family is an exceptional feat. It is the gateway to private exploration, being exposed to once in a lifetime experiences, and cruising areas only accessible by boat or private jet. It is the final stage in creating a yacht that meets your exact needs and having the freedom to enjoy it.

Build your dream yacht with Burgess

Superyacht new builds are as varied as the people who own them. Every person’s dream has its own meaning, and every yacht design satisfies a unique vision. At Burgess, our yacht brokers and new construction team are always on hand to guide and support you throughout the entire process, from the first sketched line to the maiden voyage, and beyond. 

Contact our New Construction team to discuss your options.

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter , please contact a Burgess broker . Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London , Monaco , New York , Miami , Singapore or all other locations .

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How Much Does it Cost to Design a Yacht, Engineering Rates, & Pricing for Companies?

  •   3D Modeling , CAD Design , Product Design
  •   last updated Feb 10, 2023

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This post tells you more about how much it costs to design a yacht, engineering rates, and company pricing. Designing a yacht is complicated; even an experienced naval architect may need six months to more than a year to produce a complete ready-to-build yacht design. A yacht should be an attractive, comfortable, efficient, safe, and effective means of water transportation. While the aesthetic aspect is critical, the exterior design process is simple compared to the marine engineering and mechanical design services required for the internal systems. The outer shell appearance will also affect the propulsion, electronics, stability, structural rigidity, plumbing, and hydrodynamics. 

RELATED: What are boat design costs & naval engineering rates for marine services companies?

How Much Does it Cost to Design a Yacht?

The cost for a yacht “design only” work ranges from $3,000 to $30,000, depending on the plan’s details. Generally, the design cost of a yacht should not exceed 15% – 20% of the overall build. However, some small boats with sophisticated onboard equipment and luxury features require the assistance of a more experienced engineering design expert than their larger counterparts. The money you spend on the design may account for a significant percentage of the overall cost.

Fee structures

A naval architect may use one of the standard pricing structures below.

* Fixed commission

The fixed commission is a set percentage of the cost of the completed yacht. One issue with a fixed pricing structure is the owner’s lack of project specifications. A naval architect needs a comprehensive, well-defined description of a yacht concept and an elaborate design contract to consider fixed commission an option. The precise contract specifications restrict the client’s ability to demand design revisions. As far as marine and yacht design services are concerned, a slight interior layout or mechanism change can alter the entire design approach.

RELATED:  Accessible design: better products for everyone

Every modification to the original concept must come with a formal “change order” and a separate fee for renegotiation. As a result, the fixed percentage fee structure can be complex. The total cost of a completed yacht remains unknown until the project concludes. Factors such as the contractor’s experience, builders’ qualifications, and labor can significantly affect the price. A fixed commission is often an overly expensive pricing structure for the owner.

Naval architecture design companies have to cover contingencies during the construction process, which means there has to be a generous margin in the initial estimate. Although the percentage is a predetermined number, the commission is impossible to determine during the design phase.

RELATED: The history and future of 3D CAD design & modeling

yacht-and-marine-design-experts

* Hourly rate

For design-only work, an hourly rate pricing structure is preferable. An experienced naval architect knows how much time it will take to create a design based on the rough sketches or concepts provided by the client. The more detailed the design requested the more accurate the estimation will be. Most yacht designers (naval architects or marine engineers) charge an hourly rate for their services. According to the USA Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average pay rate is as follows:

10%25%Median75%90%
$27.19$36.83$44.89$57.02$73.02
$56,550$76,600$93,370$118,610$151,880

Note: BLS estimates as of May 2021 (latest available data)

RELATED: Finite element analysis costs, consulting company rates & engineering services pricing

* A combination of fixed commission and hourly rate

A naval architect may offer a flexible pricing structure using a combination of a fixed commission and an hourly rate. The design phase has to be divided into two stages for the method. An hourly rate fee is used during the first or preliminary design work, in which the client can request changes as necessary. The client and architect determine the yacht specifications, including the layout, dimensions, materials, stability, weights, hydrostatics, and performance. Regardless of numerous modifications, the architect is paid by the hour. A combined approach allows the client customizations while fairly compensating the architect.

For example, the architect’s rate is $80 per hour for a 37-foot-long yacht design. The architect can finish the job in 140 hours for a total design cost of $11,200 without client alterations . With alterations, the job increases to 280 hours for a total cost of $22,400 . A fixed commission applies as soon as the preliminary design is completed. Using the information accumulated during the first phase, the client may want to switch to a fixed fee structure. A percentage-based fee is necessary when the client is ready to begin the construction process or uses the same architect to oversee the progress.

RELATED: How much do engineering design services cost for company design R&D?

Third-party consultant fee

A naval architect may need to hire third-party consultants to help with the project. The consulting fees range from $50 to $80 per hour , depending on the job’s complexity.

Basic Yacht Design Plan

A basic yacht design by a naval architect should include the outboard profile, deck layout, general arrangement of equipment, and at least one mode of construction. All the drawings for those plans are made for the client. In some cases, 3d product modeling services are required where the architect provides a 3D model of the hull shape (solid or surface) as a digital file. The outline includes details to quote labor and materials for the yacht’s specifications, i.e., stability and hydrostatics. A complete yacht design set contains construction drawings for all parts of the boat and information on building the structure. Electrical and plumbing schematics are provided as suggested by consultants specializing in the fields. 

RELATED: How much does product design cost & what are the prices for freelance design firms?

Comprehensive yacht design plan

A complete package pays for itself during the construction phase. A comprehensive yacht design plan provides all construction details, including the engine specification and shafting installation procedure. Hardware pieces, weight estimate, and structural stability calculation required for the build are specified. Mylar patterns are also for the deck, hull, keel, rudder, and bulkheads. A contractor needs as much detail as possible to ensure the yacht floats, performs as intended, and operates safely. The basic package offers little detail for construction, and the builders will have difficulty developing the configuration. Clarifying details will cost the client money during the project and in the long run. 

Set a budget and stick to it

Naval architects and marine engineering design experts can design yachts given client budgets to compensate for the work and cover overhead expenses. With unlimited financial resources, the client can have the most luxurious ship in the world. Prices can be exceedingly high, especially if the client wants personalized yacht designs. Clients determine a budget and consider the cost of the design and the construction itself. Once a budget has been established, consult a naval architect to understand what is technically and financially plausible.

RELATED: How your company can save money with 3D models

You will start with the initial consultation fee and finish with the delivery of the final design documents. However, some clients want to hurry the process and push to start building the yacht when the design is partially completed. As a result, the architect and the builders must play catch-up in the subsequent development. 

Cost of materials

The expense during the design phase goes to engineering design services , mainly to determine what should be installed and how the construction should be done. There is no cost for any material, such as paper/printing. A single drawing is roughly $1,500 to $3,000 , and a complete design requires more than just several drawings. If the client also wants a design for full-size patterns of Mylar, there will be an additional fee for the materials. The cost of paper and printing is tiny compared to the design work, but Mylar and plotter ink cartridges are not cheap. The architect will bill the client for the items.

RELATED: Top 9 design engineering tips for reducing manufacturing costs on new product designs & prototypes

naval-design-services

Custom yacht design by size 

There aren’t many small custom boats for a reason. A small or large boat may require the same design fee since the construction cost increases with size. The design cost for a small ship is disproportionately high, and a large vessel can absorb the architect’s fee quite easily. During the design process, the time and engineering details cost around the same for 28-feet and 38-feet yachts.

A naval architect exerts the same effort to complete either length, and the extra length does not translate to a higher difficulty level. Sometimes, it is more challenging to design a small custom boat due to space constraints. Assuming a custom (personalized) build is not a factor, a client can use an already-made design from a builder for a small fee. The naval architect who created the design retains intellectual property ownership unless the client purchases it.

RELATED: Top 3 reasons to hire a freelance CAD engineer

The typical yacht design process

The design process of a yacht goes through six stages:

  • Design Concept
  • Preliminary Design
  • Construction Quotes
  • Final Design

For a “design-only” work, the process excludes the last two stages: Construction and Delivery.

Design concept

The very first idea of a concept lies in the client’s mind. A client knows a few general specifications about the yacht, whether the overall dimension, power or engine, shape, and materials. Sometimes the client only knows what they want to do once the boat is ready, for example cruising the world or living in the expanses of the seas. Quick research into the boat market, both new and used, should give a glimpse of the average price. The client will finally call a mechanical CAD drafting and design professional or naval architect to consult about the design and inform the professional about the realistic budget range.

