The 2025 Superyacht UK (SYUK) Young Designer Competition has once again proven to be a showcase of creativity, vision and boundary-pushing innovation. Held during the Southampton International Boat Show, this year’s competition, brought together some of the brightest emerging talents in design to compete for top honours.
Proudly sponsored by LA Marine and supported by event partners Princess Yachts, Sunseeker, Cockwells, Marina Projects, Winch Design, RWD, and Olesinski, the competition took place in the show’s New Wave Hall from 21–22 September, allowing visitors to the show to see the young designers in action.
The eight shortlisted students, from 2nd/3rd-year undergraduate and Master’s programmes, were challenged with a live design brief set by the judging panel, which included: Justin Olesinski from Olesinski, Douglas Hynd from RWD, Jeff Houlgrave from Marina Projects Ltd, Ewen Foster from Sunseeker, Emily Naumann from Winch Design and the 2019 competition winner, James Shakespeare, who now works in the Surfacing Design Team at Princess Yachts.
This year’s brief was to design a 48–50m family-friendly charter yacht for a couple based in Monaco, on the edge of the Pelagos Sanctuary Marine Protected Area. The designers had to consider environmental restrictions, future-proof sustainable features, and the yacht’s full lifecycle. They were also asked to design a matching tender and present an exterior profile, rough general arrangement, master cabin concept, and ideas to ensure the yacht would appeal to the charter market.
“I wanted this year’s brief to reflect the real-world challenges designers face in today’s industry. The focus on a family-friendly charter yacht within the Pelagos Sanctuary gave students the opportunity to explore sustainability, lifecycle thinking, and the impact of environmental regulations — issues that are becoming central to modern yacht design. It was important to set a challenge that was commercially realistic, creatively inspiring, and future-focused, while still allowing students the freedom to showcase their own design style,” explained James.
Winners announced
After one-and-a-half days of intense design work, the judges announced this year’s winners whose concepts stood out for their creativity, technical skill and attention to sustainability in front of a live audience on the Boating Academy Stage (Monday 22 September).
Jack Franics, who is studying Yacht Design and Production at Solent University claimed 1st place, earning a one-month internship at Sunseeker. The judges were impressed not only by Jack’s polished presentation, but also by the thinking behind it – from his innovative use of sustainable materials to his clever interpretation of the charter yacht brief and compelling storytelling approach.
James Horrocks, studying Automotive and Transport design at Staffordshire University took 2nd place, receiving a one-week internship at Olesinski and Ed Taylor, who recently finished studying Product Design at Bournemouth University was awarded 3rd place, with a one-week internship at Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding, part of the Pendennis Group.
All three winners demonstrated the exceptional talent and vision that the Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition seeks to nurture, showing an impressive ability to respond to a complex brief while pushing the boundaries of superyacht design.
Speaking of his win Jack commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have won the Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition 2025. Taking on the brief was both challenging and inspiring, and it really pushed me to think about sustainability, innovation, and how to create a yacht that would appeal to the charter market. To present my ideas to such an esteemed panel of judges, and now to have the chance to gain real experience with Sunseeker, is an incredible opportunity. I’m excited to take what I’ve learned here and continue developing my career in yacht design.”
While judge Douglas Hynd from RWD said: “The standard of work in this year’s competition has been truly outstanding. The students approached a complex and forward-looking brief with creativity, technical skill, and an impressive awareness of sustainability and the future needs of the charter market. It was inspiring to see such fresh ideas presented with confidence and clarity, and every competitor should be proud of what they achieved in such a short time. The Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition continues to shine a spotlight on the next generation of talent, and it’s exciting to imagine the impact these young designers will have on the future of our industry.”
In closing, Michael Beattie, Superyacht UK Manager, said: “The Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition is a fantastic platform for emerging talent to showcase their ideas, gain invaluable feedback from industry leaders, and take their first steps into a career in yacht design. Every year, we are continually amazed by the originality and technical skill of the students, and 2025 has been no exception. With the support of LA Marine and our event partners, we are proud to continue championing the next generation of designers and creating real opportunities for them to thrive in this exciting industry.”
Learn more about Superyacht UK by visiting www.superyachtuk.com
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
You can use discount code AASSIBS2025 to buy a ticket for any day of the Southampton International Boat Show for just £24. Book tickets, and find out more: www.southamptonboatshow.com.
The Southampton International Boat Show takes place from 19–28 September. Tickets for the event start at £29 (concessions from just £23), children aged 15 and under enter for free with an adult.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor looking to improve your skills, a family in search of new adventures, or just dipping your toes into the boating lifestyle, book your tickets to the Southampton International Boat Show now and secure your spot at the UK’s biggest celebration of boating and water sports.
