Superyacht STRIDER | a futuristic concept yacht from Scott Henderson

Scott talked us through his experimental process as he explored the potential of generative AI technology, Mid-Journey v5.1.

“The process begins by using the standard subscription to Mid-Journey v5.1 (text to image AI) and considering key features of next-generation charter superyachts, such as large sun deck, helicopter pad, pool deck, jacuzzi and swim deck. Using these as text prompts, the software generates multiple concepts,” says Scott.

Luxury charter yacht STRIDER | a concept yacht from Scott Henderson

From these initial concepts, certain details emerge that a designer may not have thought of and can focus on, “you select ideas you think are tracking in the right direction, and the software works on those some more, so after about 8 cycles, it has really explored a lot of ideas.”

Research is an essential part of any design process and traditionally a designer will generate mood boards which visually demonstrate their research using images sourced from books, websites and apps. With AI, the images that make up a designer’s mood board can now be completely customized instead of just randomly sourced from the internet.  AI can also elevate mood boards to the next level by creating bespoke rendering effects. Scott says, “I can use text prompts such as ‘shoot in dramatic early morning light using 35mm camera’ or ‘generate background of the tropical ocean’ to personalise the mood board or drop in architectural people to add context”.

There is some way to go before AI can generate complete and usable charter superyacht concepts, so Scott still uses a ‘traditional’ design process after his upfront AI-generated inspirations. Designs for superyacht STRIDER began with hand-drawn sketches, moving to 2D scale drawings which are then translated into 3D CAD models, and finally rendered into 3D images. The final stage is where AI has created text prompted backgrounds and staging.

Superyacht STRIDER | from Scott Henderson

The renderings for superyacht STRIDER reflect many of the ideas which will no-doubt feature in superyachts of the future. The name is inspired by the Water Strider, an insect which glides at speed across the surface of the water and the rendered images show the evolution of popular charter yacht design features.

• Tri-marin design for speed and efficiency
• Helicopter pad aft
• Pass-through, half indoor/half outdoor swimming pool/jacuzzi deck
• Forward sundeck or outdoor dining area deck
• Swim platform aft that hinges closed when underway
• Swim / Toy / Tender platform with elevators that lower jet skis or tender into the water

Scott Henderson is an American designer, artist, writer, and curator from New York City where he has risen to the pinnacle of his profession as one of the world’s leading industrial designers.  Scott’s love for vehicle and transportation design has also led to fantastic superyacht design concepts.  Scott believes that the goal of good design is to meet the mind of the user with unimpeded flow.

Scott Henderson

As a leading luxury yacht charter broker, we look forward to one day seeing such concepts in reality, with charter guests on board cruising the Mediterranean or Caribbean.

Concept Yacht ONO | Photo Aras Kazar

Aluminium, fibreglass and tempered glass create the statement-making minimalist appearance of ONO. The razor-sharp silhouette has little to distinguish between the hull and the superstructure, except for a touch of gold at the bow that forms a sleek line to the stern.

Aras Kazar has spent over a decade as a freelance yacht designer, and his characteristic designs are more than just a visual delight: Amenities on board include a swimming pool, cinema, helipad and plenty of storage for water toys, while solar panels cover the roof for efficient energy usage on board.

Concept yacht ONO | Photo Aras Kazar

While a view from the sides conceals the outdoor entertainment areas, looking up from the stern reveals a spacious swim platform and beach club for hosting gatherings beside the water. A large fold-down terrace amidships on both sides forms an indoor/outdoor entertaining space, further increasing the options for how guests spend their days.

Concept yacht ONO | Photo Aras Kazar

The overnight accommodation is just as alluring, consisting of 3 Master suites and 5 further guest cabins. The crew complement will ensure that guests receive impeccable service wherever they cruise, with all details taken care of in the background.

Concept yacht ONO | Photo Aras Kazar

Aras Kazar has two more upcoming superyacht designs equally futuristic in appearance yet both unique: The 48m/157ft carbon fibre NAVE NERA and the 42m/137ft wood-constructed MOTO, designed to reach an incredible top speed of 60 knots.

PRESS RELEASE

Centrostiledesign Alongside Sessa Marine: the Company Led by Davide Cipriani Will Design New Yachts of the Historic Italian Shipyard

The new partnership was formed with the new Fly 21 metre project presented at the recent Cannes Yachting Festival: a yacht with sporty lines and great liveability owing to the distinctive gullwing side openings.