RELATED: How do engineers evaluate different design ideas?

Based on the description provided, the naval architect returns to the client to offer sketches and an estimate for the design work. Once the client approves a specific design, the subsequent discussion revolves around the pricing structure. An hourly rate is recommended at this point, considering the possibility of design revisions. The client and the architect sign the contract as the employer and the employee. 

Preliminary design

The main objective of the preliminary design phase is to determine if the concept is technically viable. A naval architect does all the calculations to ensure everything works as intended. Minor alterations in the specifications are not uncommon. Equipment specifications and construction methods come next. A 3D modeling design company helps determine the design’s stability and hydrostatics. The preliminary design data should also include power requirements and speed estimates. Another calculation limits the engine size and propeller, given the available space.

RELATED: 5 Tips for successful product design

With equipment and engine installed, the naval architect considers the boat’s weight to pinpoint the center of gravity and how they affect buoyancy. Although the naval architect uses a three-dimensional model, the preliminary design documents are likely comprised of two-dimensional sketches annotated with construction specifications . The supporting documents include power calculation, speed prediction, stability curve, and the expected weight capacity. There is no interior layout except photos of existing boats for design ideas.

At this stage, the client has not discussed it with a builder. An incomplete design document doesn’t include every structural detail necessary to build a yacht. It may not have an electrical schematic, plumbing lines configuration, a definitive list of equipment, or the desired finish level. The best time to talk with a builder is when the final design documents are ready.

marine-engineering-designers

RELATED: Understanding CAD services: from 2D drafting to 3D conversions

Final design

Following approval for the preliminary design, the naval architect begins the bulk of the work. A final design includes all the details builders need to construct the yacht. The outer shell of the boat is drawn as a three-dimensional surface model. It is a technical drawing to help define the mathematical values of the yacht’s exterior and some interior features. Cut edges of the deck and hull are visible in an exploded model view. Based on the same drawing, the naval architect creates two-dimensional construction plans.

Most builders love to work on a design containing as much information as possible. Some appreciate a minimum number of drawings and begin the construction using only major structural plans. They can decide the level of detail on the finished yacht. A client may ask an architect to include 2D electrical drafting services and plumbing configurations, but the professional must hire consultants. If the schematics are not in the final design drawings, the builders will produce them. The architect usually configures the primary electrical wiring and panels for a large yacht project. 

RELATED: Cad Crowd’s automobile design freelancers are top notch

If the yacht measures at least 60 feet long and is made of aluminum or steel, the only viable way to complete the final design is with CAD software. The internal structure of the yacht is drawn in 3D to expose the metal pieces required for the construction. Annotation is mandatory because the plates come in varying dimensions, numbered and referenced for the cutting process.

A client may require a 3D architectural rendering expert to provide a 3D rendering showcasing the finished boat as a digital mockup. The naval architect has to hire another professional 3D render artist to do the job. A quality rendering may cost from $3,000 to $10,000 per image .

RELATED: 3D Rendering Costs & 3D Visualization Prices for Firms

Additional design services

A client hires a naval architect or marine engineer to complete the design phase. The naval or marine architect may need assistance from electrical or structural engineers, but the third-party consultants are not directly communicating with the client. The naval architect can help the client seek bids from contractors and subsequently oversee the construction. Another agreement is in order if these services are not specified in the original design contract. Additional services come at an additional cost.

How Cad Crowd can help

Whether you work for a naval architecture firm, own a maritime logistics company, or are an individual looking to create a mega yacht for family travels, our team can work with you to ensure you get the naval design help you need. Visit our  website  to see the complete list of services we offer. Contact us today for a free quote.

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Lynch Yacht Sinking Off Sicily Proves as Baffling as It Is Tragic

As bodies were recovered, the authorities and experts wondered how a $40 million, stable and secure vessel could have sunk so quickly.

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A diver in an orange jumpsuit suit and crews in gray shirts and red trousers hoist remains in a blue body bag onto a boat, as others in reflector uniforms stand nearby.

By Emma Bubola and Michael J. de la Merced

Emma Bubola reported from Porticello, Italy, and Michael J. de la Merced from London.

Two months after being cleared in a bruising legal battle over fraud charges, the British tech mogul Mike Lynch celebrated his freedom with a cruise. He invited his family, friends and part of his legal team on board his luxury sailing yacht, a majestic 180-foot vessel named Bayesian after the mathematical theorem around which he had built his empire.

On Sunday night, after a tour of the Gulf of Naples, including Capri, and volcanic islands in the Eolian archipelago, the boat anchored half a mile off the Sicilian coast in Porticello, Italy. It chose a stretch of water favored by the Phoenicians thousands of years ago for its protection from the mistral wind and, in more recent times, by the yachts of tech billionaires. The boat was lit “like a Christmas tree,” local residents said, standing out against the full moon.

But about 4 a.m., calamity unfolded. A violent and fast storm hit the area with some of the strongest winds locals said they had ever felt. Fabio Cefalù, a fisherman, said he saw a flare pierce the darkness shortly after 4.

Minutes later, the yacht was underwater. Only dozens of cushions from the boat’s deck and a gigantic radar from its mast floated on the surface of the sea, fishermen said.

In all, 22 people were on board, 15 of whom were rescued. Six bodies — five passengers and the ship’s cook — had been recovered by Thursday afternoon, including that of Mr. Lynch, an Italian government official said, adding that the search was continuing for his daughter.

It was a tragic and mystifying turn of events for Mr. Lynch, 59, who had spent years seeking to clear his name and was finally inaugurating a new chapter in his life. Experts wondered how a $40 million yacht, so robust and stable could have been sunk by a storm near a port within minutes.

“It drives me insane,” said Giovanni Costantino, the chief executive of the Italian Sea Group, which in 2022 bought the company, Perini, that made the Bayesian. “Following all the proper procedures, that boat is unsinkable.”

The aura of misfortune only deepened when it emerged that Stephen Chamberlain, 52, a former vice president of finance for Mr. Lynch’s former company and a co-defendant in the fraud case, was killed two days earlier, when he was hit by a car while jogging near his house in England.

Since June, the two men had been in a jubilant mood. A jury in San Francisco had acquitted both on fraud charges that could have sent them to prison for two decades. There were hugs and tears, and they and their legal teams went for a celebratory dinner party at a restaurant in the city, said Gary S. Lincenberg, a lawyer for Mr. Chamberlain.

The sea excursion was meant as a thank-you by Mr. Lynch to those who had helped him in his legal travails. Among the guests was Christopher J. Morvillo, 59, a scion of a prominent New York family of lawyers who had represented Mr. Lynch for 12 years. He and his wife, Neda, 57, were among the missing.

So, too, was Jonathan Bloomer, 70, a veteran British insurance executive who chaired Morgan Stanley International and the insurer Hiscox.

The body of the ship’s cook, Recaldo Thomas, was recovered. All the other crew members survived. Among them was Leo Eppel, 19, of South Africa, who was on his first yacht voyage working as a deck steward, said a friend, who asked not to be identified.

Since the sinking, the recovery effort and investigation have turned the tiny port town of Porticello, a quiet enclave where older men sit bare-chested on balconies, into what feels like the set of a movie.

Helicopters have flown overhead. Ambulances have sped by with the sirens blaring. The Coast Guard has patrolled the waters off shore, within sight of a cordoned-off dock that had been turned into an emergency headquarters.

On Wednesday afternoon, a church bell tolled after the first body bag was loaded into an ambulance, a crowd watching in silence.

The survivors were sheltering in a sprawling resort near Porticello, with a view of the shipwreck spot, and had so far declined to comment.

Attilio Di Diodato, director of the Italian Air Force’s Center for Aerospace Meteorology and Climatology, said that the yacht had most likely been hit by a fierce “down burst” — when air generated within a thunderstorm descends rapidly — or by a waterspout , similar to a tornado over water.

He added that his agency had put out rough-sea warnings the previous evening, alerting sailors about storms and strong winds. Locals said the winds “felt like an earthquake.”

Mr. Costantino, the boat executive, said the yacht had been specifically designed for having a tall mast — the second-tallest aluminum mast in the world. He said the Bayesian was an extremely safe and secure boat that could list even to 75 degrees without capsizing.

