World-renowned naval architect, designer and Vitruvius Yachts creative compass Philippe Briand has a lot of experience in the yachting industry. Under the Vitruvius banner, Briand has developed a recognisable aesthetic that is efficient, practical and beautiful, covering the full spectrum of motor yachts from conventional lifestyle cruisers to exceptionally adventurous expedition vessels.
Philippe Briand
Below, Briand reflects on what he has learned from the past ten years of designing some of the world’s most adventurous motor yachts, and what the future holds for the market.
On the needs of clients
We have historically split the yachting market into an oversimplified, condensed range of categories for owners. In order to design the best yachts for our clients, we need to understand what they want to do with them, and appreciate that this might change throughout their ownership journey.
Galileo G. Philippe Briand's sketches.
In the luxury car industry, there are approximately ten different categories for buyers to choose from, ranging from sporty Ferraris to sumptuous Bentleys to robust 4x4 Range Rovers, with intermediate categories like SUVs in between. By subdividing the market into these niches, the car industry has been able to expand the market by identifying clients more precisely; this is something we need to do in yachting.
Nautilus in New York
At Vitruvius Yachts, we believe that the motor yacht market fits onto a spectrum with three major categories: lifestyle yachts sit at one end, highly autonomous and specialized expedition yachts are at the other, and versatile explorer yachts sit somewhere in between the two, depending on their owners’ requirements for equipment. Naturally, all the yachts, whatever their category definition, need to be comfortable, seaworthy and efficient.
On lifestyle yachts
To be a gamechanger in the lifestyle yacht category, which is by far the most prolific, you need to find ways to improve efficiency and provide a lifestyle suited to young-minded owners.
Lifestyle yachts make up around 90% of the market today. When it comes to designing these ‘Superyachts,’ like those we usually see cruising in the warm climates of the Mediterranean and Caribbean, in order to stand out you need to be able to tailor the offering to owners’ lifestyles and preferences, with the utmost level of comfort.
Najiba. Photo: Tom van Oossanen
Our yachts 58m Najiba and 73m Nautilus (ex Grace E) are great examples of this. They provided their owners with wellness facilities, vast amounts of outdoor space, superb views throughout their interiors thanks to large amounts of glass, and all the desirable water sports toys and technologies to entertain the family.
On explorer yachts
Exploring the world brings you a richness in knowledge and culture. Explorer yachts – which are capable of visiting more remote waters – need to be even more seaworthy and practical than lifestyle yachts, with a wider range of autonomy.
Exuma. Photo: Giuliano Sargentini
It is our job as a designer or naval architect to improve or refine these qualities, bringing our knowledge of hydrodynamics and engineering to create a yacht that complies with the owner’s intended cruising programmes. We also need to take into account additional stowage requirements within the hull for large, specialist equipment such as submersibles or land vehicles. This thinking led to the concepts of Vitruvius’s earliest projects,45m Exuma and 55m Galileo G.
Galileo G. Photo: Giuliano Sargentini
When Exuma was delivered in 2010, she was a completely unique offering. Everything that came before her was more like a trawler, a type of yacht that was a fixture in the market for a long time. Trawlers have a long range of autonomy but they are usually quite small – within the 20-30m range – and are not generally comfortable or modern enough by today’s yachting standards, particularly in regards to the space provided for accommodation.
It is safe to say that the solution we came up with was an explorer yacht that positively encouraged a desire to cruise as much as possible. Since her delivery, Exuma has logged more than 100,000 nm, which is more than two complete circumnavigations and quite exceptional for a pleasure yacht; her owner counts his visits to remote islands in the Pacific Ocean as one of the best experiences he has ever had. Galileo G has also travelled extensively, including to the high latitudes, taking in Antarctica and the Northwest Passage.