Mordano (Bo) 26 September 2016 – One of the most interesting news items on the international nautical scene announced at the recent Cannes Yachting Festival is undoubtedly the new partnership between Centrostiledesign, the dynamic company specialised in planning and design services, and a historical name in the world of boating, Sessa Marine, the Italian shipyard well-known worldwide for its innovative yachts.

The collaboration sees the company led by Davide Cipriani become official designer of the shipyard, for which it will design the new yacht lines. This partnership places one of the world’s most important builders of vessels up to 24 metres long side by side with a young but solid company that is a rare example on the international scene in terms of know-how, number of employees and variety of services.

The first result of this synergy is the new Fly 21 metre of Sessa Marine, which previewed at the Cannes show. It is a vessel in which sporty lines inspired by the automotive world blend together with a great liveability unusual for models of this type. This is especially due to the two gullwing side openings, one of the most distinctive elements of the project. Distinguishing the entire yacht are the attention paid to natural light and its utilisation, where the spaces appear to be managed in a manner similar to that of the large yachts, as is confirmed by the insertion of the sun pad and the bow dinette (see the official video of the yacht: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcrHiUsntAo).

Sessa Marine Fly 21

Sessa Marine Fly 21

Sessa Marine Fly 21

The Fly 21 metres, for which Centrostiledesign also oversaw the engineering design aspects, is the first step of a collaboration that will continue with the development of new lines and models, starting with two s64- and 55-foot shuttles. These projects promise to be as revolutionary and unconventional, demonstrating Sessa Marine’s strong desire for modernisation.

Centrostiledesign emerges from the union of two companies boasting 25 years of history: Studio Ti (technological partner of companies in the industrial, transport and earthmoving fields) and Centro Stile, a planning and design company in the nautical sector with a customer base that includes the top names of the shipbuilding industry. Led by Davide Cipriani, today it is a company able to interpret the challenges of the market while at the same time ensure high quality standards and provide its customers with an extremely complete and well-structured chain of services including concept, design, engineering, fluid dynamic and structural calculations, construction of production models, moulds and scale models, and technical documentation.

The latest sailing yacht design conept from the Malcolm McKeaon Yaach Design studios – Project MM51

A carefully considered design, sailing sloop Project MM51 will utilise and aluminium hull for exceptional longevity and minimisation of rolling effects while on the waves. Safety, performance and comfort have been taken into account above and below deck, ensuring that guests aboard MM51 can spend long periods at sea.

The arching glass canopy creates a fluid design from exterior to interior and allows for high light penetration into the main saloon. A magnifying glass effect is avoided due to reflective interlayers in the glass and the reflective pigments in the dark exterior paint. Both control heat absorption and dissipate some of the excess for a more controlled and comfortable environment throughout the trip.

The glass canopy of MM51 uses reflective technology to prevent a magnifying glass effect.

The cabin layout is designed with 1 Master suite and 4 guest suites, providing for up to 10 guests. Each room has a welcoming atmosphere attributable to the large windows that create a bright natural space in each cabin.

The design from exterior to interior is fluid, assisted in part by the glass canopy. Sliding glass doors divide the saloon from the cockpit to provide ease of access and increased airflow through the cabin. In unfavourable weather, retractable glass side panels prevent wind and seawater from entering the cockpit and the main interior.

Under the teak foredeck, there is plenty of space for a large tender, or the tender-well could be utilised as a plunge-pool instead. The aft section contains seating which faces out onto the sea for panoramic sunrises and sunsets. A large swim platform and side boarding platforms grant easy access to the water for snorkelling or diving activities.

Aft view of Project MM51, showing deck seating arrangement.

The spoke-free steering system updates the traditional sailing yacht design for the 21st Century and a fully automated sail handling system improves both safety and reaction time aboard the yacht.

Project MM51 will have a lifting keel draft ranging from 4.75m to 7.2m and the sloop rig stands at 68.5m tall with a square-top mainsail as part of the  sail configuration.

Ready to be assigned to a shipyard as a turn-key project, MM51 is an excellent new sailing yacht design for an owner looking for quality and quick completion. With a lead time of only 24 months, an order placed in 2016 would be fulfilled by Christmas in 2018.