superyacht design course

By SuperyachtNews 22 Mar 2024

Solent University introduces sustainable superyacht design course

The southampton-based university has launched a brand new msc for the 2024/25 academic year, the first of its kind in the uk….

Solent University, Southampton, has introduced the Sustainable Marine Craft and Superyacht Design MSc for the 2024/25 academic year, marking the first of its kind in the UK.

Applications are currently being accepted for a September 2024 start date. This innovative course, led by experts in the field of superyacht design, integrates environmental approaches and addresses lower-carbon solutions directly.

“Sustainability is transitioning from a mere trend or passion to becoming an integral part of business operations,” says Yann Dabbadie, Technical Manager at Southern Wind Shipyard. “As builders of sailing yachts designed for long-range performance cruising with a high level of autonomy, it has been imperative for us to enhance our environmental responsibility in the way we design, build, and operate our yachts. This new business approach requires a wealth of knowledge and skills across various fields, skills that are not readily available within the yachting industry and must be sourced from other sectors.”

The course represents one of the latest advancements at Solent and its Warsash Maritime School, aiming to contribute to safer and more sustainable seas by reducing the environmental impact of the maritime industry on marine environments. In 2023, the UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub (UK-MaRes Hub) was launched, with Solent as a founding member, receiving £21.3 million for research into decarbonising the UK maritime sector.

Located in one of the country’s primary maritime hubs, the course builds upon its predecessor – Superyacht Design – blending engineering science, naval architecture, and project management with a focus on practical, real-world learning.

Students will also have access to Solent’s Centre for Marine Sustainability, a leading research hub addressing challenges facing our oceans.

“The industry moves fast, and what you learn here will keep you ahead of the game. Now, working on yacht and cruise ship designs, I use what I learned every day, applying those specialised skills and knowledge that I developed during my time at Solent,” says Sven Saborowski, a graduate of the University’s original superyacht design programme, who is now a Project Design Engineer at Meyer Werft in Germany.

The MSc Sustainable Marine Craft and Superyacht Design course is designed to equip students with the necessary engineering knowledge and practical technical design skills required for a career in the leisure or commercial craft design and production industry, focusing on marine craft typically ranging from 24 metres to 120 metres in length.

In addition to practical design projects, students will study naval architecture, structural design, and system design, ensuring compliance with relevant maritime statutory regulations and integrating current sustainability and lifecycle requirements.

Utilising Solent's marine design CAD suite, students will gain proficiency in various commercially available drafting, modelling, and analytical software programs widely used in the marine design industry. Industry-standard hull lines fairing software will be employed for hull development, alongside CAD packages for the creation of 2D CAD drawings and 3D computer-generated models.

Students will benefit from access to Solent University’s 60-metre-long tow tank, enabling testing and analysis of sailing or motor vessel performance, facilitating the development of sail or wing plans for wind-assisted vessels or powertrain systems for powered vessels.

Upon completion of the course, which may include a dissertation completed in collaboration with a commercial design office or production facility, students will possess the necessary design skills to enter the global marine industry. Alternatively, they may choose to pursue further research through a PhD program.

“It is very satisfying to educate enthusiastic students who come to study with us at Solent University to learn to develop fantastic superyachts and commercial vessels, and on their graduation, begin great careers,” adds Giles Barkley, Course Leader – Yacht Engineering at Warsash Maritime School. “We see graduates apply the knowledge and skills they have gained from our dedicated Yacht and Commercial craft design academics, transferring their learning to their careers.”

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MSc Sustainable Marine Craft and Superyacht Design

Why study a sustainable marine craft and superyacht design master's degree at Solent University

Discover latest techniques to develop new, sustainable superyacht and marine craft designs. Benefit from the combined expertise of Solent's yacht engineering team and Centre for Marine Sustainability.

• 0 years of yacht and powercraft design and production at Solent University
• £ 0 m investment in our campus and industry-standard facilities
• 0 th UK uni for sustained employment (LEO 2022)
• You'll have full access to industry-standard naval architecture software and CAD packages.
• The course combines the theoretical knowledge and practical design skills desired by employers.
• You'll be able to test the performance of your design using the University's 60m-long tow tank.
• Solent has a strong pedigree in yacht and powercraft design and production, delivering courses for 55 years.
• You'll be studying in the heart of the city of Southampton - close to the UK's top sailing areas and many design offices and production facilities. Southampton is also home to the UK's largest boat show.
• You'll hear from guest speakers from industry on current design developments, rule developments and current practice and help develop your design skills.
• You'll join established and globally recognised yacht design and production alumni, many of whom are major contributors to the design and production of some of the world’s leading marine craft brands and design offices for both leisure and commercial vessels.

Course overview

The MSc Sustainable Marine Craft and Superyacht Design course focuses on equipping you with the engineering knowledge and the analytical and practical technical design skills a future marine craft designer is expected to have on entering the leisure or commercial craft design and production industry, to design marine craft typically between 24 metres and 120 metres in length.

Alongside practical design projects, you will study naval architecture, structural design and system design. For all modules, your design must comply with relevant maritime statutory regulations and must have current sustainability and lifecycle requirements embedded within.

Working in Solent's marine design CAD suite, you will learn to use many commercially available drafting and modelling, and analytical software programs widely used across the marine design industry. You will use industry-standard hull lines fairing software to develop the hull, and CAD packages to develop 2D CAD drawings and 3D computer generated models of your designs.

You will also have access to Solent University’s 60 metres long tow tank, where you will be able to test and analyse the performance of a sailing or motor vessel and then develop the sail or wing plan for a wind assisted vessel, or the powertrain for a powered vessel.

On completion of the course, which may well finish with your dissertation completed alongside a commercial design office or production facility, you will have the design skills to join an exciting worldwide industry. Alternatively, you could complete further research by pursuing a PhD. 

Any questions?

Contact UK admissions

Contact international admissions

Speak to a tutor

Student work

Our creative degrees allow our students to develop a critical eye for design with a knowledge of different design approaches and problem solving techniques. Take a look at some of the great work they produce.

Course features

Apply direct.

