The pandemic brought a rush of momentum into the yachting industry and a flood of creativity along with it. New owners in the market meant that builders and designers challenged the limits of their capabilities. So, what comes next? We turn to yacht designer Patrick Knowles of Patrick Knowles Designs, who specializes in custom megayachts, superyachts, and aircraft interiors, for his take on the yacht trends we’ll be seeing at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and beyond.
Naturally Connected
“WiFi is important when you want to stay virtually connected, but when it’s the real world you want to connect to, it’s time to go off the grid and onto the water,” says Knowles. “Features that bring you closer to the ocean and to nature overall will be seen throughout the show this year, from new convertible yachts to lowered swim platforms and even radically shaped windows below the deck dipping close to the waterline.”
Check out: Ferretti has brought this trend into all their new models, and the sleek profiles combined with the unique window lines are sure to turn heads.
Layered Neutrals
“Cream on cream, textured layers in varying shades of white, chic neutrals of gray, taupe, and even muted silvers and golds work as a beautiful, calming, and surprisingly warm foundation for vibrant pops of colors, deep wood, fashionable patterns, and an easy-flow for the eye throughout the room,” notes Knowles. “With so much constant stimuli in the world, this design style gives the eye and mind a peaceful break.”
Check out: Dorothea III, a Cheoy Lee classic beauty whose recent refit was managed by Rubicon Maritime, will make her “come-back” at the show this year.
A Place for Everyone—and Everything
“The realization during the pandemic by many owners was that there was a need to reconfigure the interior to make space for the needs of the entire family, especially in the case of longer-term yachting trips or isolation situations,” says Knowles. “From kiddie pools to in-law suites and specialized storage compartments, this need created an influx of new build and refit business in the industry to ensure there is a place for everyone and everything.”
Check out: Ocean Alexander’s 37L is a prime example, with its new model featuring a rearranged master that allows for more space for utilities and laundry, two guest staterooms that can be joined together to create one larger room for four, and a more innovative layout features that help fit any owner’s needs.
Facebook Comments