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
At its recent annual general meeting, the French Nautical Industries Federation (FIN) announced the introduction of a brand-new Paris-based boat show, set to take place in November 2025.The highly anticipated Paris Nautic Show will run from Wednesday, November 26th, to Sunday, November 30th, 2025, hosted at the prestigious Parc des Expositions du Bourget in northeastern Paris. This announcement follows the cancellation of the initial Nautic-en-Seine boat show, which had been planned for April 2025 along the banks of the River Seine. Market conditions led to the decision to cancel the open-air event, originally intended as a fresh iteration of the longstanding Nautic Paris boat show.The newly organized indoor event will be managed by M2O, FIN's dedicated event subsidiary. FIN emphasized the critical role of a Paris-based boat show in supporting the nautical industry amid challenging economic and political environments, serving as a vital platform to showcase resilience and innovation within the sector.Approximately 350 exhibitors and between 300 to 400 boats are expected to participate, occupying two expansive halls totaling 40,000 square meters. Compared to earlier iterations of Paris-based boat shows, the duration of the event has been streamlined to align better with the global exhibition calendar.The show's leadership team comprises experienced professionals, including Jean-Paul Chapeleau as President, Christophe Vieux as Managing Director, Caroline Popovici as Deputy Commissioner General and Operations Director, and Guillaume Verbrugghe as Deputy Commissioner General and Commercial Director. At the general meeting, they unveiled the event's new branding, including its distinctive logo and marketing materials, marking the official start of commercial activities for the show.Credits: jerileecornelio/unsplash.com
April 2, 2025
The 2014 Sunseeker 28m yacht Play the Game has recently been sold through an in-house deal by Northrop & Johnson. Yacht Broker Ed Dickinson represented the seller, while Matt Palmer brought the buyer. Previously listed at €3,500,000, this vessel is part of the esteemed Sunseeker 28m series.Built in 2014, Play the Game has been meticulously maintained by its sole owner since launch. Its extensive refit history includes a 2022 kitchen renovation, complete reupholstering and new carpeting in 2018, along with a thorough 10-year RINA class survey and MCA commercial compliance update during the winter of 2023. The vessel is fully compliant with modern safety standards.One of the highlights of Play the Game is her expansive flybridge and remarkable volume relative to her size, offering unparalleled space for both indoor and outdoor living. With zero-speed stabilizers ensuring steadiness even when anchored, guests can enjoy every moment aboard without discomfort.Inside, her bright, open-plan design features large windows that flood the interiors with natural light. Warm wooden accents blend harmoniously with subtle blue hues and neutral finishes, creating a welcoming atmosphere. An especially notable feature is the drop-down balcony on the starboard side of the main deck – an ideal setting for intimate dinners or quiet mornings overlooking the sea.Play the Game accommodates up to eight guests across four lavishly appointed staterooms. The full-beam master suite boasts a king-sized bed, ample closet space, a cozy seating area, and a beautifully designed ensuite bathroom. Outdoor spaces are equally breathtaking, including an alfresco dining area on the aft deck, a versatile foredeck lounge with sunpads and a dining table, and a generously sized flybridge featuring two U-shaped lounges, dual wet bars, and a retractable hardtop for customizable sun exposure. A hydraulic swim platform provides effortless access to the water and facilitates smooth tender operations.Powered to reach speeds of up to 23 knots, Play the Game, delivers a truly exceptional experience on the water.Since 1969 Sunseeker Yachts has built composite semi-custom yachts from 12m to 47m. The shipyard's main facility is located in Poole.Credits: Sunseeker Yachts
April 2, 2025
