Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition 2024 launch announced
Superyacht UK, a membership-only association representing the interests of the UK Superyacht industry in the UK and overseas, is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition. This prestigious event offers a unique platform for young designers from universities nationwide to showcase their creativity and innovation in yacht design.
Following the resounding success of last year’s competition, which saw Oliver Rommelrath from Staffordshire University crowned the winner, the 2024 competition promises to be even more exciting. The event will take place at the Southampton International Boat Show from 16-18 September 2024, and participants will be able to present their designs to an international audience and industry experts.
“Superyacht UK has a focus to help young talent enter our awesome industry. Many of us in the industry started at institutions like Solent University or Warsash Maritime School and, through the encouragement of peers or inspiration from mentors, have gone on to be leading members of the Superyacht community. The Superyacht UK Young Designer event is a great opportunity for students to see, first hand, more of this world to show off their talents, all whilst developing great contacts within the industry.”
Ben Geary, Chair of Superyacht UK
To get the competition underway, Superyacht UK, British Marine, and Sunseeker International will host an official launch event on 14 March 2024 at Sunseeker International’s client Showcase Suite in Poole.
University Design Department Heads and staff have been invited to attend the event to learn more about the competition and what it offers their students. British Marine and Sunseeker International will present on the requirements for students in conceptualisation, design, engineering, and interiors.
It is a great opportunity to visit one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of luxury performance yachts. Guests will also be able to explore Sunseeker’s state-of-the-art Design and Technology Centre and main shipyard.
“The competition is becoming an ever more important event to engage with future design talent. We are proud to play a part in supporting this initiative which champions Naval Architecture, Transport and Product Design as a valuable career path. We are keen to encourage these talented individuals who will in future add immense value to businesses like ours given their inspiration, skill and adoption of cutting edge technology.”
Ewen Foster, CTO, Sunseeker International
This year’s competition introduces two entry categories: category 1 for 2nd—and 3rd-year students and category 2 for Master’s students. A total of 12 places are available, and participants are required to hand-draw their designs to specific briefs during the two-day event at the Southampton International Boat Show in September.
Winners and runners-up in each category can look forward to great prizes, with further details to be announced. Entries require nomination by a tutor/lecturer and the completed entry form must be submitted to Superyacht UK by 30th April 2024.
To register an entrant, please use this form: https://forms.office.com/e/W4unaKAi8g
Once all entries have been considered, Superyacht UK will notify the successful candidates.
“The 2023 competition highlighted the immense talent amongst university students, with Oliver Rommelrath’s win underlining the high standard of design and creativity among participants. The competition provides a platform for emerging designers and fosters connections with leading figures in the yacht design industry.”
Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine.
University Design Department Heads and staff interested in joining us for the launch event or for more information about the competition that continues to inspire and challenge the next generation of yacht designers, please contact Liv Whetmore at lwhetmore@britishmarine.co.uk
If you want to support this year’s Superyacht UK Young Designers competition as an event sponsor, please contact lwhetmore@britishmarine.co.uk for further information on available opportunities.
