As we all know there are a host of issues that need to be addressed in the superyacht industry, from its economic impact, to safety through functional design. But, how many times during the large number of events held throughout the superyacht calendar have you sat in a discussion and listened to the same debate being rehashed under a different guise?

The superyacht industry is an introverted entity, and its stakeholders do tend to huddle together to ponder over ideas amongst themselves. Very often, these conundrums have already been successfully resolved by innovators in other industries. There are so many other industries can provide some transferrable solutions that are applicable to ours and enhance the way things are done, but are we choosing to ignore them?

Sometimes it feels like the superyacht industry’s approach to change is one that stands over a spilt cup of coffee while saying ‘someone should really clean that up’. But, that’s because so many of these discussions are focused inwards, which is why we wind up hearing the same things over and over again – and that’s enough to crush anyone’s enthusiasm.

Sometimes it feels like the superyacht industry’s approach to change is one that stands over a spilt cup of coffee while saying ‘someone should really clean that up’.

Let’s not forget that there are some extraordinary things being created in the superyacht industry, but I know that I’m not alone in thinking that the freshness of other industries has the power to catalyse new and exciting ideas that could complement and elevate the concepts that we have in the superyacht industry.

This leads me, of course, to The Superyacht Design Forum taking place on 25th and 26th June, where we have placed a blanket ban on introverted superyacht related ponderings, in exchange for discussions that can really inspire us through a fresh pair of eyes.

Our theme, ‘An External Perspective’ is about taking success stories and innovations from other industries and drawing parallels with our own industry, rather than simply looking within the confines of our own market for the answer.

The power of transferrable knowledge and skills from established markets is monumental, and the concept of cross-industry innovation is one that is used in all kinds of sectors.

The power of transferrable knowledge and skills from established markets is monumental, and the concept of cross-industry innovation is one that is used in all kinds of sectors. For example, in 2015, Williams Advanced Engineering, reported that its aerodynamic F1 technology was being utilised for supermarket refrigerators, significantly reducing energy consumption. It’s an interesting concept, and a technology that has evolved across industries that are worlds apart. In a way it’s a form of creative imitation, as well as inspiration, and this is the sort of innovation we’ll be focusing on in June.

“It makes sense, when you are talking about new technologies, to get new design teams from other industries and different geographical areas, and you always have to look at what is happening in all areas of culture,” said Dr Alexander Kotouc, head of BMWi product management in a recent article in The Superyacht Report. “Perhaps this approach to design is what the superyacht industry can learn from most of all.”

Together with Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour we have been working to create a truly exciting and inspiring Forum, which is different to all the other superyacht events that the industry will have experienced to date.  So please don’t miss this opportunity to think differently, by signing up here.

Profile links

Summit Furniture (Europe) Ltd.

Laurent Giles Superyacht Architecture

Olesinski Limited

Design Centre Chelsea Harbour

YachtCloud B.V.

LIGNIA

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