But he said that if some of the hatches on the side and in the stern, or some of the deck doors, had been open, the boat could have taken on water and sunk. Standard procedure in such storms, he said, is to switch on the engine, lift the anchor and turn the boat into the wind, lowering the keel for extra stability, closing doors and gathering the guests in the main hall inside the deck.

how to be a yacht designer

12 guests occupied the yacht’s six cabins. There were also 10 crew members.

Open hatches, doors and cabin windows could have let in water during a storm, according to the manufacturer.

how to be a yacht designer

Open hatches, doors and

cabin windows could

have let in water

during a storm,

according to the

manufacturer.

Source: Superyacht Times, YachtCharterFleet, MarineTraffic

By Veronica Penney

The New York Times attempted to reach the captain, James Cutfield, who had survived, for comment through social media, his brother and the management company of the yacht (which did not hire the crew), but did not make contact.

So far none of the surviving crew members have made a public statement about what happened that night.

Fabio Genco, the director of Palermo’s emergency services, who treated some of the survivors, said that the victims had recounted feeling as if the boat was being lifted, then suddenly dropped, with objects from the cabins falling on them.

The Italian Coast Guard said it had deployed a remotely operated vehicle that can prowl underwater for up to seven hours at a depth of more than 980 feet and record videos and images that they hoped would help them reconstruct the dynamics of the sinking. Such devices were used during the search and rescue operations of the Titan vessel that is believed to have imploded last summer near the wreckage of the Titanic.

After rescuers broke inside the yacht, they struggled to navigate the ropes and many pieces of furniture cluttering the vessel, said Luca Cari, a spokesman for Italy’s national firefighter corps.

Finally, as of Thursday morning, they had managed to retrieve all but one of the missing bodies, and hopes of finding the missing person alive were thin. “Can a human being be underwater for two days?” Mr. Cari asked.

What was certain was that Mr. Lynch’s death was yet another cruel twist of fate for a man who had spent years seeking to clear his name.

He earned a fortune in technology and was nicknamed Britain’s Bill Gates. But for more than a decade, he had been treated as anything but a respected tech leader.

He was accused by Hewlett-Packard, the American technological pioneer that had bought his software company, Autonomy, for $11 billion, of misleading it about his company’s worth. (Hewlett-Packard wrote down the value of the transaction by about $8.8 billion, and critics called it one of the worst deals of all time .) He had been increasingly shunned by the British establishment that he sought to break into after growing up working-class outside London.

He was extradited to San Francisco to face criminal charges, and confined to house arrest and 24-hour surveillance on his dime. In a townhouse in the Pacific Heights neighborhood — with security people he jokingly told associates were his “roommates” — he spent his mornings talking with researchers whom he funded personally on new applications for artificial intelligence. Afterward, he devoted hours to discussing legal strategy with his team.

Despite his persistent claims of innocence, even those close to Mr. Lynch had believed his odds of victory were slim. Autonomy’s chief financial officer, Sushovan Hussain, was convicted in 2018 of similar fraud charges and spent five years in prison.

During Mr. Lynch’s house arrest, his brother and mother died. His wife, Angela Bacares, frequently flew over from England, and she became a constant presence in the San Francisco courtroom during the trial.

After he was finally acquitted, Mr. Lynch had his eye on the future. “I am looking forward to returning to the U.K. and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field,” he said.

Elisabetta Povoledo contributed reporting from Pallanza, Italy.

Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in Rome. More about Emma Bubola

Michael J. de la Merced has covered global business and finance news for The Times since 2006. More about Michael J. de la Merced

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Design process

Getting to know you and what is important for you is the foundation on which we build your dream boat.

The process of yacht design

Drawing is just a small part of turning your ideas into a final design. Most of it is talking, asking questions, thinking, more talking and coffee. A lot of coffee.

Yacht exterior design

Using existing hull designs can shorten the lead time of your build. Hulls we’ve built before can be perfectly suited for your ideas. Drawings can simply be ordered form the naval architect and building can commence relatively quick.

Yacht interior design

Knowing the hull type, we can take your wishes and put them in a preliminary design. This will be a rough outline of the general arrangement (interior layout), a sail plan, a lateral view of the underwater hull and a deck plan. Together with you and the architect we can tweak this plan into a final design.

Building a yacht: step by step plan

After a first contact, usually by phone or email, we make an appointment to meet. Face to face, digital or in the flesh, whatever works best for you. We discuss initial ideas, wishes and demands. We want to get to know you and your sailing intentions, so we understand what kind of boat fits you. When we have a general idea of the intended use, the size, hull shape, riging wishes and budget, that’s when we can start sketching.

We draw our initial designs. Top view, side views. These sketches form the basis of a process that can take anything from a couple of months to more than a year. There are many choices to make. Shape, size, exterior, interior, materials, number of masts, huts, bunks, engine type to name but a few. After each round of schetches we discuss the design choices. If they meet your demands and how they have consequences for other wishes you might have. You can imagine how for example the choice for a lifting keel influences the interior.

Prepare for building

When the final drawings are approved, we can prepare for hull building. This means breaking the whole design down to a list of all parts and materials and checking their availability. Once we know when we can have all necessary materials, we can start planning the build.

Start building

The day we start the actual build is a special day. If in any way possible the owners are present and get the honour of performing the first weld, much like laying the first brick when building a new house.

When the hull is done and it is time to build the interior, we ideally make a mockup of the yacht so we can walk you through it and make sure we’re still on the right track.

Finishing touch

Now it’s time for finishing, electricity, plumbing and then we’re ready for testing.

Before we can launch, we test everything inside. Water, plumbing, lights, gas and if everything works as planned, it time to launch.

Launch time

The moment everybody has been waiting for. Launch time. But the yacht isn’t finished yet. The next step still holds some essential parts.

Getting ready

Mast, rigging and sails are installed. Quite important for a sail boat.

Now your yacht is ready to be tested in the field, or in our case in the lake, the IJsselmeer.

And then, after what usually has been more than 12 months, we can hand the ownership officially over to you.

A custom built yacht is unique. There is no way of knowing beforehand that what looked like an excellent idea on paper, will perform exactly as expected. So after a few weeks of sailing, you might want to come back and have some options changed or added. This is normal and we still have to build our first yacht that doesn’t need a few tweaks here and there before its new owners are perfectly happy.

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Superyacht designers at the Superyacht Design Symposium 2015

The legends.

It’s a fact often lamented in the superyacht industry: the designers of these spectacular craft don’t get their due. It falls to _Boat Internationa_l, therefore, to lionise these hardy few, who share a patience unrivalled in the world of design. We gathered the top 50 designers for a photo shoot at the Superyacht Design Symposium  2015 to celebrate those who are at the pinnacle of the industry.

Tim Heywood Tim Heywood Design

The most charming man in yachting, yacht designer Tim Heywood is a true A-lister. He started his career with Jon Bannenberg before branching out on his own in 1996. His prolific output includes the hugely successful Limited Editions series with Amels and Feadship projects such as 808, now named Symphony , at 101m the yard’s biggest boat. My favourite design… “That’s like asking which my favourite child is!”

Remi tessier Rémi Tessier Design

When this French former cabinetmaker walks into a room, people nudge each other and whisper: “That’s Rémi Tessier!” Arguably the outstanding interior designer of his day, he’s self-taught when it comes to yachts and defines himself as a craftsman of luxury. My favourite design… “Every single project is special to me, I love them all!”

