Taking place at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour in London, the first SuperyachtDesign debate of 2012 was attended by three British respected designers, comprising Andrew Winch, Terence Disdale as well as Tim Heywood. The next chapter – in what is expected to be another sell-out event – will host another amazing trio, this time, three of Europe‘s most modern and influential superyacht designers. They are Genoa’s Stefano Pastrovich, Norway’s Espen Oeino and Holland’s Marnix Hoekstra.
The first Superyacht Design Summit of 2012: The Bannenberg Reunion
The debate, hosted by SuperyachtDesign magazine, during Focus/12 as part of the Conversation in Design programme at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour will be held on Tuesday 25 September from 5.30pm – 7.30pm. It will follow the successful format of the first event in which the British panel were questioned by Martin Redmayne, The Superyacht Group’s chairman. As a daring and sharp interviewer, Redmayne always invites his subjects to reveal the psychology behind their designs and their inspirations, as well as humorous anecdotes.
99m luxury yacht Xvintage by Fincantieri and Pastrovich
If a new paradigm in superyacht design is emerging, these three are likely to be shaping it. Designs such as Pastrovich’s 99m dual-fuel superyacht Xvintage in collaboration with Fincantieri — presented at the 2011 Global Superyacht Forum — saw the first plausible realisation of an LNG powered superyacht.
Stefano Pastrovich
Arguably needing no introduction, the biographies of all three designers nonetheless make for exciting reading. Italian naval architect Stefano Pastrovich has been working in the industry since 1997. His first big breakcame in collaboration with Martin Francis on the 57m motor yacht SenseS. He went on to become the chief designer at the Wally style office for five years where he developed the styling of the 118 superyacht Wallypower. Pastrovich is a self styled flexible and highly open minded designer, quoted as saying, “design any kind of boat, no holds barred, so long as it’s the best of its kind.” This has resulted in a massive range of concepts including a conversion of a 77-metre ocean-going tug, topped only by his latest 92-metre ‘supertug’ project Nikki Beach, for Lürssen Yachts.
Espen Oeino
Norwegian born Espen Oeino has certainly not limited himself to this corner of the globe. His 14-strong team has a client base stretching from Asia and the Far East to the US. Collaborations with the finest yards are endless including the recently announced design for Sunrise’s 63m yacht Project 601 as well as Hull 632 superyacht, and 72m superyacht Stella Maris from Viareggio Yachts launched in August and premiering at Monaco Yacht Show. Like Pastrovich, he also began his career with Martin Francis, where he became project manager of the legendary Eco project, now known as Engima. Espen Oeino International (EOI), is behind such headline grabbers as 126.2m megayacht Octopus, 71m luxury yacht Skat and 78m Madsummer superyacht.
Marnix Hoekstra
Completing the line-up, Marnix Hoekstra, as a graduate in naval architecture and marine engineering, is one of the third generation owners of Vripack. The Dutch naval architecture, design, engineering and brokers firm was founded in 1961 by Dick Boon. Under the maxim “the quality of work is the sum of experience and enthusiasm”, Vripack has designed and refitted many stunning superyachts including the refit of Amels’ 74m superyacht Ilona, and design and engineering of 42m luxury yacht Star. These are just some examples that demonstrate why Vripack is one of the world’s leading design companies.
74m Amels megayacht ILONA after refit
To book tickets please call Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour on 020 7352 1900. Tickets are £35, which includes access to the conference, networking as well as Champagne and canapés in the Design Club.
Early booking is advised, as tickets sell quickly.