You can apply direct to Solent University for this course

Specialist facilities

This course has access to specialist facilities

This course is for

This course is ideally suited to students who have an undergraduate degree in large ship design, engineering, architecture or technical product design, or for those who have practical seagoing experience of working vessels but who now wish to pursue a career in the marine design industry designing complex sustainable vessels between 24m and 120m in length.  

What this course leads to

This course can lead to exciting worldwide careers as a superyacht or commercial craft designer, specialising in areas of naval architecture, marine craft design, or project management; or being an owner’s representative within both the superyacht and commercial craft industry. 

• Naval architect
• Production manager
• Systems engineer

Meet the team

The academic team have many years' experience in teaching the analytical theory and the practical design associated with the development and design of commercial marine draft and superyachts. Collectively, their expertise and authority to deliver the latest marine craft design knowledge and real-world design practice is reinforced by actively engaging with academic consultancy, government funded projects, post-doctoral research, and industry experience and consultancy.

Giles Barkley

Course Leader

Vittorio Boccolini

Senior Lecturer

Chris Patterson

Head of Marine Engineering

The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

To aid learning, students have full access to the University’s specialist yacht engineering and design facilities, including our composite construction workshop, yacht drawing office and modern CAD office, which is equipped with the latest commercial marine design and production software.

Students also have access to a fully-equipped specialist composite laboratory and materials testing laboratory, a 60m towing tank and static four-metre stability tank.

Year one modules

Core modules, naval architecture structures and systems.

This module covers three main areas: naval architecture, structural design, and systems design. You will learn the principles of stability, resistance, and propulsion, alongside the principles for dimensioning hull plating and scantlings to classification rules. You will also design and position on board the main systems required on board marine craft.

Marine Craft Production Management

In this module, you'll cover the vessel production management process from concept to delivery. Topics covered include specifications, contracts, production programming, costs, the production team, class, flag, owner’s representative, fitout planning, shipyard planning, and large vessel movements. The module also includes real vessel production case studies and shipyard visits.

Powered Craft Design Development

Working in groups, you will develop a large motor vessel in line with a client brief in groups and present the styling and layout of the design to the client midway through the module. The module also involves the technical development of the design, ensuring compliance with statutory and structural regulations. You will also consider alternative CO2 reducing power plants for the vessel.

Sustainable Marine Design

This module examines alternative marine fuels and propulsion system integration. It offers an in-depth insight into the properties, evolution, advantages, and disadvantages, and assesses the performance of vessel emissions elimination solutions to help prepare students for future challenges.

Wind Assisted Vessel Design

You will learn and apply the design and software skills to develop a preliminary design for a 30 to 40 metre sailing or wind-assisted vessel, applying new knowledge gained in other modules. You will also utilise International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, ensuring your design meets these. You may also consider novel wind assisted rigs too.

Marine Craft Dissertation

Your dissertation can be either an industry-based design, or production led, or an academic research-based project. The aim is to extend your knowledge beyond the taught syllabus - you will approach a specific topic by developing the project or widening knowledge, using traditional and innovative engineering techniques and design tools.

Learning resources

At Solent, our aim is to deliver innovative, inclusive and intellectually stimulating teaching to develop self-confident and highly employable graduates. All our courses are designed with employability in mind, which makes industry-based learning a priority.

Learn transferable skills

Students will develop creative thinking, problem-solving and analysis, production, project management and teamwork skills throughout the course.

Why choose a career in sustainable marine craft and superyacht design

There is currently demand from both the commercial and superyacht industry for graduates who possess the technical design and production skills to develop and project manage the marine craft.

Our previous yacht, power craft, and superyacht design courses have scored very highly in graduate destination surveys, with normally 90% of graduates securing employment in their chosen field. These courses have graduated more than 1000 students, most of whom are still in contact with the University. Local alumni have previously given guest lectures, as well as graduate employment and internship opportunities.

The course team also have excellent connections with the wider marine industry, occasionally providing further learning opportunities for current students.

Local companies include RWD (designers of Superyachts based in Beaulieu) and commercial vessel designers, Keel Marine (Based in Havant) and Incat Crowther are supporters of this course.

Solent Futures

The Solent Futures team is committed to getting students into great careers.

While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.

If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.

UK uni for sustained employment

Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022

Alumni network

As part of our global alumni community, you can take advantage of a range of benefits.

Whether it's been days or decades since you left us, or you're soon to don your cap and gown, things are constantly changing at Solent. We're always innovating, but we're also immensely proud of our heritage. And that means you.

20% alumni discount

Research and knowledge exchange.

Research doesn't just live in publications and journals - the effects of groundbreaking research can be found everywhere you look. That's why research at Solent has always been firmly rooted in industry needs and real-world application.

Solent University prides itself on carrying out not only pioneering research, but also research that addresses real world problems. We offer opportunities to study for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in a number of areas.

At Solent, we want to help you achieve your best and discover new insights. Whether you're thinking about applying for a PhD, or already underway with your research studies, you'll find useful guidance and information in our research pages.

Tuition fees

The tuition fees for the 2024/25 academic year are:

• UK and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,675 per year
• International full-time fees: £17,065 per year

For further information, please visit our  tuition fees page .

Extra course costs

While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact  [email protected] .

Alumni discount

Solent alumni are eligible for a 20% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course.

Bursaries, scholarships and financial support

Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.

Cost of living support

At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.

Graduation costs

There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.

Student finance videos

Entry requirements

Please select an option below:

Key entry requirements

First or 2:1 in an appropriate naval architecture, engineering, or technology subject.

Or professional qualification to either 3000GT superyacht captain, chief engineer or Master Mariner with appropriate experience.

If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here .

For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions .

Note to all international students requiring a visa

All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.

We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at our 2023 course entry statement document.

An honours degree at 2:1 or higher

Your application checklist

Applications for postgraduate courses can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. However, we strongly recommend you apply at your earliest convenience.

Please ensure you upload the following mandatory documents with your application:

• Two academic references.
• Certified transcripts of qualifications, including English language proficiency if non-UK student.
• Copy of passport.
• Copy of current visa (if applicable).
• A personal statement.
• Employer sponsor form, where appropriate.

Language requirements

Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:

• IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
• TOEFL IBT 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking
• Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component or equivalent.

Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.

Pre-Sessional English programme The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.

Study options

Full-time starting september 2024.

This course will start September 2024. You can apply direct now by clicking the 'Apply direct' button at the top of the page.

