A Look At The Processes Involved In Yacht Design

Yacht design begins with a brief from a client, or perhaps just an idea. While any motor yacht design should look at the project as a whole, there are three main areas of development. The basic design side is where the overall arrangement and styling are developed, and this has to include the technical spaces for engines, electrics, perhaps a passerelle, a garage for a tender, and so on. The whole has to come together so that the end result is a thing of beauty with plenty of space and as comfortable as can be. For the interior, it is customary to include an interior designer to create the desired effect. 

The desired underwater shape is part of the naval architecture process, and the hull will be designed according to the use for which the vessel is being constructed. For a racing yacht, performance is the key consideration, which is very different from a motor yacht for round the world sailing where comfort and stability in the water may be the most important consideration, along with low fuel consumption and achievement of the desired speeds. This can involve tank testing, and/or CFD (computational fluid dynamics) programmes which can include RANS code testing to achieve maximum stability in rough weather.

The yacht design engineering is the other important consideration. Yacht design engineering analyses the deck loads and hull stresses and loads in order to produce a reliable yacht and also with the object of working out the optimum build procedure with the builder. 

Another part of the yacht design engineering involves consultation with the skipper or owner of a sailing yacht to work out the optimum layout for equipment and fittings. This is also a very important part of the design of motor yachts where the overall styling and aerodynamics have to be not only functional but aesthetically pleasing as well. Many owners today are very concerned about the environmental footprint of their motor yacht and require a design that uses as little fuel as possible, while still producing the performance and comfort they require for themselves and their guests.