BOAT International is delighted to announce that Feadship will return for the fourth consecutive year as the official sponsor of the Young Designer of the Year Award 2027. The prestigious award is widely regarded as an important opportunity for emerging designers to showcase their ideas and earn recognition within the superyacht sector.
This continued collaboration between the celebrated Dutch shipyard and BOAT International reflects a mutual dedication to supporting new talent and encouraging innovation in yacht design. By sponsoring the award, Feadship reinforces its ongoing commitment to creativity and design excellence within the industry. Renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, Feadship has long been at the forefront of yacht design and engineering, producing some of the most iconic and luxurious superyachts in the world.
“As we move into the fourth year of our partnership with the Young Designer of the Year Award, Feadship is more committed than ever to supporting the next generation of design talent,” said Farouk Nefzi, chief marketing officer at Feadship. “Our ongoing collaboration with BOAT International reflects our conviction that emerging designers bring new perspectives that will help define the future of yacht design. By sharing our expertise and passion with these young creatives, we aim to support their development and see them flourish within the superyacht industry. It remains a privilege to help shape and empower the future of our sector.”
The annual competition attracts some of the most promising talents from around the globe, offering them a chance to present their ground-breaking design concepts to a distinguished panel of experts. The winners are announced alongside the BOAT Design & Innovation Awards at the annual Superyacht Design Festival, with all the finalists invited to attend.
Now in its 20th year, the award has seen many of its past winners and finalists go on to build successful careers across the superyacht industry. Last year, Coventry University student Finn Lortan, 24, stood out among more than 160 entrants to claim the top prize with his innovative 60-metre yacht concept.
Stewart Campbell, managing director of BOAT International, added: “As we open entries for the 2027 Young Designer of the Year Award, we’re proud to continue our partnership with Feadship for a fourth year. Together, we’re creating meaningful opportunities for emerging designers - encouraging fresh thinking, championing originality and connecting them with key figures across the industry. Feadship’s progressive mindset and commitment to quality make them an ideal partner, and we’re excited to see how this year’s entrants will push the boundaries even further.”
Nominations for the Young Designer of the Year 2027 are now open until 16 November 2026 and the winner will be announced at the Superyacht Design Festival. To find out more information, contact the BOAT International events team.
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