Make your application

• 1 year full-time

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Milan Yacht Design offers yacht designing course

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Solent university (southampton): superyacht design.

Do you have a passion for naval architecture and dream of designing the next generation of superyachts? Southampton Solent’s unique superyacht design master’s programme – the only one of its kind the UK – blends naval architecture and structural design with management skills to help provide you with essential career-boosting skills.

The course concentrates on sailing and motor yachts over 24 metres in length, and is intended not just for naval architects and students of yacht design, but also now provides suitably qualified marine engineers and certified deck officers with experience of operating superyachts the opportunity to develop their qualifications, where traditionally the career path for yacht officers has not enabled them to progress onto pure naval architecture degrees. The blend of naval architecture (for which sea-going officers will have underpinning knowledge), management and structural design will enable students from these backgrounds to develop their knowledge and understanding, and introduce new and relevant material and subjects for master’s level study.

Course delivery is based on ‘hands-on’ active learning, with an emphasis on developing students’ analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as gaining the appropriate knowledge to tackle an individual design or analysis project. Students benefit from strong industry links built through the University’s highly-regarded yacht engineering undergraduate degrees, as well as experienced teaching staff with industrial and research experience.

Students also have the opportunity to work on ‘real world’ assignments, and to use appropriate experience as a basis for project work. Where possible, ‘real world’ briefs will also be used, and industry guests will be asked to give feedback on work when appropriate. Students on the course with industry experience and/or sponsorship will be asked to incorporate elements of their work in their project.

The course concludes with a final design project where students are able to develop their own design, or investigate aspects of a design. Students will have the opportunity to design, build and test models to use in the towing tank, and will also benefit from access to the CAD suite equipped with industry-standard software to develop and analyse hulls, structure, superstructure and internal designs.

Full-Time, 1 years started Sep 2022

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LEARN YACHT DESIGN

Westlawn's mission.

The Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology operates around one central goal:

Enabling our students and alumni to achieve their dreams of becoming successful yacht designers.

Westlawn Opens Doors

Over the years, Westlawn has produced more practicing small-craft designers than any other institution in the world.

Westlawn graduates have established careers throughout the marine industry, with leading builders and design firms. Many have launched their own independent design firms.

The Westlawn Diploma in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, and Yacht Design demonstrates the graduate’s mastery of concept and design skills. Equally important to prospective clients and employers, it offers proof of superior self-discipline and dedication, for a powerful competitive advantage in the global marine industry.

Many Westlawn graduates report that their portfolios of design projects from the Westlawn course have been a primary factor in securing employment with leading boatbuilders and design firms. Employers add that Westlawn students’ learning is practical, relevant and up-to-date, allowing them to begin contributing immediately as productive team members.

Many Westlawn students have completed their studies after being hired as designers in many industries.

Who Should Consider Westlawn

Recent high school graduates choose Westlawn as the next step in their education, leading directly to a yacht and boat design career.

College and university students earning degrees in naval architecture and marine engineering find that Westlawn provides skills in boat design not covered in university courses, as well as training in conceptualization and aesthetics.

Many Westlawn students have already established careers in other disciplines, and seek to change their professional direction. Others, already working as designers in the marine industry, select Westlawn as a path to professional development and career enhancement.

So if you have an interest in boats and a desire to flex your creative muscle in marine design, the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology is for you.

A Westlawn Education Is Effective, Convenient, And Affordable

To help you achieve your professional dreams, we’ve made it easier than ever to complete your Westlawn education.

Your monthly student fee covers your student membership in the two professional organizations that will be very important to your career as a yacht designer: RINA, the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, and SNAME, the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. These two organizations provide you with periodicals and access to an enormous library of valuable reference materials.

Because tuition and enrollment fees include all text materials, software tools, assignment review and evaluation, testing, grading and consultation with faculty, the cost of a Westlawn education represents a superior value.

Practical, Project Based Learning

Our courses are online, and have always been based on “Project Based Learning” which is widely recognized as the most effective way to learn: As a Westlawn student you will learn knowledge and skills, and immediately apply your skills on practical yacht designs.

Project Based Learning enables you to internalize and retain the knowledge and skills, as you use the tools and processes used in professional yacht design firms.

Select Westlawn students also have the opportunity to collaborate on Superyacht designs at Art Center College of Design, in Pasadena California.

By the time you graduate, your portfolio of professional quality design work will include nine designs of yachts engineered in aluminum, fiberglass, and wood, both sail and power.

This realistic and practical education means you will have the confident ability to design yachts for clients upon graduation.

The Yacht Design and Naval Architecture Course

A comprehensive four-module professional education, the Westlawn Yacht Design & Naval Architecture course enables you to master the principles of yacht design using industry standard tools, including Rhino3d and AutoCAD.

During this course, you will prepare plans, computations, specifications and all the details for nine different boat designs. You will design both powerboats and sailboats. You will follow the practices of successful yacht design firms.

Your nine different designs will be critiqued by the Westlawn faculty of professional yacht designers, and will provide you with a portfolio of your own designs to help you start your career.

Module 1: Principles of Yacht Design

Introduction to design process; Fundamentals of statics and dynamics and their influence on design.

Module 2: Aesthetics and Layouts

Elements of exterior and interior design of powerboats, monohull sailboats and multihulls, using Rhino and Autodesk tools such as AutoCAD.

Module 3: Construction Methods

A detailed study of manufacturing technologies, materials and processes for wood, fiberglass and aluminum production.

Module 4: Systems and Equipment

Design considerations and issues relating to engine installations, propulsion, electrical, navigation, plumbing, fuel and environmental systems.

When you satisfactorily complete all four modules, you will graduate and be awarded the Diploma in Yacht Design, Naval Architecture, and Marine Engineering.

Admission Requirements

The Yacht Design & Naval Architecture course is a comprehensive and rigorous course. You should be prepared and mature enough for a college education. There are no specific prerequisites, other than self motivation and discipline.

You need a Mac or PC with internet access and email to enroll and to do the coursework.

Work at your own pace

You may start the Westlawn course at any time.

The entire Yacht Design & Naval Architecture course requires about 3,200 hours of study and assignment preparation, or about 1 to 3 hours a day to complete the course in 4 years.