Espen Øino Espen Øino International

Øino’s Monaco-based studio is taking over the world. With projects in build in six countries and a recent output comprising the 140m Ocean Victory , 95.2m Kismet , 89m Infinity and the 77m Silverfast , Øino is at full throttle. My favourite design… “The latest on the drawing board! But I am very fond of Skat and the Silver series”

Terence Disdale Terence Disdale Design

Another superyacht designer who started his career under Jon Bannenberg, yacht designer Terence Disdale opened his own firm in 1973 so he could spend more time fishing and less time at a desk. It didn’t quite work out, as hit followed hit for the London studio. It soon became one of the industry’s leading lights, to the point where it has more interior designs in the world’s top 101 superyachts than anyone else. My favourite design… “The 162.5m Eclipse ”

Andrew Winch Andrew Winch Designs

Yacht designer Andrew Winch is one of the few superyacht designers to have successfully moved into more mainstream territories, including jets and architecture. But his boating output hasn’t suffered – quite the opposite, with recent launches such as the 91.5m Equanimity and 99m Madame Gu reinforcing this studio's pedigree. My favourite design… “Truthfully it is every single one of them”

The sailing greats

Bill Dixon Dixon Yacht Design

Dixon, 57, fronts this eponymous studio, which designs everything from production motor cats to sailing superyachts, but his first is his favourite: the 36m Yanneke Too , launched in 1996. Sailing icon… The 31m Ron Holland-designed sloop Whirlwind XII

Ed Dubois Dubois Yachts

Names don’t come much bigger. The 63-year-old yacht designer Ed Dubois has had hit after hit: Escapade , Como (renamed Lady May ), Mondango 3 , Zefira . But we’re really excited about his 58m performance sloop at Royal Huisman. Sailing icon… The 1973 Derecktor Salty Goose

Bill tripp _Tripp Desig_n

The only American in our line-up launched his company in 1984 – and never looked back. Tripp, 60, is the son of a designer and grew up “tinkering on a boat”. His biggest project to date, an 85m in the final stages of completion at Oceanco, is set to break cover soon. Sailing icon… The 49m Herreshoff Westward

Andre Hoek Hoek Design Naval Architects

No one does elegance quite like Hoek, who founded his company in 1986. With sleek J Class yachts and timeless sloops, the Dutchman, 60, has cornered the “gentleman’s yacht” market. Sailing icon… The J Class Endeavour . Own the iconic Endeavour , currently for sale asking €19,950,000

Mario Pedol Nauta Yachts

Pedol’s name was all over the wires in 2013 when the world first caught a glimpse of Azzam , the biggest superyacht yet constructed . The Italian designer, 60, penned the exterior of the 180m Lürssen , but it’s his Milanese studio’s prolific output of custom and production sailing yachts that makes him a great. Sailing icon… The 42m Herreshoff Mariette of 1915

The Brit Pack

Justin Redman Redman Whiteley Dixon

Redman, 51, and his co-directors have become a new establishment in British yacht design, with massive projects such as the exteriors of Vava II and Hampshire II under their belts. USP of British yacht design ... “Bespoke Britain: small, niche and very special indeed”

Martin Francis Francis Design

The 73-year-old superyacht designer Martin Francis was the technical expert for the 110m yacht A and has a big new Lürssen project in its final stages of completion. On British yacht design… “Britain’s design USP is a result of great education from places such as Central Saint Martins, the RCA and the AA”

Steve Gresham Gresham Yacht Design

Once of the Williams F1 team, Gresham, 48, moved on to yachts and went solo in 2013. On British yacht design... “[It is] like F1, where the teams are mostly based in Britain. The British psyche lends itself to creative design and engineering”

Ken Freivokh Ken Freivokh Design

A starry back catalogue includes exterior styling and interior design on the iconic 88m sailer Maltese Falcon . On the British yacht industry... “There are only a few yards, mainly busy with production or smaller yachts. It’s a pity as the skills are still here”

Mark Tucker Design Unlimited

Tucker, 51, has penned the ultra-modern 30m sailer Hamilton , and refitted the 65m classic motor Shemara . On British yacht design… “Britain is a nation of seafarers so boats are embedded in our heritage. It is part of our culture to explore their possibilities”

Andrew Langton Reymond Langton

Langton, 44, and Pascale Reymond set up shop in 2001, and designed the interiors of 134m Serene and 95.2m Kismet. On British yacht design… “We created industrial design and continue to be world leaders in many [design] fields. This exciting activity brings international design talent to our shores”

Jonny Horsfield H2 Yacht Design

Horsfield, 48, was the go-to designer for refits, before doing new builds such as 54m Talisman C , 82m _ Graceful  _and 125m Maryah . USP of British yacht design… “Our cultural ability to problem-solve as well as not being too rigid or pedantic with rules or conventions”

Dickie Bannenberg Bannenberg & Rowell Design

Son of famous designer Jon, Dickie, 53, proved himself with yachts such as 60m Bacarella and the 72m Feadship Predator . USP of British design... “An unconventional blend of irreverence and tradition, coupled with a pioneering outlook towards new ideas”

Simon Rowell Bannenberg & Rowell Design

Creative director Rowell, 46, designed the interiors on 85m Lürssen Pacific and 65m Heesen Galactica Star . On British yacht design… “Jon Bannenberg was an Australian who found London to be creative and receptive in the 1960s. So maybe it is the environment as much as the natives”

Jonathan Rhoades Rhoades Young Design

Rhoades, 42, started in architecture before turning to the sea at Ken Freivokh Design. Projects include the interior of 48m Royal Huisman sailing yacht Wisp . On British yacht design… “Perhaps it is the intoxicating history of science, craft, music, art and general irreverence in Britain that creates such a healthy environment in which to design”

The Global Players

Malcolm Mckeon Malcolm Mckeon Yacht Design

Formerly at Dubois, Mckeon, 56, has penned more than 50 30m-plus sail and motor yachts. Favourite yacht feature… “Carbon fibre masts and rigging. These have dramatically enhanced performance as well as improving the level of comfort while sailing”

Tim Ulrich Beiderbeck Designs

Ulrich, 42, is one of eight naval architects and designers at the German studio, with sailing yachts Phocea and the Swan 105RS Ti-Coyo in its portfolio. Favourite yacht feature… “Being close to the water is a most outstanding feature”

Immo Lüdeling Beiderbeck Designs

Lüdeling, 43, is part of a German studio that has turned out about 50 projects averaging 53m. Favourite yacht feature... “A terraced or liftable bathing platform. It’s the perfect way of being close to the water, even on big boats”

Jacques Pierrejean Pierrejean Design

The French studio was set up 35 years ago by Jacques Pierrejean, 62. Most notably he penned 141m Yas , the eighth- largest yacht in the world. On yacht design… “It is exciting to think about the interior in harmony with the spirit of the external design concept.”

Frank Neubelt Frank Neubelt Yacht Design of NC2

Neubelt, 54, set up German firm Newcruise in 1990, and a new company in 2012. The 115m Luna is one of his. Favourite yacht feature… “Characterful design: Luna ’s long outdoor pool and Siren’s folding helipad”. Superyacht Siren is for sale .

Philippe Briand Philippe Briand & Vitruvius

The son of an Olympic sailor, the Frenchman, 57, has penned America’s Cup yachts, big sailers such as 67m Vertigo and tough motor yachts under the Vitruvius brand. Favourite yacht feature… “The carbon wheel of a 100ft+ sailing yacht – and to be the helmsman”

Luiz de Basto De Basto Designs

The Miami-based De Basto has designed hundreds of motor boats and superyachts, and was a WSA finalist in 2014 for The Big Blue . Favourite yacht feature… “Bulkheads and balconies that can lower to open the interior to the outdoors”

Richard Hein The A Group

Hein, 56, was president of Oceanco until 2004 and has created more than 18 yachts over 50m, including 101m I Dynasty by Kusch Yachts. Favourite yacht feature… “The use of glass surfaces as construction material, with all the inherent design rules and construction challenges”

Peder Eidsgaard Eidsgaard Design

The London studio of Norwegian designer Eidsgaard, 43, has risen quickly since it opened in 2005, with 78m Feadship Tango among its triumphs. Favourite yacht feature... “Open spaces and long vistas”

Gord Galbraith Gregory C Marshall Naval Architect

The partnership between Galbraith, 46, and Greg Marshall has yielded yachts including iconic explorer Big Fish . Favourite yacht feature… “The beach club. Despite a superyacht’s size and luxury, yachting for me is always about being close to the water”

The female designers

Francesca Muzio FM Architettura

This Italian house, led by Muzio, crosses disciplines, from refits on superyachts such as the 52m Amore Mio II to designing the Signature Suites in the Shangri-La hotel at the Shard in London. Do women bring anything different to boat design? “It’s not a matter of sex, but the passion that led each person into that job”

Paola Galeazzi Zuccon International Project

As one half of the venerable studio, Galeazzi has worked on production sports fishers and the 60m CRN J’ade , featuring the world’s first drive-in tender garage. Do women bring anything different to boat design? “There’s nothing male designers, provided they are true professionals, don’t or cannot know”

Fiona Diamond Seymour Diamond

Diamond honed her skills working with Terence Disdale on more than 30 projects, including Eclipse and Pelorus , before going solo in 2010. She worked exclusively on the interior of Feadship’s recently launched 92.5m  Royal Romance . What men don’t know about boats… “You’d have to ask them!”

