Design at Sea

Today’s yacht interior designs are affected by rapidly changing technology, sustainability initiatives, and innovations – so the U.S. Superyacht Association hit new build and refit vessel changes head on with the ‘Design at Sea Panel: Exploring the Aesthetics and Functionality of Superyacht Design’.

A panel of interior designers, a naval architect, a technology integrator, a technology service provider, and a yacht sales and charter expert addressed the crossroads of aesthetics, lifestyle, and technology in superyacht design during this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on October 27.

The timely panel discussion focused on the latest trends in interior design, build, and technologies presented by Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA).

Sanaa Vohra, owner and yacht charter sales with Worldwide Boat, moderated an amazing panel including Alan Bernardi, Yacht Intelligence; Sarah Callender, Sarah Callender Interiors; Joseph Dossantos, Crestron Design Showroom; Francis Gumbs, Feadship Refit & Services; Karen Lynn Poulos, Karen Lynn Interior Design.

Trends in design are always changing and it appears yacht owners are currently younger and bring new priorities including less focus on formal dining areas and space for cinemas, media rooms, beach clubs, and watersports. Today’s interior design demands also include more office and business-related spaces.

Yacht owners demand strong connectivity which aligns with changes in satellite communication technology. This is transforming yacht mast configurations, and connected interior designs as yacht owners seek streamlined and contemporary designs. Clients are also asking for more technology and are increasingly concerned about cyber security.

A priority for all of the panelists is the requirement to work together on projects. They addressed how businesses can optimize relationships for successful projects between contractors, owners, yacht captains and crew, and shipyards.

Optimization of space on a yacht is a critical element to always be considered. Designers aim to use areas behind walls, above ceilings, and below floors which, challenges the integration of each aspect of yacht design and engineering.  Also, new requirements and regulations need to be taken into account to follow the necessary rules while enhancing the flow and look of the yacht interior.

The design field continues to face product backlogs and shortages, along with the rest of the yachting industry.

 The dove into the differences between doing a yacht refit or a new build. Refits often requires quick decisions and fast turn-arounds. New builds necessitate the integration and collaboration of every aspect connected to the job. Both require organization and clear scheduling to create accurate timelines and time management.

 All aspects of the interior are guided by the owners’ priorities, whether finances, functionality, sustainability, timelines, shipyard, or other topics. The end user’s desires need to be the focus of all decisions.

 “We are thrilled to have facilitated these insightful panel discussions on so many fundamental aspects of the industry,” said Kitty McGowan, President of the U.S. Superyacht Association. “Each panel provided a unique perspective, showcasing the expertise and innovation that define the superyacht industry. We are grateful to our esteemed panelists and attendees for their active participation and engagement.”

To be a part of U.S.Superyacht Association’s international partnerships and upcoming seminars and events, please visit U.S. Superyacht Association at www.ussuperyacht.com.

Moderator: Sanaa Vohra, Worldwide Boat

Originally from Mumbai, India, Sanaa’s world travels led her to Fort Lauderdale along with her family in 2000. Despite her father’s success in the yachting industry, she was motivated to follow her own dreams. Life, however, had different plans. In 2007, Sanaa seized an opportunity to join a major yacht brokerage, marking the start of a 16-year journey working with super yachts in various capacities.

In 2013, Sanaa found her home at Worldwide Boat, taking charge of the Charter Division before pioneering the company’s Sales Department. Today, she proudly owns this boutique firm, orchestrating over 10,000 extraordinary charters worldwide alongside her visionary partner. Beyond her impressive career, Sanaa values her roles as a devoted wife and loving mother to Zyvah and Zahyr.

Sarah Callender, Sarah Callender Interiors

Sarah Callender Interiors is a full-service Interior Design studio based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Sarah has been working in the Yacht Industry for the past 16 years, with a unique background and broad experience. Sarah Callender Interiors believes true luxury is a combination of quality and personalization. We use an intuitive understanding of our client’ needs, tastes and personalities, coupled with access to only the highest quality resources to create a space that not only looks beautiful, but improves our clients’ quality of life; a state of being we identify as liveable luxury. For us, it is not just about designing the interiors, but bringing the entire ambiance together to make you feel at home, whether that be on land or at sea.

Francis Gumbs, Feadship Refit

Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship is recognized as the world leader in the field of custom superyachts. Each Feadship is defined by its superb craftsmanship and sets the standard in every aspect of design, engineering and construction. These bespoke motoryachts are created in partnership with owners who are prepared to invest in a wonderful building experience and reap the rewards for many years to come in terms of both pleasure and re-sale value.

Growing up on the Caribbean island of St.Martin, Francis had early interest in boating and built several family boats with his dad. At the time considered a hobby, he later realized that his passion for doing so was more that. He studied naval architecture in the Netherlands and graduated with particular interest in Seakeeping. During his apprenticeship at De Voogt Naval Architects in the early nineties this passion became profession.

After graduating in 1993 he joined Feadship de Voogt Naval Architects, where he worked on many new builds as naval architect, gathered a broad experience and managed the team of naval architects. In 2007 he took charge of the De Voogt Yacht Services department and provided design and engineering for the Feadship fleet for over 10 years supporting many successful refits with his team.

The department has since grown into Feadship Refit and Services, a new business entity which has expanded and put refit business on the chart within Feadship. The business has seen an increasing growth over the last 5 years with more and more Feadship owners recognizing the value of taking their yachts back to Feadship for refits and services.

Francis heads the Design and Engineering team and works closely together with the Feadship Refit Sales team in advising clients with their refit and services plans.