Westlawn is a work-at-your-own-pace school. Some complete in as little as two years, others may take a decade. It is common for our students to obtain gainful employment as designers of yachts, cars, airplanes, products, and interiors early in their education at Westlawn.

Tuition and Fees

$4600 per module for tuition, and $100 enrollment fee per month. Therefore, the total 4 module course will cost about $23,200 if completed in 4 years.

Everything is Included

Your tuition and enrollment fees includes all books and full versions of all software from Autodesk, including AutoCAD, Alias, Maya, Inventor. Deep discounts on Rhino and Orca3d are also available to our students.

Making waves for 90 years

Since 1930, Westlawn has set the standard for yacht design education. Over the years, our alumni continue to lead the marine industry in setting the tone for style throughout the industry, including sailing and power yachts and commercial vessels.

For example, alumnus Jack Hargrave gave us the now pervasive style of sport fishing boats with long fordecks and wide and low cockpits.

Alumni Andrej Justin, Tom Fexas, Bruce King, Gerry Douglas, Roger Martin, Dudley Dix, John Swarbrick, Doug Zurn, Rod Johnstone, and many others have designed large numbers of beautiful and influencial custom and production yachts including many America’s Cup racers.

Eos, the 320’ three masted schooner built by Lurssen, was designed by Westlawn graduate and Senior Partner of Langan Design, Antonio Ferrer.

Recent graduates include Adam Voorhees, Superyacht design award winner, and Adriana Monk, a Chief Designer for Wally Yachts of Monaco.

What Alumni Have to Say about Westlawn

It was a wonderful day for me personally to be able to present a second diploma to a Westlawn graduate since taking over the Hargrave company. I want to thank Westlawn for making all this possible not only for Greg Boyko, but for the entire Hargrave family. We take great pride in our company’s long history with Westlawn, and the list of honored recipients to receive a Westlawn diploma who not only played an important role in our company, but in the yachting industry overall is impressive indeed. Keep up the great work!

. . . I am currently a NAMS surveyor in Annapolis and have had my own successful business for over 16 years. I have been employed by two yacht yards and the US Navy. I spent three years on the drawing board primarily working for the Navy but doing some independent smaller design projects. In the last 20 years I have traveled to 40 countries surveying all manner of vessels from ocean going tugs and floating dry docks to yachts and high speed patrol boats. Many thanks for helping me establish a rewarding and wonderful career.

I am a Westlawn grad who has worked in the industry for over 17 years and am now presently holding the position of Sr. Development Engineer at Pursuit Boats (a division of S2 Yachts, Inc.). I have had several colleagues of mine inquire about the Westlawn program and I am always eager to provide a wonderful appraisal of my studies at Westlawn. It was exciting when ABYC decided to adopt the course and I was also pleased to hear that Norman Nudelman was once again part of the faculty. Keep up the good work and good luck with your future endeavors.

For those of us whose school notebooks were embroidered with boat sketches, the practice of yacht design is just being paid for doing what we like best. Training, such as the Westlawn course, is essential to make this possible. It did this for me.

If you are the kind of person that seeks rewards beyond the monetary boundaries, there is nothing so gratifying as seeing your design take shape and finally sail away. The Westlawn School of Yacht Design course can extract those talents from our creative genes.

I recommend Westlawn to anyone desiring to become a yacht designer or commercial boat designer.

. . . the quality of its graduates, including Bruce King, Bill Shaw, and Ted Brewer remains a constant.

Westlawn is a 501(c)3 non-profit public charity. Therefore, all revenues and funds are used only for the education of Westlawn students. Over the past 90 years, Westlawn has educated thousands of practicing yacht designers. Westlawn provides students with all books and software tools required to complete the course.

Yacht Design

November 2024

20.100 € Find out the current facilitations

The Master in Yacht Design offers the ideal educational path to become a Yacht Designer

The Master in Yacht Design offers the ideal educational path to become a Yacht Designer, by giving the necessary skills to deal with every stage of the design process – from the initial research and development of the concept to the actual construction of the interiors and exteriors and the validation of production processes in the boatyard. 

In recent years, the nautical sector has expanded constantly, confirming its role as one of the drivers of Made in Italy design. Furthermore, and the new classic approach, based on naval architecture, is taking on an automotive oriented edge, which introduces new working standards and technical and style solutions borrowed from car design.

The vocation of the Piemonte area, which boasts a number of style centres and renowned companies in the land and sea transport sectors, as well as one of the world’s largest shipyards, combined with the short distance from the coast of Liguria, makes Turin the natural setting for a training course founded on the growing process of osmosis that links the yacht world and the automotive industry.   

Information to decide

Methodology and structure.

The course is planned in levels, which begin with providing students with essential knowledge of the nautical sector, in terms of both cultural aspects and basic techniques. From there, students gradually acquire the skills connected with yacht design. 

Starting from a study of the history and current scenarios of the nautical sector, students will go on to study the market and obtain more detail knowledge of the different types of boats. They acquire significant knowledge of materials, technologies and production methods, including through hands-on experience in a shipyard. They are provided with technical drawing and design tools, as well.

A further strength of this Master course is the fact that is delivered on two campuses, Turin and Venice. This offers participants a dual scenario, in which both cities represent an important aspect of the themes the course is focused on: the tradition of the automotive industry on the one hand, and the maritime vocation on the other. 

The training course ends with a Thesis Project, developed on a brief given by a boatyard or a design studio.

Who is it for?

The admission of the Master is open to graduates in Architecture, Engineering and in the field of Design (Transportation, Interior, Product), as well as professionals in the sector seeking to apply their skills in this specific area.

Federica Bertolini

Style Manager - Azimut Yachts Thesis Supervisor

Course Coordinator

Lorenzo Ciuffatelli

Transportation Designer - Pinifarina

Andrea Sculati

Founder and Director - Sculati & Partners

Luca Sordelli

Marketing and Communication Manager - Harken Italy, Journalist - Wired, Barche, Nautech

Nicola Scopelliti

Freelance Yacht Designer & Co-founder - Scopelliti Rasia Architetti

Lorenzo Penato

Camilla Pierucci

Naval and Nautical designer

Stefano D'Adamo

Style Coordinator - Azimut Yachts

Roberto Tarozzo

Engineering Office Manager / Project Manager - Azimut-Benetti

Sergio Cutolo

Founder and Owner - Hydro Tec

Alessandra De Luca

Training & Development Manager - Azimut-Benetti

Umberto Maria Fossati

Founder and Director - Fossati design Bureau

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21 March 2024

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The Project Week is back, a week of creative design where theory meets practice in a continuous flow of ideas, allowing undergraduate students to fully immerse themselves in the real world of business and creativity.

