This week, a new richly illustrated volume honouring the creative genius of Terence Disdale – one of the most influential figures in modern yacht design – has been launched to celebrate his more than 50 years in the superyacht industry. Titled Terence Disdale: My Art of Yacht Design, the book has been published by Assouline and curated by Terence Disdale Design's managing partner, Daniela Zulli, with senior yacht designer Mark Hopper serving as art director.
Offering an unprecedented look at Disdale’s five-decade career, Terence Disdale: My Art of Yacht Design is written by acclaimed yachting journalist Marilyn Mower, with contributions from Roger Lean-Vercoe and BOAT International's managing director, Stewart Campbell. Mower notes, “This book frames his life as a yacht designer with some of his most spectacular and challenging projects to date.”
When asked why now is the moment to publish the book, Disdale said, “I’m celebrating 53 years of Terence Disdale Design Ltd, and I thought it was time.”
Known for his aversion to ostentation and his mastery of balance between sophistication and serenity, Disdale has redefined luxury at sea through some of the world’s most iconic superyachts – among them the 63-metre Mitsubishi HI yacht Pegasus IV (now Lady Haya), the 114.5-metre Lürssen yacht Pelorus and the 162.5-metre Blohm & Voss vessel Eclipse.
Coinciding with the book's publication, BOAT International Media's full-service agency B.creative Studio has produced a 25-minute-long documentary film capturing the essence of Disdale’s philosophy and creative journey – showcasing his process, his humour and the quiet confidence that has made his work so revered across the design world. The film, hosted by Stewart Campbell, is directed by Alex Conte at The Film Crew with BOAT International Media's creative director Christopher Whale as creative lead.
The film is centred on Disdale's “10 commandments” of yacht design, which are united by the importance of restraint and simplicity. As Disdale explains, these rules deliberately avoid the “wow” factor – because, as he says, “nothing dates quicker." They instead celebrate texture over pattern, and remind us that even the most elegant design must be practical – “a five-star yacht,” he notes, “will not function without a five-star pantry." This ethos, along with his insistence on peace of mind and practicality, has defined some of the world’s most admired yacht designs.
The 10 largest yachts with exterior and interior design by Terence Disdale, with data sourced from BOATPro:
Throughout the film, a number of leading industry experts speak to Disdale's strengths and successes, many of whom have collaborated with the studio over the years. One such figure is renowned superyacht designer Tim Heywood, with whom Disdale has completed several projects and who, along with Andrew Winch, learnt their trade under the godfather of modern yacht design, Jon Bannenberg.
Lürssen's CEO Peter Lürssen says: "One of the main strengths of Terry is that when there is a technical problem, you explain to him why it is complicated, and then he comes up with something that's more easily doable. That's a fantastic way to deal with us as shipbuilders by helping us. He's a true partner, not overly complicated, and he listens. With Daniela [Zulli], he has someone who fiercely makes certain that Terry's design is executed to the last detail."
Andre Jonker, senior project manager at Abeking and Rasmussen, adds:"Terry is a hero in this industry. Everybody knows Terence Disdale; we all know his designs, and he's had more than 50 years in the industry now. If you come into the office and you meet Terry, there's a respect there."
The book and film together offer a rare portrait of a designer whose career has shaped the very notion of elegance at sea – an artist whose influence continues to inspire generations across the worlds of design, architecture and craftsmanship.
Campbell says: "We were honoured to collaborate with Terry and Daniela on the movie of the book! They're both great friends of BOAT International and Terry is truly a great of our industry. I would encourage everyone to attend the spectacular Disdale exhibition running in London and, of course, watch the film."
Running throughout November 2025, an exhibition at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour offers an immersive glimpse into Disdale’s creative universe. Visitors can explore models of his celebrated yachts, intimate displays of hand drawings and examples of his personal works beyond the world of yachts, including furniture, lamps, sculptures and paintings.