Luxe et al - DESIGNER SPEAK OUT

Paul Waring
Principal, Stephens Waring Yacht Design
What projects are you currently working on?
The past year has brought us a range of
smaller projects from conventional monohull
cruising boats to concepts in sporty
powerboats. We also conducted an extensive
‘proof of concept’ for a very interesting
cruising catamaran of 60 feet LOA.
Currently, we have a custom 20 m Spirit of
Tradition sloop in process and heading to
construction this fall. This is a classic inspired
vessel; she will be highly bespoke, fit in the
finest craftsmanship, fully customised and
tuned to suit her owners to their exact needs.
To be built in Maine at Lyman-Morse boat
builders.
What projects have you recently completed?
Most recent, I’d point to the launch of our
custom designed 24 ft speedboat, Stella Blue.
This exciting project is akin to building a
super-car, leather and wood, a finely tuned
beast that awaits the drivers every response.
She was initially inspired by the gold cup
racers of the 20’s and 30’s of the upstate New
York region, around Lake George. The owner
came to us for our tight grasp of translating
classic design elements into a highly
functioning modern craft that will attain a
level of performance and bespoke appeal that
is fitting to the detail built into such a craft.
At 24 ft, she attains top speeds of 60 mph via
fuel-injected V-8.
What companies have you worked with for
the above projects?
We work with many builders in the US,
especially here in Maine - this state is a
powerhouse for boat building and provides a
spectacular location to suit the many yachts
that come from here.
It’s extremely important to us to find ways
in which to empower our domestic yacht
industry, yet equally important is our growing
relationships in Europe and the UK, as we
continually look for opportunities for bringing
a project online. We will work directly for a
builder, or for the private individual seeking
our assistance in the design, as well as
guidance through the process of construction.
The very recent list of builders include:
Van Dam Custom Boats, Boyne City, MI.
Brooklin Boat Yard, Brooklin, ME
Tumblehome Boat Shop, NY
Morris Yachts, Trenton, ME
Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding, Thomaston, ME
Where do you feel super yacht design is
going in terms of interior schemes?
The Superyacht industry continues as
a vibrantly changing space for design
opportunities. Interior design focus is more
engaged than ever, and is providing more on
the scale for the human condition. We all
want the most comfort and accessibility in
a world of ever growing interests for outdoor
activities and connectivity. But it is the spare
approach that attracts me, and that ‘less is
more’ treatment that I believe can be most
successful when considering the ‘feel’ of a
space.
I believe we’ll continue to explore just how
we can connect to the environment through
materials and sustainable practices, and
hope the tech side of things will help enable
the evolution of smarter use of energy and
management of power to streamline the costs
of building and owning these yachts.
Are there any key design directions you
would like to discuss?
I am fascinated by alternative energy systems
and emerging propulsion technology. My
partner, Bob Stephens, and I believe electric
propulsion design is obvious as the next-Gen
solution and we’ll continue to play with ideas
for how to best utilise current tech and how
to take that into products that suit a modern
family seeking to enjoy time on the water.
On another front, the way in which we
conceive designs for newer yachts helps look
to our future. We like finding smart solutions
for features that can offer protection from the
elements while keeping us connected to the
water. I believe this is important, becoming
more of a demand from the market, and will
provide keys to success for bringing young
folks into boating
Trends going forward?
1. Refining integration of smart tech into a
yacht’s systems and user interface, along
with the creation of more entertainment
features built for guests/owners.
2. We continue to focus on connectivity to the
environment; ease of communication and
uses between spaces, indoor and outdoor,
which in some way blurs the lines between
- this is where big rewards can be found for
the overall enjoyment of a yacht.
3. Innovations in materials technology and
manufacturing are constantly evolving
and will help us tailor newer solutions to
the many hurdles we encounter during the
design process.
What are your favourite recent schemes -
please describe key elements.
During the design process of the aforementioned
60 ft LOA catamaran, the concept
took on very special aesthetic qualities.
The shaping of the hulls included the
use of decorative and functional creases
bring dynamic shaping and impart a very
automotive look and feel.
The most daring part of this design was not
necessarily the top speed performance targets,
but instead with the design concept of the
sailing rigs arranged in a tandem, or bi-plane,
sail configuration. On all counts, our CFD and
VPP models produced incredible positive data
in thorough analysis. A sail plan configured of
2 identical main sails - like windsurfer rigs of
a free-standing mast and sails situated each
side of the cat, in each amma-- proved to be
equal or significantly better performance on
all points compared to a sail plan of more
conventional Main and jib fractional sloop.
This design encompasses much of our
current philosophy for connecting with our
environment and keeping indoor/outdoor
spaces in communication to provide greater
user pleasure and accessibility, all packaged in
a truly great looking design.
What products/services could you not live
without when designing?
A simple pencil and a piece of paper are
priceless!
Obviously, the advancements of 3D modelling
and rendering technologies have given the
design world some extraordinary powers for
problem solving and communicating complex
design ideas. Tough to see how we’d want to
go backward from that!
Final thoughts or words of wisdom
My father always advised me to find
something I like to do, and to pursue that
with a passion. I was lucky I found this at a
young age. Growing up on the ocean provided
me with sailing experience and work in
boatyards as a young kid. I learned how to
build all kinds of boats and by my twenties
had become a seasoned craftsman in all ways.
Along with education, this translated to my
becoming a self-made designer by age of 26.
My knowledge and experience building boats
and managing complex projects continues to
inform the work I do with my partner today.
Among the biggest things I’ve tried to learn
and continue to work towards over the years:
listen to clients, and think ‘outside the box’.
Take chances, have conviction. Do not be shy.
Love what you do.
stephenswaring.com
Luxe Et Al 53