For our design special edition of Boat International, we spoke to the world’s most prominent superyacht designers to see what new designs they have up their sleeves. Here’s what we found…

What is it?

A chiselled 58 metre motor yacht from the renowned London-based design studio Bannenberg & Rowell.

Why we love it

The sharp, angular lines catch the eye, with a pair of fins atop the superstructure concealing the satellite domes when viewed from sea level, but it is the interior layout that really sets this design apart. The dining area is situated aft of the saloon to give sea views on three sides while enjoying a meal. What’s more, the main deck tender garage allows Project XS to store and launch a much larger dayboat than usual.

What is it?

Styled to appear slimmer than she is, Aurora is the latest 140 metre concept from the boards of world renowned studio Nuvolari Lenard.

Why we love it

Balancing sleekness and interior volume is a common challenge for briefs in the 100 metre plus size bracket. The designers have pulled this off with aplomb and retained star features like an infinity pool and superyacht beach club in the stern.

What is it?

As the name would suggest, a 76 metre motor yacht concept from Dutch studio Mulder Design.

Why we love it

Balancing modern technology, timeless style, speed and comfort was the crux of the matter when developing this particular concept. “This is a yacht for people who want the best in terms of quality and lifestyle,” explains designer Bas Mulder. To this end, the concept includes accommodation for up to 12 people and a Jacuzzi on the superyacht sundeck. But it is the main deck that is the undoubted star of the show, with its surprisingly spacious aft-deck pool and on-board cinema room.

What is it?

Guido De Groot’s latest design for Dutch yard Vanquish — builder of some of the world’s sleekest and sportiest dayboats.

Why we love it

This ambitious 28.4 metre concept would push Vanquish into superyacht territory for the first time. De Groot’s inimitable style can be seen throughout, from the reverse-angle bow to the elegantly curved hardtop, which conceals a Targa-style sunroof. Speeds in excess of 50 knots are promised as well as accommodation for up to ten guests. A 19.6 metre and a 22.86 metre version are also on the drawing board.

What is it?

A sharply styled 90 metre concept from Dutch studio Vripack, aptly named after the razor-taloned, keen-eyed bird of prey.

Why we love it

The open-plan interiors, designed to imbue a feeling of warmth, include a private family deck for the owner and a 20-seat cinema, as well as a spectacular spiral staircase that runs all the way to the sundeck. This comfortable atmosphere influenced the radically retro exterior, which Vripack describes as “neo-classical”. The warm white hull is topped with a superstructure clad in swathes of unvarnished wood and set with green glass.

What is it?

A sporty 60 metre penned by Reymond Langton for a client, with a striking reverse bow.

Why we love it

Pushing the trend towards making more of foredecks, the large glass-fronted superyacht spa pool, built-in seating and sunpads transform the bow into a private, intimate lounge in its own right, rather than a makeshift hideaway with a deckchair or two. There’s also a larger sundeck pool for more sociable swimming.

What is it?

Frank Neubelt’s 100 metre design with a massive swimming pool positioned, unusually, as the centrepiece of the foredeck.

Why we love it

There are some enviable al fresco spaces on board, including a beach club with sunbathing spaces and a spa pool. But that superyacht swimming pool has an interesting attribute: it can be craned off and replaced with a containerised system to house substantial toys, such as submarines, sailing boats and hovercrafts that may come in useful for entertaining between long passages (Planet 300 is envisioned with a 10,000 nautical mile range at 14 knots).

What is it?

The Delta Marine design team conceived this 72 metre as a stylish explorer with a generous wellness area and a helicopter.

Why we love it

Taking advantage of the ability to mould concave and convex shapes in composite, the graceful superstructure flows around vast expanses of glass, augmented with judicious use of black paint. The graceful lines conceal six decks, with a structure inspired by the mast of a U boat. The lower decks are more casual with a great pool on the aft main deck, close to the water and the beach club, with an incremental transition to more formal spaces on upper decks.

What is it?

An imposing design from the boards of Steve Gresham that takes the Ulstein Group's X-Bow concept to the next level by adding a hybrid Azipod propulsion system capable of delivering a maximum cruising range of 7,000 nautical miles.

Why we love it

That towering, no-nonsense bow looks like it could handle anything Mother Nature can throw at it (and indeed, it would be built to Ice Class specification), while the ability to carry an Agusta Grand or an EC135 in the aft helicopter hangar is certainly appealing for those looking to explore even further afield. The Seymour Diamond studio is attached to develop the interior, which will include a separate owner’s deck with a forward-facing observation lounge and a superyacht beach club that can convert into a 12.5 metre tender garage.

What is it?

Innovative materials, cutting-edge technology and futuristic design combine in this 80 metre addition to Philippe Briand’s Vitruvius Yachts collection of explorers.

Why we love it

Briand’s striking design would be built from Krion — a mineral-resin composite that is hardwearing, antibacterial and easy to repair. Science aside, Noble Path balances a radical, futuristic form that appears to lean backwards with classical elements such as latticework in the superstructure, which draws on the Arabic architectural tradition of mashrabiya. More than 1,900GT of interior space allows guests to spread out over five decks, but the best view is reserved for the owner — looking out over the foredeck.