Co-founder and CEO of BYD Group Tià Simó discusses current trends, their work process and their most exciting projects in an exclusive interview for Yacht Harbour.
Tià Simó
How did you start working in the industry?
I started studying Naval Architecture in Madrid and then moved to Southampton. While I was in Southampton, I did a summer Internship in a yacht design office in Barcelona in 2000… I can’t believe that was 21 years ago! Since then I’ve been fully immersed in the yacht design and engineering industry. We started BYD in 2004, and I have to say that I’m very happy and feel fortunate to be doing what I like.
What part of the work do you like in particular?
The best part is the general ideation of the project. Making all the components fit in one unique yacht which fully satisfies the aesthetic of the Client’s expectations, as well as my own. It's a very creative phase that combines design; engineering; new technologies; and many meetings with clients and producers, where we offer our ideas and thoughts and we also get a lot of input from our clients that push the design to the limits; we learn a lot from our colleagues, providers and collaborators. It's really exciting. The detailing phase is also exciting, when we design every little detail… The entire process is exciting, really. The only thing that’s not so exciting is the paperwork!
Elfje
Having decades of experience and supporting yachts through their entire life cycle, you must have a really unique perspective on boats, being able to lead a project from earliest sketches, through construction and delivery, to refits and upgrades, to make it an embodiment of fresh ideas once again.
Now I can say I have a little experience, and I learn and try to improve everyday, through new technologies, processes and software. A professional is someone who has already made most of their mistakes and knows how to avoid them. I learn a lot from my partner Raul and from my team, colleagues and collaborators.
Raùl Gonzalo
The pandemic shook up all fields of business a lot, including the yacht industry, but it seems like BYD Group has no shortage of good news. How do you adapt to the new realities?
At the beginning of the pandemic we were all scared of the situation, and some projects were put on hold. Everything was a bit uncertain, but after the summer, everything kicked off and we have nothing to complain about.
What projects are you especially proud of?
My best project is BYD Group, having our own firm designing yachts makes me really proud. Within this, there are a few projects that stand out in my mind. On the one hand, the Brand V2 Boats, which we created some years ago, are small simple boats that allow us to design, build and own our own boats. That is very satisfying, designing and building my own boat. It's a fantastic project. Also, now we are working hard in renewable energy and sustainable yachting, and projects like the Bravo 75, the Eegle 20m under construction, or the Aquon One are very satisfying.
Eegle, a fully electric 20m luxury yacht
Can you tell more about current and future projects?
Right now we are working hard on a new tender project for superyachts. The 9m Tender Foil Assisted Catamaran is really fascinating, and we are working together with a professional superyacht crew to make it tailored for them. We are combining hi-tech design and materials with knowledge from all sides. We are also working on naval architecture.
Tià Simó
How do you see current trends of the yachting industry?
The yachting industry is growing in size tremendously. Larger and larger boats are being built every year. The quality we are seeing is astonishing. We now need to make it a bit more sustainable. Up to now, sustainability has not been a factor in the yacht industry, but we, the designers and builders, need to push to have a more efficient and sustainable future on our seas. It's in our hands to maintain our environment, our sea, to be able to enjoy yachting.
BYD is working very successfully with all kinds of yachts – motor and sailing, big and small. Do you have any personal preference?
Every project is a challenge, and each of them has its own special interest. Personally, I love the sleek and sexy lines of sailboats, but I really enjoy the creative process on a large yacht, defining interior and exterior spaces, being an Architect a Designer and a Engineer at the same time, as well as feeling the performance and adrenaline of a small powerboat… it’s a hard choice.
The Bravo Yacht Design Group, or BYD Group (previously known as Barcelona Yacht Design Group), was founded in 2004 and is managed by Tià Simó and Raúl Gonzalo. Based in the Spanish yachting hubs of Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, it offers a complete design and naval architecture service for new construction, as well as refits, working in partnership with yacht builders or directly with yacht owners themselves.