Laura Pomponi Luxury Projects

The Italian founded her company in 2008 and works on anything from yachts and jets to villas and penthouses. She is known for the vibrant interior of 35m Koji.   The luxury yacht Koji is now for sale .  Do women bring anything different to boat design? “It’s not about being a man or a woman, but meeting a client’s expectations”

Laura Sessa Laura Sessa

Spend some time on CRN’s 80m Chopi Chopi and you’ll soon see why Sessa won a ShowBoats Design Award for its interior. More recent is the 60m Madame Kate , the second Amels LE 199. Do women bring anything different to boat design? “You just have to love the boats and what you create"

Sandrine Melot Melot + Trillo

Melot came to yachts after a successful career designing hotels, restaurants and offices – and landed with a bang. Her first interior, on the 34m Blue Princess Star , won a World Superyacht Award. Lately, she designed the interior of ISA’s 43m Philmi . What men don’t know about boats… “It depends on the man!”

Pascale Reymond Reymond Langton

Reymond is half of one of the most successful design duos operating today. Since forming the company with Andrew Langton in 2001, she has designed some of the most iconic boats afloat, from the 78m Titan to the 134m Serene . Do women bring anything different to boat design? “I truly believe women deal with solitude and stress better than men”

Adriana Monk monkdesign

In a former life, Monk helped shape the interiors of the modern Range Rover and Rolls-Royce Phantom, later becoming chief interior designer for Jaguar Land Rover. With boats, she designed the deck sculpture, colour scheme and graphics for the 30m WallyCento Hamilton . Do women bring anything different to boat design? “Talent comes in many guises, male or female”

Daniela Zulli Terence Disdale Design

Italian Zulli headed up her own design company before joining Terence Disdale Design. She has had a big hand in many of the studio’s most notable projects, including the massive 147m Lürssen Topaz . What men don’t know about boats… “They still haven’t learnt how to put the toilet seat down after using the dayheads!”

The Dutch Masters

Marnix Hoekstra & Bart Bouwhuis Vripack

Vripack’s two creative directors lead a team of 80 and a company responsible for more than 7,000 designs since its founding in 1961.  Why is Holland such a superyacht hub? “Because of our rich related heritage and the drive to constantly innovate and collaborate to improve the end result. It’s in our DNA”

Frank Mulder Mulder Design

Established in 1979, this family-run studio has designed more than 600 boats, including some iconic craft such as the 35.36m Moonraker and 42.4m The World is Not Enough . Why is Holland such a superyacht hub? “Because of our abundance of lakes, rivers and other waterways. And the word yacht comes from the Dutch jacht!”

Perry van Oossanen Van Oossanen Naval Architects

His team are at the cutting edge of hull design. The company’s Hull Vane and Fast Displacement Hull Form are taking efficiency and comfort to the next level. Why is Holland such a superyacht hub? “Because most of us live below sea level!”

Ronno Schouten De Voogt Naval Architects

Schouten leads Feadship’s design department and has been busy of late, working on the hulls of the 101m project 808 and 83.5m Savannah .

Guido de Groot Guido de Groot Design

De Groot fell in love with yachting when he saw the fourth Highlander leaving De Vries in 1986. He launched his own design firm in 1997, and is now working on yachts in Italy, Abu Dhabi and China. Why is Holland such a superyacht hub? “Our exceptional degree of dedication, expertise, ingenuity, craftsmanship and time management”

Frank Laupman Omega Architects

Laupman’s team have six nominations at this year’s World Superyacht Awards, for sleek, sporty Heesen yachts such as Galatea ,  Alive and Monaco Wolf . Why is Holland such a superyacht hub? “We know ships, design, beauty and craftsmanship”

The design duo

Pietro Mingarelli Italian

As a designer, engineer and architect, Mingarelli has worked on more than 120 superyachts. With Tina Green, he is now designing his biggest yet. Who is your yacht design hero…? “Tim Heywood. His designs are proof that less is more”

Tina Green British

An interior designer who started off in the fashion world, Green has designed dozens of superyachts – as well as living on one. She says that it was only when joining forces with Mingarelli that she was really able to grow as a yacht designer. Who is your yacht design hero…? “Terence Disdale. I love the way he brings together different materials. He has been a great influence on my style”

Italian Flair

Enrico Gobbi Team For Design

Gobbi, 39, likes aggressive lines and nature-inspired touches, such as the gill-like windows on Rossinavi’s 48m Vellmari . Italy’s design USP… “Careful attention to every detail that elevates the overall design”

Tommaso Spadolini Design Studio Spadolini

With more than 200 yachts now afloat – including 70m Rossinavi Numptia – Spadolini, 57, has earned a reputation for classic style. Italy’s design USP… “Italian design is often more sexy than other design schools”

Giovanni Zuccon Zuccon International Project

Zuccon, 70, is the Ferretti Group’s designer of choice, with a portfolio that includes the 80m CRN Chopi Chopi . Italy’s design USP… “A culture that teaches us how to integrate different design knowledge, also allowing us to find the right relationship with history, and thus to understand the present and, above all, to imagine the future”

Antonio Romano Hot Lab Yacht & Design

Romano, 36, penned the airy interior of Palumbo’s 40m Columbus Sport Hybrid – but he and his partners also do sweeping exteriors. Italy’s design USP… “Design is part of our heritage, from industrial products to food”   Luca Brenta Brenta Design

Sailing yacht supremo yacht designer Luca Brenta , 60, boasts iconic designs such as the Wallygator in his locker, and picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award at the ShowBoats Design Awards. On Italian design… “Two thousand years ago we were building Roma while you guys were barbarians!”

Lorenzo Argento Brenta Design

Brenta’s partner Argento, 52, has penned well-known sailers including Vitters’ 37m Ghos t and now runs the design studio. On Italian design… “From a beautiful environment to beautiful food, [Italy] educates people to a certain sensibility. Beauty educates!”

Dan Lenard Nuvolari Lenard

Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard, 47, have worked with Palmer Johnson, Perini Navi and CRN, since they set up shop 15 years ago. They can count the exterior of iconic 82m Oceanco Alfa Nero among their successes. On Italian design… “It’s not ‘Italian design’ that sells, it’s Italian that sells, even without the design”

Portriats by Dan Annett

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Design Your Own Yacht

how to be a yacht designer

When designing your own yacht, you have a few options, from commissioning a custom new build yacht construction project through to refitting an existing yacht. When deciding which route to take, it’s helpful to know some of the pros and cons of each approach.

how to be a yacht designer

Option 1: The deluxe, no-holds-barred, fully custom yacht.

Experienced yacht owners and charterers often dream of one thing: the day they design their own yacht from scratch. A fully custom new build project is the pinnacle of the yacht ownership experience, as it allows you control over every aspect of your yacht’s design, from technical details like hull form and noise-dulling technology, right through to you designing that split-level master stateroom with private terrace or beach club with spa. Designing a fully custom yacht ensures that your yacht is the realization of every yachting dream, tailored perfectly to how you use your yacht. However when designing your own yacht, this luxurious bespoke option comes at a price, and the build time tends to be longer than with semi-custom models.

how to be a yacht designer

Option 2: The freedom and efficiency of a semi-custom yacht.

If you want to design your own yacht, and want to give your input in the design, but want to take advantage of efficiencies in build time and budget, you can opt for a semi-custom design, whereby the yacht’s hull form and design is part of an existing series of yachts. Building on a proven platform, the yacht owner gets to design the yacht’s décor, and depending on the builder, amend parts of the interior layout. The degree of freedom to change elements of the yacht will vary depending on which yacht builder you go with. A semi-custom yacht can have very different décor than other yachts in the same series, but the exterior design (and sometimes interior layout) is clearly part of a series, which will not appeal so much to yacht owners who crave a unique look to their yacht design.

how to be a yacht designer

Option 3: Buying ‘off the plan’ with a production yacht

This is the quickest and most cost effective way to buy a new yacht, as production yacht builders buy materials in bulk and put their yachts together quickly due to repetition of process. You can often purchase a yacht that is already under construction, meaning that time to delivery is slashed and you can take possession of your yacht much sooner than if you buy a custom yacht. This option has a lot less room for owner input on design, although some décor choices are normally left open.

how to be a yacht designer

Option 4: Refit an existing yacht

If you’re not in the mood to wait for several years for a brand new yacht to be delivered, refitting an existing yacht is an excellent option that can dramatically change the look of your yacht, while also providing the opportunity to update the engineering and onboard systems. A quality refit with a great design can deliver a ‘like-new’ yacht, and will normally significantly add to the resale value and charter potential of your yacht. However, major yard periods run the risk of going over time and over budget, so planning your yard period well is imperative.