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Course info.

• Prof. Jerome Milgram

Departments

• Mechanical Engineering

As Taught In

• Mechanical Design
• Ocean Engineering

Learning Resource Types

Sailing yacht design (13.734), course description.

This subject teaches students, having an initial interest in sailing design, how to design good yachts. Topics covered include hydrostatics, transverse stability, and the incorporation of the design spiral into one’s working methods. Computer aided design (CAD) is used to design the shapes of hulls, appendages …

This subject teaches students, having an initial interest in sailing design, how to design good yachts. Topics covered include hydrostatics, transverse stability, and the incorporation of the design spiral into one’s working methods. Computer aided design (CAD) is used to design the shapes of hulls, appendages and decks, and is an important part of this course. The capstone project in this course is the Final Design Project in which each student designs a sailing yacht, complete in all major respects.

The central material for this subject is the content of the book Principals of Yacht Design by Larssson and Eliasson (see further description in the syllabus ). All the class lectures are based on the material in this book. The figures in the book which are shown in class (but not reproduced on this site), contain the essential material and their meaning is explained in detail during the lecture sessions. Mastery of the material in the book and completing a design project provides the desired and needed education.

This course was originally offered in Course 13 (Department of Ocean Engineering) as 13.734. In 2005, ocean engineering subjects became part of Course 2 (Department of Mechanical Engineering), and this course was renumbered 2.996.

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If you plan for a career in yacht design, an engineering degree (mechanical, structure, civil) with some subject selections in hydro or aero dynamics provides the base knowledge to do the job. Specialized naval architectural courses are available, but many only touch on yacht design, most being oriented towards ships and machinery. Practical drafting (computer and hand) is also essential.

We also recommend being involved in a sailboat building project. This type of hands-on experience is great for learning and understanding the art of yacht design from the boat builder's perspective.

Competitive sailing is the proving ground for the competitive naval architect. Get a feel for what makes a boat fast. Good big boat sailors learned in, and most continue to sail in, dinghies.

You may wish to check the links below for some educational resources. I hope you find this information helpful and wish you success in the pursuit of your career goals.

— Russell Bowler, co-founder of Farr Yacht Design

SUGGESTED READING

The Shape Of Speed

by John Bevan-Smith

Principles of Yacht Design

by Lars Larsson and Rolf E. Eliasson

Sailing Yacht Design: Theory

by Claughton, Wellicome & Shenoi

OUR DESIGN TOOLS

AutoCAD by AutoDesk - The designers staple tool, this program is used to create all of our production drawings and details for all of our designs. Surface geometry for hulls, decks, keels and rudders that has been developed using tools such as FastShip and Pro/E can efficiently be imported to AutoCAD for final detailing before the drawings are shipped (or more often E-mailed) to the builder. AutoCAD is the CAD tool of choice in the marine industry presenting a very common file standard for electronic transfer of design information.

CFD Analysis - In order to design the most efficient appendage foil sections and bulb shapes for our designs we have developed a considerable in-house computational fluid dynamics capability. For 2D foil section designs we principally use the X-Foil and Eppler codes while PanAir allows us to perform some 3D hydrodynamic studies of bulb forms.

Custom Applications - In many instances we have developed our own custom software to meet specific requirements. These may range from rapid expansion and analysis of towing tank data to development of methods to compare full scale two boat testing results. Many of these programs have been written as Visual Basic Add-Ins to Microsoft Excel, LISP routines in AutoCAD or as free standing programs using Digital Visual Fortran or Microsoft C++.

FastShip by Proteus Engineering - A powerful surface modeling tool used in the development of all of our hull surfaces. It allows rapid calculation of hydrostatic information and efficient methods for mapping the fairness of a particular surface.

Mechanica by Parametric Technology Corporation - This is a structural analysis program that is coupled with Pro/Engineer to allow rapid analysis of structural scenarios in an effort to improve the strength-to-weight characteristics of a particular components.

Undergraduate, graduate, vocational and continuing education schools with naval architecture/marine engineering/yacht design programs:

University of British Columbia , Mechanical Engineering Department

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Netherlands

Hogeschool Rotterdam

New Zealand

The University of Auckland

United States

The Landing School

Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Department of Ocean Engineering

University of Michigan

University of New Orleans

Webb Institute

Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology

United Kingdom

University of Southampton

Southampton Institute

Farr Yacht Design, Ltd. does not endorse any of the educational programs listed above. We simply offer them as a list of schools known to have naval architecture programs.

Farr Yacht Design

100 Severn Avenue, Suite 101

Annapolis, MD 21403

©  2018

Superyacht Courses

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IYT offers courses for the professional superyacht industry from interior and deck crew training to Master 200 Ton Unlimited. Whatever level of training you need we can help you achieve the necessary qualifications and guide you towards a fulfilling career in the industry. Please see the courses page for information about all professional courses and read the general information for Master of Yachts courses below.

Remember, an IYT certificate is a qualification that can be used globally. Unlike other training organisations, IYT insists on an understanding of IALA regulations in areas A & B, weather systems and tidal calculations in the north & southern hemispheres.

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Yacht Design

• Art & Design

It may seem counterintuitive, but design constraints usually help drive creativity . In this course students will look at one of the most constrained areas of design: the layout and construction of a yacht.

Yacht Design for Middle and High Schoolers

This course is led by a seasoned designer who has spent many years designing and overseeing the construction of luxury yachts. Along the way we will learn how practical requirements—like staying afloat!—drive the design process of boats. We’ll interrogate that process itself and learn how yacht design has evolved in recent years driven my new materials and new lifestyles. We’ll learn how to sketch out our ideas—by hand and on computer—and test them against real-world constraints.

This course is designed for students in middle school or high school who have a strong interest in design, live on boats, or are simply intrigued by boat design. Since it is led one-to-one, it is open to any student, and will be adjusted according to your background in design.

