Superyacht design association launches at Blue Design Summit 2026

A new international organisation representing naval architects and exterior and interior designers working in the superyacht sector has been launched.

The Superyacht Design and Naval Architecture Association (SYDNA), which was introduced during the 2026 Blue Design Summit in La Spezia, Italy, has been established to support collaboration among yacht design and naval architecture practices.

Over recent decades, superyacht design and naval architecture have become increasingly complex, requiring expertise across engineering, design, regulatory compliance and client requirements. Designers and naval architects work within frameworks established by classification societies, flag states and international regulatory bodies. While the sector has expanded considerably during the past 40 years, it has not previously had a dedicated association representing design and naval architecture practices.

Clair Rozemeijer, executive director of SYDNA, and Luca Boldrini, managing partner of FM Architettura and vice president of SYDNA, outlined the reasons behind the organisation’s formation during the launch presentation.

“Associations are founded because individual companies often face similar challenges that they cannot solve entirely on their own, and the association’s role is to create a collective strategy and platform to address those challenges together so that ultimately all members benefit individually from the collaboration,” Rozemeijer says. “Together with SYDNA’s board members and founding members, we explored where meaningful collaboration could exist – not in the areas where companies compete, but in the areas where we can collectively strengthen the profession of yacht designers and naval architects, and positively contribute to the wider industry.”

Boldrini adds: “The process of building a yacht starts with the naval architect, exterior and interior designer, and increasingly that is happening without a shipyard involved. SYDNA means we can not only bring designers together better, but also enhance our communication, cross-fertilisation and collaboration with shipyards and brokers, and ultimately that helps to grow the industry as a whole.”

According to the association, designers and naval architects are often the first point of contact for both experienced yacht owners and first-time clients. SYDNA aims to provide a framework for professional standards within the design sector while also representing members’ interests in discussions relating to regulations, technology and sustainability.

“The Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) has successfully got the industry’s voice heard before new rules and regulations become a fait accompli,” says Espen Øino, founder and owner of Espen Øino International, and president of SYDNA. “SYDNA allows us to have representation for elements specific to what we do as designers, whether that’s rules and regulations, how we deal with contracts, or other issues on which we will benefit from open discussion. It enables us to speak with one common voice toward authorities, the media, or clients.”

SYDNA lays out priorities

SYDNA’s work is organised around the four pillars of professionalism, regulations, sustainability and promotion.

“The association’s work to enhance professionalism will include initiatives such as market research, the development of standard contracts, and establishing ethical guidelines and quality standards for the profession,” Rozemeijer says. “For our approach to regulations, through the association we want to engage more actively with regulatory bodies such as the IMO, ISO and flag states, while also encouraging greater knowledge-sharing between members through roundtables and committee meetings.”

Rozemeijer says the association also plans to participate in industry initiatives focused on environmental performance and innovation.

“When it comes to sustainability, SYDNA believes that designers and naval architects can play an important role in helping the industry transition toward more sustainable solutions,” he explains. “An example is the development of collective initiatives and protocols aligned with Roadmap 2050 – developed by leading yacht designers together with the Water Revolution Foundation – as well as other future sustainability ambitions that aim to help position superyachts as platforms for innovation in propulsion, materials, and energy efficiency.”

SYDNA says its membership criteria are intended to provide a recognised benchmark for participating firms. The association also plans to coordinate communications relating to industry issues and support people entering the profession.

“The creative side of our industry has grown quite organically over many years and we’ve all entered it from different avenues – some from formal qualification, some from vocational passion, and some through serendipity via client relationships in other sectors which have led to a yacht project,” says Jim Dixon, studio principal of yachts & aviation at Winch Design, and a board member of SYDNA. “We all felt it was time for consolidation, unanimity and robustness behind what we do, making sure we can communicate that to shipyards, our supply network, and of course to clients. For clients,” he adds, “we want to demonstrate that there’s experience, credibility and accreditation behind what we do, and that’s what membership confers.”

Perry van Oossanen, board member of SYDNA and managing director of Van Oossanen Naval Architects, says the association will provide a platform for knowledge-sharing and professional development among member companies.

“Together with fellow designers and naval architects,” he asserts, “we aim to improve the industry and drive technological progress while keeping safety and creativity at the core of yacht design.”

Founding members and membership criteria

The association’s founding membership comprises 12 superyacht design and naval architecture studios: Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture, Bannenberg & Rowell Design, Espen Øino International, FM Architettura, Hoek Design, Mulder Design, Nauta, Nuvolari Lenard, Philippe Briand Ltd, Van Oossanen Naval Architects, Winch Design and Zuccon International Project.

Applications are open to established design and naval architecture practices that meet the organisation’s membership requirements.

To qualify for full membership, studios must have operated for at least 10 years and completed a minimum of five projects over 30 metres during the previous 10 years. Eligible projects include new builds, major refits and full conversions.