Superyacht next gen: Millennial owners, designers and builders on the future of yachting

I grew up sailing and I always knew I wanted to go into interior design, so when I discovered the industry it seemed perfect. My job is very varied, and I am lucky to get involved at all levels of the design, client facing and project management.

Superyachts should be at the forefront of technology. Keeping up with the rapid evolution of tech is a challenge due to build time, but if this can be improved, it would bring the yachting industry up to speed.

When I first joined the industry, it was all about extreme opulence and now it’s more about comfort and adventure. Maybe in 20 years’ time owners will use yachts as homes and superyacht offices more permanently.

Parker, £850, canadagoose.com; Solo-32-LC watch in rose gold, £7,995, bremont.com

It all started with my passions – sailing and racing. Working on the award-winning designs of (and sailing on) yachts such as Nilaya, Nikata and My Song was a dream come true.

A shift needs to happen in the yachting industry, where there is constant R&D, to more sustainable yachts and production chain. Yachts in the future will surely have less impact on the environment. There will also have to be more functions combined in single areas. We will see the use of new materials and building techniques to explore new fields and geometries.

My generation wants to be at sea, with the option to be connected to the rest of the world at an affordable price.

Trench coat, £1,295, dunhill.com; cotton shirt, £370, brunellocucinelli.com; silk neck tie, £145, ralphlauren.co.uk; trousers, POA, dolcegabbana.com; Radiomir 1940 3 Days GMT Automatic Acciaio 45mm watch (PAM00627), £9,900, panerai.com

I started my career in the financial sector, but shipbuilding is in my DNA and it drew me back to the family business that my grandfather established in 1927. I’m a people person, so I enjoy working with our clients.

Yachts in the future will have to be much more autonomous. Owners will be jetting in and out, expecting perfectly organised activities anywhere in the world. So life will get even tougher for the crew. We have to support them with capable designs that show a deep understanding of logistics and routing as well as aesthetics.

Ownership is less of a goal for future generations. It’s a means to an experience. As a yacht builder, it means we have to offer fast delivery with great service, but also demonstrate how investing your own tastes into a design can enhance the overall experience.

Cape, £1200, nadyashah.com; cashmere jumper, £690, ralphlauren.co.uk

Hair and make-up by Maria Comparetto at Emma Davies Agency. Special thanks to the Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort, Kitzbühel.