Nominations open for the Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition 2025
Nominations are now open for the Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition 2025, sponsored by LA Marine.
The competition will take place from 21 to 22 September 2025 at the Southampton International Boat Show, which runs from 19 to 28 September. It is open to Master’s degree students and 2nd- or 3rd-year university students from any design discipline. Prior experience in yacht or boat design is not required.
Participants will receive a live design brief on the morning of 21 September and will have just over a day to develop a hand-drawn superyacht concept. The final designs will be presented to a judging panel composed of industry professionals.
“The Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition is a fantastic platform for emerging talent to test their skills, gain direct industry feedback, and make valuable professional connections,” says Michael Beattie, Superyacht UK manager. “Each year, we are blown away by the level of creativity and innovation displayed by the students. Thanks to the support of LA Marine, we are able to continue championing the next generation of superyacht designers and providing them with real opportunities to break into the industry.”
Previous winners have gone on to work with established superyacht design studios. In addition to competing for an industry internship, participants will have opportunities to network, receive feedback on their work, and attend the Southampton International Boat Show.
The eight shortlisted students will arrive at the show on 20 September and attend an exclusive Welcome Reception in the British Marine Lounge. Over the following 1.5 days, they will develop their designs, incorporating insights gained from the event.
The competition will conclude on 22 September with a ten-minute pitch session, during which students will present their designs to the judging panel. The winners will be announced at a prize-giving ceremony at 4pm that afternoon.
Participants will be provided with two nights’ accommodation and a travel and subsistence grant of up to £100 per student. They will also receive a Southampton International Boat Show pass for the duration of the event.
Last year’s winners, Amel Khsouma, a Coventry University graduate and winner in the Master’s category, and Kasper Marriott from the University of Staffordshire, winner in the 2nd/3rd Year category, shared their experiences:
“This competition can be life-changing. It’s a great chance to meet industry leaders and learn from them. Remember, as a designer, you never lose; you either win or learn valuable lessons,” says Khsouma.
Marriott adds: “Regardless of the outcome, you’ll gain valuable experience. The competition allows you to showcase your work to industry professionals and opens doors into the superyacht sector, which is an exciting field full of opportunities.”
To apply, students must be nominated by their university tutor or lecturer. The entry process includes:
- Completing the official entry form.
- Submitting two high-quality sketches or drawings from their portfolio via email to Michael Beattie.
- Including in the email: the student’s full name, their lecturer’s name, their university, course, and year of study.
The deadline for nominations is Friday 30 May 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Superyacht UK following the review process.