Ocean Alexander honors Scott Roberton as the recipient of its 2024 Annual Sales Award, celebrating his exceptional achievements, dedication, and contributions to the brand’s success.Roberton’s career is distinguished by his expertise, integrity, and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. His extensive knowledge of the industry and deep understanding of client needs have led to outstanding sales results and elevated client happiness.Dan Mundy, Head of Global Operations, praised Roberton, stating, "Scott’s professionalism and passion for Ocean Alexander are evident in every transaction. His ability to match clients with their ideal yacht while providing unmatched service makes him a leader in our industry. We are honored to recognize him with this award."With over 25 Ocean Alexander transactions to his name, Roberton has played a crucial role in introducing new owners to the brand, ensuring they experience the exceptional quality, design, and service that define Ocean Alexander.Reflecting on the achievement, Roberton expressed, "It’s an honor to receive this recognition. Ocean Alexander continues to set the standard in yacht design, usability, and service, making it a privilege to represent the brand. I’m grateful for the support of my clients and the entire OA team, and I look forward to another exciting year ahead."Ocean Alexander congratulates Scott Roberton on this well-deserved accolade and extends gratitude to all its sales professionals for their dedication to excellence.Credits: Ocean Alexander
April 2, 2025
Spanish shipyard Maxim Yachts returns to familiar shores as they participate in the Palma International Boat Show from April 30 to May 3. Making their debut at the event, the company showcases the Max 43 Comfort – a dynamic day cruiser capable of achieving speeds up to 45 knots. Designed by Alex Cherigny and engineered by Isonaval, this 13-meter model exemplifies speed and luxury combined.The Max 43 Comfort is powered by twin 440-horsepower Volvo Penta engines, ensuring swift and stable navigation. Its exterior layout is highly adaptable, featuring two foldable tables and four sofas, one of which comes with built-in refrigerators. The ergonomic helm station houses two double seats and a stylish carbon fiber console, outfitted with state-of-the-art marine technology, including dual 16-inch Garmin screens and 11 analog gauges.The onboard galley is fitted with a ceramic cooktop, sink, and two large refrigerators, with optional upgrades available such as additional refrigerators and an ice maker. Adjacent to the galley is a flexible dining area equipped with a double table and cozy side seating. Inside, the interiors, adorned with high-quality finishes, house a spacious double cabin capable of sleeping up to four guests. The cabin also boasts one of the tallest ceilings in its class, emphasizing both comfort and practicality.Established just last year, Maxim Yachts has quickly made waves in the industry, marking their presence at prestigious global events. Their participation in the Palma Boat Show signifies their commitment to growth and innovation, as they join approximately 300 exhibitors representing the best in maritime craftsmanship.Credits: Maxim Yachts
April 1, 2025
Turkish shipyard Numarine has introduced its newest superyacht, the 47MXP, marketed as a "Mediterranean Explorer." Despite its name, the vessel is engineered for worldwide exploration, merging the relaxed beach-club lifestyle with robust, long-range capabilities.Expanding on the acclaimed 45XP series, the 47MXP integrates a durable steel hull with a lightweight aluminum superstructure. Retaining the efficient hydrodynamics of its predecessor, the new model gains added length, increasing internal volume and enhancing exterior deck spaces.Renowned Italian studio Hot Lab, part of the Viken Group, orchestrated the 47MXP’s bespoke interiors. Known for their subtle yet sophisticated touch, Hot Lab infuses the yacht with a warm, elegant atmosphere. The layout encompasses up to six guest cabins, highlighted by a full-beam owner’s suite with a private terrace on the main deck.The 47MXP emphasizes alfresco enjoyment with numerous terraces and lounges spanning its four decks. Noteworthy is the aft deck, which now features a sizable infinity pool, converting the area into a high-end beach club setting. Additionally, the sundeck showcases a second pool, a fully stocked bar, and abundant seating for hosting events.Fitted with twin MAN V12 diesel engines, each generating 1,450hp, the 47MXP achieves a top speed of 16 knots. More importantly, she demonstrates exceptional endurance, capable of traversing over 6,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 9 knots perfect for transoceanic voyages.Numarine, a European high-performance motor-yacht shipyard headquartered in Istanbul, offers a range of yachts from 19 to 45 meters.Credits: Numarine
April 1, 2025