Exuma. Photo: Giuliano Sargentini
They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and we feel heartened that there has been a growing trend in the use of many design features and capabilities that first appeared on our explorer yacht Exuma, including the plumb line bow. Of course, before Exuma there were luxury yachts that travelled the world extensively, such as Octopus, but their scale needed to be much, much larger to achieve the kind of autonomy required for a global cruising programme with this degree of comfort and lifestyle onboard.
On expedition yachts
An expedition yacht is distinguished from an explorer yacht in that it needs to have very specific qualities and capabilities for a particular purpose or goal, with corresponding tools, tenders or equipment on deck. The purpose of the vessel is usually to take the owner to a particular spot or to carry out a specific activity – the destination being more important than the act of travelling itself – and, once the vessel is onsite, they can then execute the purpose. The entire design concept therefore revolves around these highly specialised owner requirements. It is not unlike the approach for creating a scientific research vessel – much like those adapted and used by Jean Cousteau in his time – except with a much higher level of comfort and detail.
Vitruvius No. 8.
For our Vitruvius No. 8 55m expedition yacht, which is currently being built at Feadship in the Netherlands, all our design work stemmed from the owner’s requirement to have a 6.3-t, three-person submersible onboard, launched and retrieved by a hefty 8-t Palfinger knuckle-boom crane. The yacht’s open aft deck needed to house the submersible and crane, as well as a Toyota Land Cruiser and two tenders, including a 5.6m multipurpose tender and an 8.0m limousine. All this had to fit on the rear exterior deck of a 55m yacht, while still providing ample luxury guest space inside to enjoy the degree of comfort you would expect on a superyacht, including a large owner’s suite and four further guest cabins alongside accommodation for a crew of fifteen. The owner wants to experience the kind of comfort we see on traditional superyachts, so we effectively needed to fit the interior real estate of what would be expected on a 55m luxury lifestyle vessel into half of the yacht.
Vitruvius No. 8.
We are in exciting new territory when it comes to offering truly ‘luxury’ level expedition yachts of this kind. There almost always has to be a trade-off in volume for luxury spaces when you want more functionality, more equipment like SUVs and submersibles, and more opportunity to explore the world. However, less volume does not have to mean that the yacht is less functional or comfortable, and it is down to the designer’s skill to optimize the yacht’s potential. As long as the client understands the realities of the trade-offs, they can gain so much more in terms of the experiences they have with their yacht.
On adventurous yachts for a new generation
The profile of clients buying explorer and expedition yachts is evolving, which is thrilling as a designer. We can offer a modern luxury yachting solution that is not at odds with the values of a newly emerging generation of owners.
In the past, clients for explorer and expedition yachts have tended to be more experienced, perhaps having owned several vessels and expressing more interest in specific design details and technical performance. But I believe that explorer and expedition yachts are becoming less niche, and more first-time buyers will be starting their ownership journeys with them in the near future. It has been reported that the explorer and expedition yacht market has experienced a two-digit growth since 2008, and that it currently represents around 10% of the entire superyacht market, which is not far off the proportion of sailing yachts at this size level. I believe it is not a stretch to suggest that clients who in the past would have bought sailing yachts are now transferring their interest to more of an explorer- or expedition-type yacht, because, just like a sailing yachts, they are ideal for longer journeys, and they can bring you closer to nature.
Exuma in Fiji.
These new clients also want to minimise the impact on the environment from their yachting activities by choosing vessels that offer higher efficiency and lower emissions. The greatest influence you can have on the sustainability of a yacht starts with your approach to its naval architecture, through the development of an efficient hull, supported by technologically advanced propulsion systems. Through collaborative efforts initiated by the Water Revolution Foundation, the yachting industry is making great advances in quantifying the relative sustainability of yachts through the creation of the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI, for short). This allows us to indicate and provide guidance on what constitutes an environmentally responsible yacht in a more precise way.
Nautilus (ex Grace E). Philippe Briand's sketches.