Credits: BYD Group
Baglietto is celebrating its fourth launch this year – last week the Italian shipyard launched the third T52 hull and named Akula.The exterior was designed by Francesco Paszkowski Design, who chose a dark gray shade for the body, which gives this unit a powerful and aggressive look. Enrico Gobbi's design team was responsible for the interior. The Italian Yacht Group as the owner's representative and Fabrizio Lai of Interyachting LLC as the surveyor supervised the entire construction process on behalf of the owner.All the features that ensured the success of this line are preserved here - from the open stern, on which the beach club is located on 3 levels, to the sky lounge on the upper deck, which opens on 3 sides thanks to fully concealed floor-to-ceiling windows, are preserved. At the same time, as in the previous case, a number of innovative solutions can be found on the yacht. The aft part was also redesigned, the garage was replaced with a comfortable gym, and 2 jet skis and a 5.5-meter tender were moved to the bow.The technical launch took place in the presence of the shipyard’s workers, while waiting on the formal ceremony to be held at the beginning of the summer season, when the yacht will be officially delivered to her owner.“We are now stepping into the bustling season of deliveries,” comments Baglietto’s CCO Fabio Ermetto. “This year, as many as 4 T52 vessels and 2 yachts in the DOM133 series will be hitting the water. And, although each yacht is part of a specific line, she is in fact truly one in her kind and the outcome of a long journey made side by side with the Owner. The launch is the culmination of this process”.Baglietto Spa is an Italian boat builder based in La Spezia specializing in new aluminum light alloy yachts ranging between 35m and 50m in length and steel and light aluminum alloy displacement megayachts starting at 40m.Credits: Baglietto
May 2, 2024
Built by Feadship in 1983, the interior and exterior of this legendary yacht was made by Jon Bannenberg for the visionary Mexican tycoon Emilio Azcárraga, alongside her sister ship Paraiso, Azteca made waves in the yachting world with her avant-garde design. AztecaUpon her arrival at Aykin Marina & Shipyard in February 2022, the yacht embarked on a comprehensive transformation, culminating in her relaunch in April 2024. Initial glimpses of her exterior reveal a modern reinterpretation of her distinctive forewindows, complemented by a striking navy hull accented with crisp white detailing. Original interior Among the notable enhancements is the extension of the stern by 3.2 meters, accompanied by a complete overhaul of the transom and sundeck. The latter, achieved through the removal of the original roof structure, promises an elevated onboard experience. Inside, yacht's interiors have undergone a thorough revitalization, with particular attention paid to the conversion of her original television lounge into an additional guest cabin.KoruThe yacht was renamed Koru and now she also boasts revamped technical systems, including a comprehensive overhaul of her main engines, ensuring seamless operation and reliability for future voyages.As Koru emerges from her transformative journey, she stands ready to embark on new adventures, soon the yacht will be available for sale.Credits: Ocean Technical; Feadship
May 2, 2024
Wally showcased two stunning models at the Singapore Yachting Festival 2024: the wallywhy200 and the wallypower58. The event, scheduled from April 25th to 28th, made a feast for yacht enthusiasts with the debut of the wallywhy200, featuring exquisite décor by Loro Piana Interiors, marking its entry into the APAC market. Alongside, visitors will have the opportunity to admire the sleek and versatile wallypower58.Developed by Wally's design team, led by Luca Bassani, in collaboration with the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, the yacht seamlessly blends the comfort and space of a larger displacement vessel with the speed and performance of a semi-displacement yacht. With a widebody design and architectural elements unique to Wally, the wallywhy200 redefines the sailing experience, offering unmatched stability, comfort, and performance.The vessel boasts a 'Main deck entertainment' layout, specifically designed for the APAC market, featuring a spectacular 4.7-meter-high glazed bow housing a stunning living area with panoramic views. The upper deck showcases a futuristic glass and carbon fiber dome, reminiscent of Wally's iconic design elements. Below deck, the yacht offers spacious and elegant accommodations, including a master cabin and two guest cabins, adorned with exquisite materials and finishes.The wallywhy200's interior, curated by Loro Piana Interiors, exudes elegance and sophistication. The décor plays on textures and materials to create delicate contrasts, with light and neutral colors accented by touches of ginger and sand tones. From the master cabin to the upper deck entertainment area, every space reflects Loro Piana Interiors' signature style, combining luxury with functionality. Powered by Volvo Penta D-13 IPS 1350 engines, the wallywhy200 boasts impressive speed and stability, capable of cruising at 20 knots and reaching a top speed of 23 knots. A second unit, also featuring Loro Piana Interiors décor with a different style, will arrive in Asia in the coming months.Alongside the wallywhy200, Wally presents the wallypower58, a testament to versatility and performance. Retaining Wally's practical features in superstructure design, including pillarless curved glass and carbon dome, the wallypower58 offers a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living. With its adjustable cockpit top and convertible passerelle-bathing ladder, the yacht provides comfort and convenience for all guests onboard.Equipped with Volvo IPS system, the wallypower58 offers owners a seamless navigation experience, with intuitive maneuvering and dynamic positioning.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
