On the 18th and 19th of april 2018 Oceanco organized the annual young designers getaway
During this event, in cooperation with Bolidt / Esthec and Boat International, we welcomed the Young Designer finalists and alumni of the Young Designer of the Year Award, presented by Boat International themselves. On the 18th the finalists started their day at Oceanco where they were welcomed by Oceanco’s marketing team.
The finalists pitched their yachts design concepts focusing on its unique selling points to Oceanco’s design team After a useful feedback session, the innovation team turned the tables on the participants, asking them to design the perfect ‘Owner’, thus prompting them to think from the owner’s perspective. The aspiring designers were then taken onboard a 109 meter yacht under construction followed by a visit to Bolidt, experts in synthetic and ecological materials, and specialists in ship and superyacht decking. Finally, they enjoyed a high-speed RIB as a method of transport to a local favourite restaurant in Rotterdam.
On the second day the 2018 finalists were joined by a number of alumni for an inspiring design session in the creative factory, the Maassilo, in Rotterdam. The day started with several interesting presentations, looking at real life examples shared by protagonists from various disciplines. The inspirational guest speakers were amongst others from BMT, VBH, Luxury & Hospitality, Boulle Luxury and Waterstudio. Moreover, Peter Economides, a brand specialist talked about the eco system and inspired to think beyond by discussing strategic responses to shifting culture, consumer habits and behaviour. With all these insights, the young designers were asked to develop the Next Generation Superyacht, presented to the panel of judges.
The getaway program was designed to foster creative thinking and innovative ideas by the young designers, challenging them to be forward thinking in their approach to designing The Next Generation Superyacht, without losing sight of feasibility. Thus, imbedding a part of Oceanco’s innovative DNA into the up and coming designers.