Deciding between fully custom, semi-custom, production yacht and refit depends on how you use your yacht and how much input you want on the design process. If you would like to design your own yacht and want to discuss these different options in more detail, please contact our yacht construction team directly by sending us a message by using the form on the right, or give us a call by using the phone numbers listed in the footer of this page.

Who was onboard tech mogul Mike Lynch's Bayesian yacht?

Topic: Disasters, Accidents and Emergency Incidents

Six people are missing, including a man dubbed the British Bill Gates, after a luxury yacht sank off the Sicilian coast.

British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch — freshly acquitted from a decade-long trial — had invited his work colleagues aboard a trip through the Mediterranean coast when a freak storm saw the yacht sink within moments.

Fifteen people escaped from the sinking vessel. The search for the missing continues.

Here's what we know so far: 

What happened?

The Italian coastguard said the yacht — the Bayesian — was anchored off the shore of port city Porticello, near the Sicilian capital Palermo, when it was hit by bad weather sometime after 4am on Monday, local time. 

Eyewitnesses said it vanished quickly beneath the waves shortly before dawn.

Managers of the sailing vessel Bayesian, Camper & Nicholsons, confirmed to the ABC that the Bayesian encountered severe weather and subsequently sank. 

"Our priority is assisting with the ongoing search and providing all necessary support to the rescued passengers and crew," they said. 

"The wind was very strong. Bad weather was expected, but not of this magnitude," a coastguard official told Reuters.

Sicily's civil protection agency head, Salvo Cocina, said a waterspout — a tornado over the water — could have struck the yacht.

"They were in the wrong place at the wrong time," Mr Cocina added. 

Storms and heavy rainfall had swept down Italy in recent days after weeks of scorching heat, lifting the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea to record levels and raising the risk of extreme weather conditions, experts told Reuters.

"The sea surface temperature around Sicily was around 30 degrees Celsius, which is almost 3 degrees more than normal. This creates an enormous source of energy that contributes to these storms," meteorologist Luca Mercalli said.

A group of rescuers gather around a stretcher

Rescuers recover the body of one of the people aboard the Bayesian.  ( AP: Lucio Ganci )

Captain Karsten Borner of the Sir Robert Baden Powell vessel told journalists he noticed the Bayesian nearby during the storm, but after it calmed he saw a red flare and realised the ship had simply disappeared.

Mr Borner said he and a crew member boarded their tender and found a lifeboat with 15 people, some of them injured, who they then took aboard and alerted the coast guard.

Search crews, including helicopters and divers, are continuing to search the wreckage, lying at a depth of 49 metres.

Specialist divers reached the ship on Monday but access was limited due to objects in the way, the fire brigade said.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch is deploying a team of four inspectors to Italy to conduct a preliminary assessment.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development office said it was "providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families".

Sicilian prosecutors have also opened an investigation into the event. 

Who is missing?

A collage of three men

Lawyer Chris Morvillo (left), entrepreneur Mike Lynch, and Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer are among the missing. 

There were 12 passengers and 10 crew members aboard the yacht. 

Mr Cocina said the crew and passengers hailed from a variety of countries, including Britain, the United States, Antigua, France, Germany, Ireland, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain.

Of the 22, one man is confirmed dead and another six people are still missing. 

They are believed to be inside the hull, fire rescue spokesperson Luca Cari said.

Fabio Cefalù, a fisherman who said he responded to a flare from the vessel but found it sunk, said he stayed at the site for three hours without finding anyone.

"I think they are inside, all the missing people," he said.

Rescue teams recovered the body of the yacht's onboard chef on Monday, identified as Antiguan citizen Ricardo Thomas.

The still missing people include: 

  • Mr Lynch's 18-year-old daughter, Hannah 
  • Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of global financial services company Morgan Stanley International
  • Chris Morvillo , a lawyer at the British multinational law firm Clifford Chance. He worked on Mr Lynch's lawsuit against Hewlett-Packard
  • The identities of the remaining two missing are still unconfirmed

Who was rescued? 

Fifteen people escaped from the sinking ship. 

Eight have been hospitalised and others were taken to a nearby hotel.

A picture of a woman inside a plane

Charlotte Golunski was among those rescued, recalling the harrowing moments she held her child Sofia above the waves.  ( Supplied: Facebook  )

Among those rescued were:

  • Mr Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, who was the owner of the yacht
  • Charlotte Golunski and her one-year-old daughter, Sofia. Ms Golunski is a partner at Mr Lynch's firm, Invoke Capital. She says she momentarily lost hold of Sofia in the water but managed to hold her up above the waves until the lifeboat was inflated
  • Ms Golunski's husband James Emslie
  • New Zealand captain of the yacht James Catfield. He told Italian newspaper La Repubblica the crew didn't see the storm coming
  • A lone Dutch citizen was identified by the Dutch foreign ministry as being rescued, but was not identified

Who is Mike Lynch?

Mr Lynch, once hailed as Britain’s king of technology, was recently freed from a Silicon Valley lawsuit that tarnished his legacy. 

The 59-year-old Cambridge-educated mathematician created Autonomy , a search engine that could pore through emails and other internal business documents to help companies find vital information more quickly. 

He received the OBE for his innovation in 2006. 

He then sold the software to Hewlett-Packard (HP) for $US11 billion ($16 billion) in 2011, with Mr Lynch personally netting $US800 million. 

HP valued Autonomy at $US46 billion ($68 billion) in the months leading up to the deal.

A man in a suit smiles

Mike Lynch in 2019 leaving the High Court in London.  ( Reuters: Henry Nicholls/File Photo )

But the deal quickly turned sour after he was accused of forging the software's financial records to make the sale.

As part of a decades-long legal battle against HP, Mr Lynch was extradited to the UK on criminal fraud charges. 

He steadfastly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he was being made a scapegoat for HP's own bungling. 

He was eventually cleared of all charges in June this year. 

Although he avoided a possible prison sentence, Lynch still faced a bill from a civil case in London that HP mostly won during 2022. Damages haven't been determined in that case, but HP is seeking $US4 billion. 

Following the San Francisco trial, Mr Lynch said he would return to the UK and do what he loved most: "[being with] my family and innovating in my field."

The holiday appeared to be something of a celebration after Mr Lynch's acquittal, with guests including some of the people who had stood by Lynch throughout the ordeal.

Italy Boaters Missing

This picture shows the rescue operations off the Sicilian coast.  ( AP: Italian Coast Guard  )

In a separate act of tragedy, Mr Lynch's co-defendant in the trial, Stephen Chamberlain, died on Monday, after a road accident left him critically injured.

Mr Chamberlain — Autonomy's former vice-president of finance alongside Mr Lynch — was hit by a car in Cambridgeshire on Saturday morning and had been placed on life support. 

What is the Bayesian?

The luxury yacht is 56m long sailboat, with a 75m mast labelled as the tallest aluminium mast in the world.

It was previously named Salute when it flew under a Dutch flag.

The yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, can accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites and a crew of 10, according to online specialist yacht sites. It was last refitted in 2020.

Online charter sites listed it for rent for up to 195,000 euros (about $AU 321,000) a week. 

Two boats in the sea

This picture taken on Sunday shows the Bayesian (left) and the Duch sailboat Sir Robert Baden Powell anchored off the coast line.   ( AP: Fabio La Bianca/Baia Santa Nicolicchia )

The ship also won a string of awards for its design. 

Ms Golunski said the yacht had travelled through the Aeolian Islands, Milazzo and Cefalù before sinking. 

It is likely the yacht's name would resonate with Mr Lynch because his PhD thesis and the software that made his fortune was based on Bayesian theory.