Yacht Design Course

Yacht design is a niche, with only a handful of well-known names producing some spectacular designs. The interiors, exteriors, and all systems in a boat are designed to be practical, forced by constraints like lack of space, the marine environment, and the need to incorporate aspects of a vehicle (engine, etc.), a resort (dinghies and other smaller vessels) and house into a single, unified unit. Whether it is a working vessel, luxury yacht, or a family’s floating home, design at sea has to tightly fitted and ergonomic. Boat builders and yacht designers strive to fit many things into very small spaces, which calls for good problem-solving skills and excellent lateral thinking. Yet, there is a fine balance between the two needed to still make it look good.

There has been a large movement to a nomadic lifestyle, especially living on board a yacht as your primary home, so understanding the thought processes and design decisions that go into the build is very important.

During this course we will learn about the different styles and types of boats, the build and design process from start to finish, and understand the basics for what needs to be onboard a boat in order to make it livable and safe. We will look at the basics of design and the principals that can be applied when designing interiors of yachts and how yacht design has progressed over the years.

Core Concepts in our Yacht Design Course

During our time together you can expect to cover the following topics and skills:

• Design Thinking – we’ll begin with some lessons on design thinking and problem solving in design.
• Yacht Design History – we’ll look at how yachts have evolved in recent years and some external forces influencing their design.
• Hands-on Projects – we’ll dive into designing our own yacht, based on a set of needs and constraints
• Sketching and CAD – we’ll practice both hand sketching and also basic computer-aided design (CAD).
• Specification – we’ll cover how to spec out the materials for construction
• Construction Process – we’ll finish up with lessons on how construction happens and basic project management skills.

Personalized Learning

At the end of this one-to-one, personalized course you will have a strong foundation for doing more advanced work in design, generally, such as our architecture course or animation course .

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Executive Interior Yacht Design

The decades-long experience of the Specializing Master’s Degree Course in Yacht Design at the Politecnico di Milano has led to the creation of the new postgraduate course in Executive Interior Yacht Design dedicated to professionals and young graduates who intend to deepen their knowledge of nautical and naval outfitting with a focus on the Italian yacht and superyacht market. The course responds to the request of numerous nautical subcontracting companies and design studios, which in recent years have been looking for specialised figures in executive design to support the great growth that the Italian shipbuilding industry has been experiencing for the past five years.

The Executive Interior Yacht Design course at the Politecnico di Milano provides the tools to manage the design and construction process of naval and nautical interiors , from the project brief to the definition of the general plans and executive details of interior fittings, thanks to the integrated management of interior and exterior design languages, materials and on-board fitting techniques, aspects of ergonomics, naval engineering and construction techniques, and plant equipment. The course is aimed at graduates in architecture and interior design as well as professionals in the furniture sector, thanks to didactics designed to adapt to the needs of professionals, freelance designers and recent graduates.

The course is aimed at graduates in architecture and interior design and professionals in the furniture sector, thanks to teaching designed to adapt to the needs of professionals, freelance designers, and recent graduates.

• Rectoral Decree Download pdf

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Companies involved in previous editions, training objectives.

The course is aimed at interior design and architecture professionals who want to delve into all aspects of interior design for yachts (motor yachts and superyachts) and cruise ships with a special focus on materials and techniques for outfitting and shipbuilding. The subject of study and design will be the general plans of yachts as well as the layout of interior spaces and customised furnishing elements.

Participation in the Advanced Course offers the achievement of the following training goals:

• Design development (ability to work in terms of problem setting and problem solving for the definition of boat and cruise ship interiors from concept to detailed design);
• Development of specialised technical skills for the design of on-board spaces and customised furniture solutions;
• Acquisition of the principles, procedures, methods and techniques for fitting out naval and nautical interiors;
• Development of skills related to the executive definition of interiors in both 3D and 2D drafting for production management and fit-out supply;
• Development of skills related to site organisation for fit-out and decor phases;
• Development of the ability to work in a team and to present oneself authoritatively in the world of professions;
• Ability to manage team conflicts and to foster creativity processes.

Didactic Modules

Naval architecture, construction, and nautical installations : the module provides the tools to understand the different hull shapes and the relationship with performance in navigation and the liveability of on-board spaces, and to know how to design fittings for vessels with different structural morphologies. In addition, the module will provide the knowledge to understand the technical spaces dedicated to on-board systems impacting on the living space layout and the aesthetics of furnishing finishes, as well as the management of lighting and air-conditioning aspects.

Naval and nautical interior design : knowing how to design a nautical outfitting from its general plans to the detail of the furniture finishes is the central theme of this module, which will accompany participants in project-works dedicated to the realisation of interior and exterior outfitting concepts, on-board ergonomics, and the technical design of cabins and common areas. Technical executive drawing: the module provides the tools to manage the drafting of furniture executive projects, from the design of the executive layout in 3D to 2D drawing for production and subcontracting. The module will include both theoretical lessons and an approach to parametric 3D software for the design of site executives, thanks to exercises guided by professionals of the sector.

Technology for the preparation of naval and nautical interiors : through case study lectures, visits to subcontracting production plants and visits on board yachts under construction, the module will guide course participants in the understanding of naval and nautical outfitting techniques with a focus on the theme of ballasting, materials and techniques for interior and exterior fittings on board, new technologies for the sensory expression of materials and furnishing finishes, and accessories dedicated to nautical outfitting.

Internship : the course is completed by an internship in Italian shipbuilding and subcontracting companies, such as yacht design and interior design studios dedicated to the naval sector, shipyards, and companies producing furniture and accessories for the nautical sector.

Title Released

At the end of the Course, a Certificate of Participation in the Executive Interior Yacht Design Advanced Training Course will be awarded, with the related achievement of 30 CFU.

Employment Opportunities

The Italian nautical and naval sector is constantly growing and has seen an increasingly critical demand in recent years for specialised figures in the executive design of on-board fittings, whether for interiors or outdoor spaces.

In addition, subcontracting and accessory and outfitting companies are at the heart of the international industry in which Italy leads the sector with more than 70 per cent of boats over 30 metres produced worldwide.