Although I maintain that the Mediterranean Sea is an exquisite option when it comes to cruising, our oceans have the potential to offer much more. Today’s yachts visit just 3% of the planet’s coastlines; there is still so much left to discover and experience. This can be a point of attraction for both experienced owners who have extensively cruised the typical waters in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, as well as newcomers to yachting who have a respect, curiosity and appreciation for the natural wonders of the world. With the technology and design tools at our disposal, we can deliver the experience that these new owners desire without the yacht’s operation being at odds with their environmental sensibilities.
Najiba. Photo: Tom van Oossanen
Philippe Briand is the founder and designer of Vitruvius Yachts Ltd. He made his name designing award-winning sailing yachts under his own brand name and building on that experience has led him to create a revolutionary range of motor yachts: Vitruvius Yachts with a range in size of over 100m in length.
With over 12,000 boats built to date, Philippe Briand could reasonably be considered the most prolific yacht designer of our time.
Credits: Vitruvius Yachts
The Italian Sea Group has launched the 72-meter Admiral Armani megayacht, marking the first vessel designed in collaboration with Giorgio Armani. The ceremony took place at the company's Marina di Carrara facility, attended by representatives from the Armani Group, local authorities, and project team members.This yacht represents the first of two projects fully designed by Giorgio Armani, featuring distinctive exterior styling and interior design by Armani/Casa. The collaboration with The Italian Sea Group's Centro Stile combines minimalist aesthetics with advanced naval engineering.Key design elements include geometric volumes with curved surfaces, satin aluminum and steel detailing, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The upper decks incorporate open-air lounges and a helicopter landing area. Interior materials feature Black Marquinia marble, golden Calacatta, and Canaletto walnut, complemented by custom lighting and fabrics."This yacht represents the confluence of Giorgio Armani's poetic elegance and The Italian Sea Group's technical excellence," said Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group.The Admiral Armani 72m will make its official debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2025. The vessel measures 72 meters in length and represents a new direction in luxury yacht design through the Armani collaboration. Technical specifications and performance details were not disclosed in the announcement.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: Giuliano Sargentini/The Italian Sea Group
May 7, 2025
Silent Yachts has announced its 24-meter flagship solar-electric catamaran, the SY80, is approaching completion. The Italian builder recently launched two SY62 3-Deck Open models and one SY62 3-Deck Closed variant from its Fano shipyard as part of its plan to deliver 10 yachts in 2025.The SY80 will be available in three customizable configurations: 2-Deck, 3-Deck Open, and 3-Deck Closed. The model retains the sustainable features of Silent Yachts' smaller vessels while offering increased volume, accommodating up to 12 guests. Key features include an open layout, spacious staterooms, and ample storage for water toys."We can accommodate a very high number of different configurations, making the yacht of your dreams into a lived reality," said Silent Yachts CEO Fabrizio Iarrera. Owners can opt for an on-deck master suite or an open-plan salon with the master cabin below deck.Performance specifications include a top speed of 12 knots, cruising speeds of 7-8 knots, and battery capacities of 522 kWh or 696 kWh. The solar array peaks at 22.4 kWp, supporting near-zero-emission operation.The SY80 2-Deck variant will debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival (September 9-14), with sea trials expected in the coming weeks.Silent-Yachts is producing the world’s first fully solar-sustainable oceangoing production catamaran yachts. They are powered exclusively by solar energy and capable of cruising up to 100 miles per day. In 2009, founders Heike and Michael Köhler, who have spent 6,000 days cruising more than 75,000 miles all around the world, launched the Solarwave 46, the first fully self-sufficient blue-water catamaran after years of testing solar-powered propulsion, and they have been building boats ever since. Credits: Silent-Yachts
May 7, 2025