Ship captain who saw Mike Lynch’s yacht sink blames ‘extreme mast’

Mike Lynch

An eye witness to the sinking of British tech entrepreneur  Mike Lynch ‘s yacht on Monday attributed the tragedy to the extremely tall mast, which made the vessel more vulnerable to the violent storm that was lashing the area.

Dutch ship captain Karsten Börner, whose own boat was anchored near Lynch’s Bayesian , told the Financial Times that the superyacht appeared to have stability problems.

“The center of gravity is too high with this extreme mast,” he explained, while also dismissing the Italian coast guard’s initial view that the Bayesian was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“I was on the same spot,” Börner added. “I have two masts and they are 28 and 29 meters above deck, she has one, 73 meters (239.5 feet) above deck.”

Authorities are looking into  possible reasons Lynch’s yacht quickly sank , when other boats nearby seemed to weather the same storm without issue.

The 56-meter long superyacht had been carrying 22 passengers and crew. Börner rescued 15 passengers and said they told him the ship sank in less than two minutes.

He also described the wind as “violent, very violent,” telling the FT that the wind speed likely reached hurricane strength as “tons of water” came down.

“I never saw that before, there was a water tornado,” he said.

The CEO of the Italian Sea Group, which owns the company that built the Bayesian , previously told the FT that it was designed to be stable with its tall mast and suggested the crew didn’t carry out proper safety measures.

But Börner said the crew told him they “closed the ship,” according to the FT .

The Italian Sea Group didn’t immediately respond to Fortune’s request for comment on Börner’s remarks and declined to comment to the FT .

Meanwhile, prosecutors in Italy have launched a probe into the shipwreck and multiple counts of culpable homicide, which are equivalent to manslaughter charges.

The Italian coast guard also confirmed Friday that it had recovered the body of Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah. In addition to Lynch and his daughter, the other victims included  Morgan Stanley  International chair Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy Bloomer; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, American jewelry designer Neda Morvillo; and chef Recaldo Thomas.

On Saturday, Italian prosecutors told reporters that the emergency began at 4:38 a.m. local time , when a red flare was launched and seen by the coast guard, adding that the passengers were likely asleep at the time.  

Deputy prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano told reporters that a crew member had been on duty, as required, when the “truly sudden” storm struck.

Chief prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio   said ship-tracking data showed the yacht started to drift from anchor just before 4 a.m., then traveled about 360 meters over five minute to the spot where it eventually sank some 15 minutes after that.

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How to become a effective yacht designer?

Discussion in ' Boat Design ' started by Laranjo123 , Sep 22, 2011 .

Laranjo123

Laranjo123 Previous Member

I want to be a yacht designer, what do i need to know?  

daiquiri

daiquiri Engineering and Design

http://www.sponbergyachtdesign.com/ArticlesDesigner.htm http://www.kastenmarine.com/student.htm  

michael pierzga

michael pierzga Senior Member

You need a University engineering degree and a passion for boats. Both of the successful yacht designers I know have no formal training in " yacht design" one was educated as a Mechanical Engineer and the other an Electrical engineer. Yacht design was simply a personal interest that spun into a career.  
michael pierzga said: ↑ Both of the successful yacht designers I know... Click to expand...
I dont know... depends on what your success " goal" is. Ron worked on two Americas cup campaigns and Ryan went to work for one of the best known yacht design studios . You would not recognize either of their names because both are buried in design teams. Perhaps in another ten years they will hang their own sign and you may see a Ron 45 win the Copa del Rey.  
michael pierzga said: ↑ You would not recognize either of their names because both are buried in design teams. Click to expand...

;)

Petros Senior Member

You need to know how to design yachts that people want to buy. You can go to collage to learn yacht design, but you could still starve if you do not have customers. Not much will tell you what people will want in a yacht until you learn the hard way. That means first working for a successful design company and learn what makes them successful. That will get you further along in a career than all the formal education in the world. Good luck.  

Ike

Ike Senior Member

You can also take a Yacht Design course from Westlawn. http://www.westlawn.edu/ There are schools that also offer Naval Architecture, Yacht design and related studies. See my links page. http://newboatbuilders.com/pages/links.html Scroll down to Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering Schools USA, and Schools Offering Boat Building and Marine Design Studies  

Alik

Alik Senior Member

Here are few advices: - Get the software; - Draw sle-e-ek nonsense boat/object; start from about 300 feet (good size for beginner). - Render, render, render it... - Send it to all magazines - and here You are a famous yacht designer! Just a joke But many 'designers' are like that now. In reality, a) try to be around/on boats and yards, and b) get real engineering/naval architecture/marine design education. I mean University degree, not 'correspondence divinity school' Real degree is required to be competitive nowdays. Then, c) add a bit of luck and get good job in design office/yard to start.  

JRD

JRD Senior Member

Draw sle-e-ek nonsense boat/object; start from about 300 feet (good size for beginner). Click to expand...

:D

JRD said: ↑ Alik, 300 feet is a good size for a beginner? or a billionaire? Click to expand...
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I'm a BS.NAME student 5th year i'm about to graduate next year. And i have no idea about yachts. Because our profs just taught us about merchant ships. Because they are NA who are specialized in merchant ships unlike me i want to go abroad and be a yacht designer. And i found this awesome forum. This forum helped me a lot. I know autocad (as well as making 3d with it) and maxurf. And i want to thank you guys about what you have shared. It boost my interest about ships. Damn really i'm excited to be an engr ...  

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Boat Design Net

Mike Lynch's yacht was state-of-the-art and shouldn't have sunk so easily, search-and-rescue expert says

  • The tech tycoon Mike Lynch died in a yacht sinking near Palermo, Italy.
  • An investigation is underway, with experts questioning how the state-of-the-art yacht sank.
  • One expert said the $40 million yacht should have been "unsinkable."

Insider Today

A search-and-rescue expert said the superyacht disaster that killed Mike Lynch was difficult to comprehend — because the vessel never should have sunk.

Lynch, a British tech tycoon, was celebrating his fraud acquittal with friends and family when the 183-foot ship sank during stormy weather near Palermo, Italy.

Of the 22 people on board, six people, including Lynch, have been confirmed dead.

Fifteen people, including Lynch's wife, were rescued. Lynch's 18-year-old daughter remained unaccounted for as of Thursday afternoon local time.

An investigation into the cause of the tragedy is underway.

'Unsinkable'

Matthew Schanck is a maritime search-and-rescue consultant with 14 years of experience. He told Business Insider that his reaction to the sinking was "disbelief."

When the news of the sinking broke, Schanck said he envisioned a far smaller ship — "some sort of 40-foot yacht with a couple on board."

"That wouldn't have been as unusual or extraordinary," he said.

"It was really shocking," he added. "But what's more shocking is the fact that it's a modern, state-of-the-art superyacht, which would have been commercially certified and regulated by the Maritime Coastguard Agency."

Schanck previously told BI there was no indication that the ship breached "any international maritime construction or safety standards."

Related stories

The superyacht was worth $40 million, The New York Times reported .

Giovanni Costantino is the CEO of the Italian Sea Group, which built the yacht. Speaking with Sky News, Costantino said the sinking sounded "like an unbelievable story, both technically and as a fact."

"Sailing ships, it is well known, are the safest in the most absolute sense," he said. They tend, he said, to be "unsinkable."

Though the cause of the sinking has not been established, authorities confirmed a strong storm had been in the area.

Witnesses told BBC News they saw a waterspout — an uncommon tornadolike column of wind and water — before the ship went down.

"This tends to have been the accepted theory, that the vessel was hit by a waterspout and the crew didn't see it coming because it was nighttime and dark," Schanck said.

He said that while this scenario made sense, it's not clear how witnesses would have noticed a waterspout if the crew didn't.

Speaking with the Times, Costantino said the ship had the second-tallest aluminum mast in the world, which made it safe and secure.

However, he said that if any of the doors had been open during the storm, it could have taken on water more easily.

Correction: August 22, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misspelled the surname of the search-and-rescue consultant. It's Schanck, not Schank.

how to be a yacht designer

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COMMENTS

  1. Becoming a Yacht Designer: Careers, Salary Info & Job Description

    Designing yachts and other luxury watercraft requires a sound background in naval architecture. Read the pros and cons of this profession to see if it's right for you. Pros of Being a Yacht Designer. Above-average salary (median annual wages were about $93,000 in 2014)*. Integrate your artistic abilities and aesthetic sensibilities with ...

