In every industry, there are problem areas that demand attention. Whether it’s sustainability, after-sales packages or generating new sales, there is no such thing as a seamless and impeccable corner of any market – that’s a fact. But it can be all too easy to be blinkered within your own market and forget that elsewhere, in a neighbouring industry, the issue in hand has been confronted and overcome.

The superyacht industry is, without a doubt, awash with numbers of issues that can be improved. When it comes to addressing said issues, the easiest solution does not always mean reinventing the wheel, but finding the answer through the achievements of other industries. As niche as our market is, and how pioneering new feats may appear in terms of new superyacht technology, operation and design, other industries will have broached something similar, and this should never be forgotten or underestimated.

The idea of taking a step back and forming solutions based on another industry is immensely valuable and it is for this reason that, in two weeks’ time, the superyacht design community will gather at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour during The Superyacht Design Forum (TSDF) 2019.

The idea of taking a step back and forming solutions based on another industry is immensely valuable and it is for this reason that, in two weeks’ time, the superyacht design community will gather at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour during The Superyacht Design Forum (TSDF) 2019.

Formed around the mantra of ‘an external perspective’, TSDF brings an unprecedented opportunity to those in attendance, who will be inspired to look at the superyacht industry through a fresh pair of eyes in order to improve as a whole. The rich programme sees luminaries such as award-winning design Italian architect Beatrice Bonzanigo who, for the first time in the UK, will present 'Casa Ojalá' to illustrate the real meaning of space.

And, speaking of awards, we feel the time has come to cross-examine the value of awards in the superyacht industry. During the forum, we will look to cases such as the RIBA Sterling Prize and how accolades such as these remain credible (or not) in a session called 'The Value of Global Superyacht Awards & Media Recognition'.

We’ll also be hearing the realities of alternative fuel in the superyacht industry as Ivo Veldhuis, technical manager at Mayfair Marine, will take to the stage to question the research surrounding hydrogen in the superyacht industry, and what the current status is for its inclusion in the market. If we look at the cruise ship industry, for example, the research conducted towards hydrogen fuel cells has been extensive. So, during TSDF, we’ll be finding out the stages of development within our own industry.

While we may have a string of issues that need to be updated and improved in the superyacht industry, there are people within other industries that have achieved phenomenal and inspiring feats, from which the superyacht industry can learn. This is, in my opinion, our most inspiring, influential and unique programme that has ever been devised in the superyacht industry, and I truly can’t wait to see the design sector respond to this fresh perspective and be inspired by our range of speakers.

To attend The Superyacht Design Forum 2019 on 25th and 26th June in London, sign 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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