Candidates attending the advanced course will find employment opportunities in nautical and naval interior design studios or in shipyards and companies in the nautical industry for customised interior and exterior fittings . Possible areas of professional involvement are: concept design, styling, decor, and product customisation; engineering; interior design; project and process management; production control and quality control during fitting out, finishing and delivery.

Requirements

The advanced course is open to candidates with a degree or Master’s/Specialist degree or First or Second Level Academic Diploma in Architecture, Engineering, Industrial Design. The commission reserves the right to admit candidates in possession of the above-mentioned qualifications in disciplines other than those specified above, should the master’s degree be a completion of the candidate’s training or professional skills and experience.

Admission to the Course is subject to passing a technical-motivational interview on site or via Skype to assess the candidate’s curriculum vitae and motivation.

To participate in the selections, please complete the online application form by the following deadline: September 1, 2024

The course costs €7,000

POLI.design offers the community of Politecnico di Milano a  50% discount  to be applied to the participation fee for a I and II level Specializing Master or Higher Education Course / Post Graduate Program / Continuing Education Course which POLI.design manages and provides. The discount is for  internal staff  (i.e., structured teachers and technical and administrative staff) with active contracts at  Politecnico di Milano  and  members of their household .

HOW IT WORKS:

To benefit from the discount you will need to:

• send the selection application to the chosen course with the relevant required documents;
• successfully pass the selections;
• send a copy of the applicant’s family status.

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Send your application within   April 1, 2024 to take advantage of the reduction -10%!

Deadline for sending the signed contract and payment of the participation fee:  no later than April 15, 2024.

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Carlo Nuvolari on why a “holistic” approach is the future of superyacht interior design

According to Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard, co-founders of leading Italian design studio Nuvolari Lenard , “change is not only welcome but also something actively to be sought”, leading to more forward-thinking design in the dynamic yachting market. This is why the firm has recently unveiled its new “holistic” approach to superyacht interior design. In Carlo Nuvolari’s words, this is a 360-degree approach, which signifies a departure from how a design merely looks towards a more immersive design philosophy that evokes feeling. “When you're designing an interior, of course, you want to make it pleasing in the eyes of the owner, but you must also consider the owner’s comfort and wellbeing,” he says.

BOAT International ’s Hannah Rankine sits down with Carlo Nuvolari to dig deeper into what exactly this means for today’s discerning yacht owners.

Connecting the interior and exterior even more

The connection between interior and exterior spaces has emerged as a defining trend in contemporary yacht design, but Nuvolari explains how he wants to take this approach even further. "When you see a yacht from the outside, you have a certain expectation of the inside. So, in this design approach, we want to achieve a continuity of feeling as you enter the interior,” he notes. “Living on a boat means wanting contact with the sea and nature, rather than having small doors that lead to a solely indoor palace.”

A pivotal element in fostering this connection is the strategic use of light. An example of this can be seen in the Orangerie of the studio’s 202-metre superyacht concept Centerfold. Here, vast expanses of glass envelop the space, blurring the distinction between inside and out and giving those on board the feeling of being outside.

Nuvolari emphasises the significance of natural materials in reinforcing this connection as well as expansive doorways that don’t interfere with the use of air-conditioning. “There are techniques, such as air walls in air conditioning systems, that allow you to keep doors open and still have air-conditioning inside," he explains. "We are also trying to air condition outside spaces.”

Challenging the meaning of “sustainability”

The importance of environmental protection in the yachting industry is now more important than ever and Nuvolari is steadfast in his commitment to integrating this into his design approach. “Often, we tend to consider materials as ‘sustainable’ that actually only have the appearance of being sustainable. Other times, we condemn the use of materials only because we have limited, or tradition-distorted, information.” he observes. Using leather as an example, Nuvolari underscores the complexity of opting for greener materials, stating, "We often criticise the use of leather, preferring synthetic leathers. But we forget that leather is a by-product of the food industry that, if not used, would have to be disposed of with a serious impact on the environment.”

Similarly, Nuvolari sheds light on the nuanced debate surrounding wood usage. "We say we shouldn’t use wood because it is cut from trees, but it depends on where the tree is coming from. Is it coming from Mother Nature or is it coming from a plantation?" Emphasising the importance of supply chain transparency in assessing environmental impact, Nuvolari expresses the importance of understanding a material’s origins and global footprint before labelling it “sustainable”.

The owner’s wellbeing at the forefront

The team at Nuvolari Lenard is acutely aware of the impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the lingering release of toxic substances within yacht interiors - a pressing concern in civil engineering that is often overlooked in the yachting sector. Addressing this issue, Nuvolari outlines potential solutions, stating, “The first step is to ensure that the materials used do not contain solvents that release gases over an extended period.” He highlights the varying behaviour of materials, noting, “There are materials that still release gases but age quickly, so they lose their harmful substances rapidly. Other adhesives emit gases gradually, potentially exposing the owner to toxins over time." To mitigate this risk, Nuvolari Lenard conducts thorough assessments of each material, tailoring solutions to individual cases.

Nuvolari expressed that the studio is now adopting this new “holistic” design approach in each and every one of its projects, ensuring the highest quality superyacht interiors for all clients.

For more information on Nuvolari Lenard’s interior design offerings, contact the design studio today .

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Superyacht Deckhand Course

Home Courses Superyacht Deckhand Course

COURSE DATES

The course is 9 days in total and is reflected in the following order:

Superyacht Deckhand Course:  Wed-Sat & Mon-Fri (9 days)

• Apr: 17-2 4 & 26*2024

• May: 15-18& 20-24 2024

• Jun: 19-22 & 24-28 2024

• Ju l : 17-20 & 22-26 2024

• Aug : 1 4-17 & 19-23 2024

• Sep : 11-14 & 16-20 2024

• Oct 09-12 & 14-18 2024

• Nov : 06-09 & 11-15 2024

• Dec : 04-07 & 09-13 2024

*Course run over Sunday due to public holiday

MCA Internationally recognised training to become a superyacht deckhand. This IYT Deckhand Training Course is a qualification, unlike the recreational sailing “Competent Crew” course which is being offered through other superyacht training providers.

The IYT Deckhand Training Course certification is the only internationally recognised qualification for deckhands. Your graduation certificate will be accredited by International Yacht Training (IYT) Worldwide, who has recognition with 25 governments across the globe.

