Product design student, Matthew Bland recently represented the UK at the highly acclaimed 5th Abitare La Barca Concept Award competition held at Seatec, Italy.
This is the second year running that there has been a UK entry to the international competition which has provided students with the insight an experience to progress in the Superyacht industry.
UK Student Matthew Bland recognized at 5th Abitare La Barca Concept Award
Matthew won his place after being announced as the winner of the Superyacht UK design competition at the recent Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show. The Superyacht UK competition enables design students studying in the UK to compete on a global platform. The portfolio requirements demanded a strength for being able to design by hand which would enable the winning student to compete successfully at international level.
The talented student received an all expenses paid trip to Carrara, Italy where he drew in front of visitors at the Show. Matthew, a BA Hons student at Uclan University, Preston commented: “Although I did not win, coming 4th in the competition is a great achievement. It’s been a brilliant experience. I’ve really enjoyed the whole trip and have met some of the top Superyacht designers in Italy.”
The British Marine Federation’s (BMF) International Development Manager, Tom Chant commented: “Superyacht UK was delighted to support Matthew’s entry to this unique competition. The competition gives those who enter a great exposure to the marine industry and a great life experience. The UK is a world leader in marine design and we are absolutely delighted that Matthew did so well and is now looking at career options within the industry.”
An associate within the BMF, Superyacht UK is the focal point for UK innovation and excellence. The Superyacht industry in the UK is now worth £420 million per year and has an established reputation for marine excellence through state-of-the-art design. The design competition is a great example of how Superyacht UK is committed to encouraging UK students to be recognised in international markets.