The 52-meter sportfisher Special One, built by Royal Huisman with design by Vripack, has received the Judges' Special Award at the 20th World Superyacht Awards in Venice. The yacht competed in the Best Motor Yacht – Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts 50m+ category.Judges described Special One as "spectacularly different," with one noting: "She is truly special! This yacht is so unusual, so different and so successfully done." The award recognizes the vessel's unique combination of sportfishing capabilities and luxury amenities.Vripack's co-creative director Bart Bouwhuis commented: "The owner's desire to build one of the coolest and challenging boats to ever hit water was unwavering from the outset." The design maintains traditional American sportfisher proportions while incorporating innovative features like a 28m² fish cockpit, DJ station, and cinema with rising projector screen.Interior highlights include walnut and oak finishes, a 237-piece parquet dining floor, and a sky lounge with custom blue glass chandelier. Technical innovations include laser-powered fiberglass exterior lighting.The World Superyacht Awards ceremony took place in May 2025, honoring exceptional vessels in the global luxury yacht market. Special One represents Royal Huisman's first sportfisher project and Vripack's largest motor yacht design to date.Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credit: Guillaume Plisson, all provided by Vripack
May 7, 2025
The upcoming South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2025 at Ocean Village Marina in Southampton will showcase several world and UK premieres from leading marine manufacturers. The event, scheduled for May 9-11, will highlight new models across both power and sail categories with a focus on innovation and sustainable technologies.Among the notable debuts, Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding will present the Hardy 45 European, making its world premiere. The 45-foot vessel combines offshore capabilities with inland waterway navigation, powered by twin Yanmar 440hp engines reaching speeds up to 28 knots. Dave Cockwell, Founder and Sales Director, stated: "Our all-new Hardy 45 European provides an extraordinarily luxurious and secure environment for ocean crossings and long-distance cruising."Hardy 45The show will introduce four models to the UK market for the first time, including the BENTE28 sailing yacht with its distinctive IMOCA-style dodger, the high-speed Delta 33 Coupé from Sweden, the modular Axopar 29 Sun Top adventure boat, and the versatile Saxdor 340 GTWA walkaround cruiser.Hanse 360Additional show debuts will feature the award-winning Hanse 360 sailing yacht, recently named European Yacht of the Year 2025, alongside the FJORD 39 XL powerboat and the Absolute 47 Fly flybridge cruiser. The Hanse 360 offers an optional sustainable sail package using recycled materials.Absolute 47 FlyTim Mayer, Sales and Marketing Director at MDL Marinas, commented: "Each year the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show grows in scale and significance." The event will display over 90 boats both in-water and shoreside at the Harbour Hotel Southampton location.Credits: South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show
May 6, 2025
Benetti has launched FB287, a fully customized 67-meter steel yacht from its B.Now series featuring the Oasis Deck® design. The vessel represents Benetti's steel-hulled superyacht expertise, with exterior design by RWD and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. Engage Maritime served as owner's representative throughout the project."The launch of FB287 demonstrates the capabilities of the Benetti shipyard and the possibilities for clients to realize their ultimate expression of the yachting lifestyle," said Daniela Petrozzi, Benetti Sales Director.Key customizations include a rectangular elevator, marble guest staircase with glass balustrade, widened corridors, and multiple pool areas - an infinity pool on the Oasis Deck®, a spa pool on the observation deck, and a reflecting pool with waterfall effect on the owner's deck. The yacht features a lower-deck spa complex with sauna and steam room, a main deck saloon with grand piano, and an entire upper deck dedicated to the owner's private use.Originally conceived with light beach house interiors, FB287's owner requested a darker, richer aesthetic inspired by Gatsby-era styling. The final design incorporates woods like sycamore, ebony, and macassar, along with specialty marbles and metal detailing. Despite the dramatic style change from initial concepts, the design maintains seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces through coordinated material selections.Following launch, FB287 will undergo sea trials before scheduled delivery this summer. The project marks Benetti's successful adaptation of its B.Now platform to meet specific owner requirements while maintaining the series' signature indoor-outdoor living philosophy.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Giuliano Sargentini/Benetti
May 6, 2025