  2. The best yacht design courses to kick-start your career

    Yacht Design Diploma. Based in the American town of Arundel, Maine, the Landing School offers a wide range of courses in marine technology. Its Yacht Design Diploma boasts a 100% employment rate for former students and bursaries are available via the Women in the Marine Industry scholarship. Alumni have gone on to work for the America's Cup ...

  3. How to Become a Yacht Designer: Complete Career Path

    Explore new Yacht Designer job openings and options for career transitions into related roles. Read More "Designer" was the nearest match for you query "Yacht Designer". Steps to Become a Designer A designer is someone who creates visual representations of ideas and concepts. If you have aspirations of becoming a designer, you should be aware ...

  4. What Are the Requirements for a Career as a Yacht Designer?

    Important Facts About Yacht Design Career Training. A bachelor's degree (for entry-level architecture jobs); work at sea requires a merchant mariner's document and training from the U.S. Coast Guard. Internships, work-study, regimental training and study-abroad opportunities are available. Organizations such as the Society of Naval Architects ...

  5. Dynamic Yacht Design Course

    Landing School Yacht Design graduates are working all over the world designing boats, performing 3D modeling, yacht construction, sail making/ design, technical sales, component design, and project management. For more information, please call 207-985-7976 or fill out a contact form. In the Yacht Design program, you will learn to combine design ...

  6. So You Want to be a Yacht Designer?

    The rest is history. A presentation at the Miami boat show followed, along with write-ups in all the marine publications. Then, two yacht design jobs materialized, one with Michael Peters and the other with Ted Hood. Then finally, Prince landed a position with Island Packet, a high-end sailboat and powerboat builder out of Largo, Florida.

  7. The golden rules of yacht design according to experts

    As nominations continue for the Design & Innovation Awards, BOAT speaks to the experts about what they consider to be the principles of good yacht design and the favourite projects they've worked on. Designing a luxury yacht is no mean feat and, whether the designer is tasked with a boundary-pushing exterior or an interior that can stand the test of time, designers must unleash their ...

  8. How to Be Yacht Designer

    As a result, the Yacht Designer's work has a direct impact on the success of the yacht and its performance in various conditions. To ensure a successful yacht design, the Yacht Designer must have an understanding of naval architecture, engineering, and aesthetics, as well as a deep knowledge of materials and production techniques.

  9. Understanding Boat Design Process: Concept to Creation

    Stage 1: Conceptual Design. The initial stage of the boat design process is conceptual design. This stage involves creating initial sketches and concepts that will ultimately be refined and developed into a final design. During this stage, the designer must take into account factors such as the intended use of the boat, the type of water it ...

  10. How Much Does a Boat Designer Make? (Plus FAQs and Duties)

    Industrial designer: Industrial designers conceptualize plans for mass-manufactured products. These professionals earn an average annual salary of $68,065 per year. Marine engineer: Marine engineers develop the internal components of a ship, such as its electrical, refrigeration, or steering systems.

  11. The Basics of Hull Design Explained

    A boat's weight—and its distribution fore and aft—is central to hull design of any kind. We design the underwater volume of a hull to be distributed in a way that matches the optimal fore and aft center of gravity of the assembled boat plus her occupants and gear. This "center of buoyancy" is the volumetric center of the shape of the ...

  12. Top 8 Best Boat Design Software in 2024 (Free & Paid)

    Bearboat SP: Free Boat Designer for Small Boats & Kayaks. DELFTship: Intuitive Free Boat Design Tool with Professional Option. Fusion 360: Best Free Boat Design Software for Beginners & Mac. SketchUp: Best Boat Design App for iPad. Autoship: Best for Naval & Marine Architecture, Best for Windows.

  13. The 5 rules of yacht design

    Jonny Horsfield, Owner and Creative Director of H2 yacht design, says the first rule of yacht design is that you must prepare a good brief. This means the ow...

  14. How long does it take to design a yacht?

    It takes an average of three to four years to build a fully-custom superyacht. Boats built on speculation by a shipyard offer shorter delivery times, which is a great option for yacht owners who don't want to wait. But for those keen on designing their own fully bespoke superyacht, the longer build time pays dividends.

  15. The Basics of Hull Design Explained

    A truly flat-bottomed boat has zero degrees of deadrise. Most powerboat hulls have some deadrise, giving the hull bottom its "V" shape when viewed from the bow or stern. The deep-V hull was developed in the late 1950s and proved to be optimal for high-speed offshore vessels, with transom deadrise of 18 to 24 degrees.

  16. PDF SO YOU WANT TO BE A BOAT DESIGNER….?

    The Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology, known simply as Westlawn, is an accredited correspondence course in boat design. It is owned by The American Boat and Yacht Council in Edgewater, Maryland, which publishes design and construction standards for boats. Westlawn's website is www.westlawn.edu.

  17. Bayesian yacht: What we know about the luxury boat sank by a ...

    The yacht's mast stood 72.27 meters (237 feet) high above the designated water line, just short of the world's tallest mast which is 75.2 meters, according to Guinness World Records.

  18. How Much Does it Cost to Design a Yacht, Engineering Rates, & Pricing

    The cost for a yacht "design only" work ranges from $3,000 to $30,000, depending on the plan's details. Generally, the design cost of a yacht should not exceed 15% - 20% of the overall build.

  19. Lynch Yacht Sinking Off Sicily Proves as Baffling as It Is Tragic

    The boat was lit "like a Christmas tree," local residents said, standing out against the full moon. But about 4 a.m., calamity unfolded. A violent and fast storm hit the area with some of the ...

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    Yacht interior design. Knowing the hull type, we can take your wishes and put them in a preliminary design. This will be a rough outline of the general arrangement (interior layout), a sail plan, a lateral view of the underwater hull and a deck plan. Together with you and the architect we can tweak this plan into a final design.

  21. Top 50 superyacht designers

    On British yacht design… "Britain is a nation of seafarers so boats are embedded in our heritage. It is part of our culture to explore their possibilities" Andrew Langton Reymond Langton. Langton, 44, and Pascale Reymond set up shop in 2001, and designed the interiors of 134m Serene and 95.2m Kismet. On British yacht design…

  22. Masters at Work: How to Design a Superyacht

    As well as four incredible yards, Feadship also has its own dedicated design department called Studio De Voogt. In this short film senior designer Tanno Weed...

  23. Design Your Own Yacht

    Design Your Own Yacht. When designing your own yacht, you have a few options, from commissioning a custom new build yacht construction project through to refitting an existing yacht. When deciding which route to take, it's helpful to know some of the pros and cons of each approach. Option 1: The deluxe, no-holds-barred, fully custom yacht.

  24. Bayesian yacht sinking: Recovered body believed to be chef ...

    A body recovered near the luxury yacht which sank off the coast of Sicily is believed to be that of chef Recaldo Thomas. The Canadian-Antiguan national was understood to be one of 22 people aboard ...

  25. Who was onboard tech mogul Mike Lynch's Bayesian yacht?

    The luxury yacht is 56m long sailboat, with a 75m mast labelled as the tallest aluminium mast in the world. ... The ship also won a string of awards for its design. Ms Golunski said the yacht had ...

  26. Mike Lynch yacht sinking: Witness blames 'extreme mast'

    Yui Mok—PA Images via Getty Images An eye witness to the sinking of British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch's yacht on Monday attributed the tragedy to the extremely tall mast, which made the ...

  27. How to become a effective yacht designer?

    Alik Senior Member. Here are few advices: - Get the software; - Draw sle-e-ek nonsense boat/object; start from about 300 feet (good size for beginner). - Render, render, render it... - Send it to all magazines - and here You are a famous yacht designer! Just a joke But many 'designers' are like that now.

  28. Mike Lynch Death: $40M Yacht Shouldn't Sink so Easily, Expert Says

    The tech tycoon Mike Lynch died in a yacht sinking near Palermo, Italy. An investigation is underway, with experts questioning how the state-of-the-art yacht sank. One expert said the $40 million ...

  29. PDF How to Commission a Yacht Design and Have It Built.

    one boat to the naval architect's design. If you are a yacht builder client, you obtain the exclusive rights to build and market more than one yacht to the design. Neither the owner of a custom yacht nor a yacht builder client owns the design itself; it belongs to the naval architect. That is covered in the next clause. Designer Design Rights.