May 2, 2024
Progress continues at a rapid pace on the construction of the Perini Navi 56m Ketch C. 603, staying true to the predetermined schedule with enthusiasm and dedication.The second in the new generation of large Italian sailing yachts, this custom vessel's naval architecture and exterior design were meticulously crafted by the esteemed Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design studio. With over 30 years of expertise in creating innovative and high-performance sailing yachts, Malcolm McKeon's design promises a blend of elegance and functionality.Internally, the yacht's interiors are being shaped by the renowned English studio Winch Design, known for its excellence in luxury yacht and aviation interiors. Their collaboration with Perini Navi aims to merge comfort, style, and performance while preserving the iconic features of the historic Perini Navi fleet."The success of the Perini Navi Artexplorer Catamaran has fueled our passion for sailing yachts," remarked Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group. "With the expertise of Malcolm McKeon and Winch Design combined with our commitment to quality and innovation, we are confident this yacht will be a worthy addition to the Perini Navi fleet."Magnitude, overseeing the project on behalf of the owner, expressed high expectations for the finished product. "Through the dedication of The Italian Sea Group, Malcolm McKeon, and Winch Design, we anticipate this yacht to be truly exceptional," stated James Edward Kerry, CEO of Magnitude.Malcolm McKeon shared his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "Designing a 56m Ketch with Perini Navi has been an exciting journey," emphasizing the fusion of luxury, performance, and innovation.Winch Design also provided insights into their contributions, describing an interior that embodies timeless elegance while offering comfort and practicality. Inspired by the fluidity of the ocean, their design incorporates organic contours, warm timbers, and sand-colored materials to create a harmonious ambiance.In line with Perini Navi's tradition, the Ketch 56m will feature a digital tactile steering system for safe and enjoyable navigation. The spacious deck ensures maximum comfort for guests, even during advanced sailing maneuvers.Scheduled for delivery in the summer of 2025, the yacht promises to redefine luxury sailing.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. Credits: The Italian Sea Group
April 30, 2024
Enata joins forces with Mirarri, a visionary yacht brand spearheaded by Rashed Al Shaali from the UAE. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in the marine industry, as Enata will bring to life Mirarri's inaugural vessel, a stunning 16.7-meter yacht crafted with a full carbon hull and designed by the acclaimed Timur Bozca.Rashed Al Shaali, hailing from a distinguished lineage in the marine industry, embarks on a new chapter with Mirarri, driven by a desire to redefine luxury yachting. His partnership with Enata and Bozca underscores a commitment to innovation and excellence, setting a new standard in the sector."It's a proud moment for Mirarri to unveil our collaboration with Enata and Timur Bozca," said Rashed Al Shaali. "With their unparalleled expertise and dedication to craftsmanship, we're poised to create something truly extraordinary in the world of luxury yachting."The Mirarri yacht will showcase Enata's cutting-edge Wingman system, allowing remote control of various yacht functions, a feature synonymous with the Foiler's groundbreaking technology. Aloïs Vieujot, CEO of the Enata Group, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the vessel's advanced materials and integrated design."The Mirarri yacht represents a leap forward in the boating industry," Vieujot stated. "With Enata's manufacturing prowess and Timur's design ingenuity, we're delivering a vessel that combines innovation, luxury, and performance."Beyond its collaboration with Mirarri, Enata has a strong track record in the B2B sector, leveraging its aerospace division to maintain exceptional quality standards. The Mirarri project exemplifies Enata's commitment to excellence and its ability to push the boundaries of yacht design and engineering.Designed to captivate discerning travellers, the Mirarri yacht boasts a seamless blend of futuristic aesthetics and organic elements. Its spacious interior, adorned with vibrant colours and contemporary furnishings, promises unparalleled comfort and sophistication.As construction of the first Mirarri yacht progresses, anticipation mounts for its unveiling in 2025. Rashed Al Shaali looks forward to the vessel's completion, eager to introduce the world to Mirarri's vision of luxury yachting reimagined.The Enata Group is the international manufacturing group headquartered in United Arab Emirates, and the builder of the flying 9.8-meter carbon Foiler. The group’s primary businesses include three main areas of R&D and manufacturing: marine, aerospace and architecture. Credits: Enata Group
April 29, 2024