The  Superyacht Deckhand course will ensure students become job ready, receive resume and career advice, participate in interview role plays and undertake further crew management training. A deckhand carries out his or her duties under the direction and authority of the captain via the first officer and/or bosun. A deckhand’s duties include keeping the yacht’s exterior and deck equipment clean and exquisitely maintained, assisting in watch keeping and navigational support, guest services and docking procedures. Students will receive extensive training in these areas and the course provides the theoretical and practical skills required to be a successful crew member onboard a superyacht. Both power and sail superyacht skills are covered in the course, which will increase your opportunities for placement once you graduate.

Certification You Will Achieve

All successful graduates receive the following certification:

IYT – International

• MCA recognised IYT Superyacht Deck Crew including Small Powerboat/RIB Master & introduction to VHF radio operations. This IYT certificate is equivalent to the MCA’s ‘Yacht Rating Course’ and enables candidates to apply for an MCA ‘Yacht Rating Certificate’ with proof of STCW and 2 months sea service on vessels over 15 metres in load line length. For more information on this visit IYT’s website and their Superyacht Deck Crew Course page or contact us for more information. This is a certificate you can work towards achieving once employed in the industry. ***This IYT certificate is equivalent to the MCA’s ‘Yacht Rating Course’ and enables candidates to apply for an MCA ‘Yacht Rating Certificate’ with proof of STCW and 2 months sea service on vessels over 15 metres in load line length. For more information on this visit IYT’s website and their Superyacht Deck Crew Course page or contact us for more information. This is a certificate you can work towards achieving once employed in the industry.

AMSA – National

Our Internationally Recognised Certifications Are Your Entry To Getting A Job Aboard A Superyacht

The MCA recognised IYT Deckhand Training Course is the only internationally recognised qualification for superyacht deckhand crews. Your graduation certificate will be accredited by International Yacht Training (IYT) Worldwide, who has recognition with 25 governments across the globe. The RIB tender certificate is recognised by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA).

The Superyacht Crew Academy has established over the years a global network with leading recruitment agencies overseas and within Australia. All of these Superyacht Crew recruitment agencies ‘acknowledge’ and welcome the IYT Professional Superyacht Interior Crew certification.

Prerequisites

Candidates must already hold the mandatory STCW95+10 certification. This is the entry-level course for superyacht crew and anyone with a reasonable command of the English language, who is over 18 years old, in good health, and without colour blindness can sign up for the course.

What Other Qualifications Will I Need?

NSW General Powerboat licence and NSW Personal Watercraft licence examinations can be organised to run as part of your Deckhand training. Please contact us to organise these certifications.

Our Superyacht Interior Crew & Deckhand Package course is the ultimate package and will provide you with all the theoretical and practical skills necessary to excel in a dual role. This combined package course enhances your employment opportunities and gives you the confidence to be employed in any entry level role onboard a Superyacht.

Other useful qualifications, like SCUBA diving, videography, photography, carpentry, strong swimming skills, watersport skills, will improve your Superyacht Crew Job prospects and make you a more valuable crew member. Outstanding physical endurance, athletic skills, and a pleasant disposition are important for a career aboard Superyachts.

Course Description:

Course Content: The course is a very hands on practical course where you will complete different tasks and duties, Students are required to participate in all practical tasks including taking command of the vessel.

Accommodation: Accommodation will be required to be arranged by the student. Check out our Student Accommodation section with recommended listings of local Airbnb or youth hostel accommodation during your course.

Sun Sense & Equipment: Please bring a hat, sunglasses, sun cream (also available onboard), change of clothes (minimal wardrobe needed), wet weather jacket, any special medicine you may need to take (we have a first aid kit aboard). Be sure to pack this in a flexible soft bag as there is no room aboard for hard luggage.

Training Location

The course is run from our Office in Warriewood Superyacht Crew Academy Training office at 25a/5 Ponderosa Parade , and our practical training facility in Newport 2 queens parade. The facilities are a 45min drive North of Sydney’s CBD. We offer a free shuttle  between both facilities when needed.

Program for the Superyacht Deckhand Course

• Nautical Knowledge
• Lifting & Rigging
• Shipboard Safety
• Emergency Drills
• Vessel Manoeuvring
• Collision regulations
• Watchkeeping
• Introduction to weather
• Code of Safe Working Practices
• Compasses and chartwork
• Taking Bearings
• Fix vessels position
• Navigation Passage planning
• Night Watchkeeping
• Passage from fixed point back to Pittwater
• Night pilotage using IALA and blind navigation techniques

Superyacht Maintenance

• Brightwork/ Varnishing
• Preparation of Surfaces
• Application Techniques
• Product Knowledge
• Teak Maintenance
• Exterior Wash Down Techniques
• Servicing Deck Gear
• Maintenance Schedule
• Stainless Polishing
• Cleaning Windows
• Engine checks and maintenance

Vessel Handling

• Coming alongside wharves
• Mooring techniques
• Anchoring procedures
• Line handling and line throwing techniques
• Sails and sail handling
• Emergency Scenarios
• General seamanship
• Line throwing techniques
• Ropes, knots and splicing
• Fendering and tying up correctly
• Pre-launch/pre-departure checks
• Refuelling procedures
• RIB handling techniques under power
• Coming Alongside vessels and wharves
• MOB procedures
• Engine checks
• VHF radio practical
• Dinghy launching & recovery
• Bridge equipment
• Conducting safety briefing
• Lights/sound signals
• Vessel handling theory
• Anchors & anchoring
• Nautical terminology
• Emergency procedures
• VHF/HF radio operation
• Phonetic alphabet

The Superyacht Deckhand Course can be taken as a stand-alone course. Contact us for more information and pricing. Recognition of Prior Learning or Credit Transfer will apply to achieve the AMSA – National certification.

Enquire about this course.

Superyacht Crew Academy Provides training and certification for people who wish to work on Superyachts anywhere in the world and within the Australian Maritime Industry. Legal Name: Club Sail Pty. Ltd. Trading as: Superyacht Crew Academy Registered Training Organisation no. 91462

Unit 25a/5 Ponderosa Parade, Warriewood, NSW 2102, Australia.

+61 2 9979 9669

[email protected]