Yacht Design Collective: A Decade of Innovation on the Water
François Perus and Romain Scolari, the minds behind Yacht Design Collective, are celebrating a decade of shaping the future of yachting. Their journey, fueled by a lifelong passion for the sea, has led them to design a diverse range of vessels, from high-speed trimarans to eco-friendly floating habitats.
From Childhood Dreams to Naval Architecture
For François, boats have always been a central part of his life. “The boat has always been my passion,” he explains. “I was ‘raised’ on Chasse-Marée [a magazine specializing in maritime heritage]. I loved discovering the shape plans of boats there. If I am to believe my mother, I have always drawn boats… and as far back as I can remember, I have always sailed.”
Romain’s connection to the sea began with his father. “My passion for the sea comes from my father, who took me on board from a very young age. He sailed on an inland body of water, in Picardy. It was on this lake that I took my first tacks, on the family’s First Class 7.”
Both François and Romain pursued engineering degrees, which naturally led them to naval architecture. This profession allowed them to combine their technical skills with their love for the sea.
A Diverse Portfolio and a Collaborative Approach
Yacht Design Collective’s portfolio is remarkably diverse. “We design a wide variety of boats in the agency,” François notes. “Fast trimarans, cruising catamarans, motorboats, but also floating habitats; we are ultimately quite eclectic.”
Romain adds, “We design very different boats indeed: from floating architecture to very powerful motorboats, passing through very ecologically virtuous units.”
Their collaborative approach is central to their success. “We have made the choice to be a real collective, hence the name of the agency: Yacht Design Collective,” Romain explains. “It’s not marketing but a real desire to offer the right skills to meet a specific need.” They assemble specialized teams for each project, ensuring the best expertise for every client.
Adapting to Client Needs and Embracing Innovation
François emphasizes the importance of adapting to each client’s needs. “With experience, we realize that each project is unique, and that our working method must adapt to each client. A recognized shipyard will not have the same initial brief as an individual who wants to build the boat of their dreams.”
While open to innovation, they also understand the need for gradual change. “You shouldn’t try to be too innovative all at once and risk changing the DNA of what a shipyard has been offering for years,” François advises. “Evolutions must be brought about gradually.”
Romain highlights the freedom that comes with working for new brands. “When we work for a new brand, it’s necessarily easier. We have greater latitude to propose different concepts. Our role is above all to synthesize the sometimes contradictory expectations of the various departments of the shipyard: marketing, sales, technical…”
The Future of Yachting: Simplicity and Sustainability
François observes a shift in how people experience life on board. “We are seeing a real evolution in the way of living on board: ease of handling, ever greater comfort, and above all a new approach that favors use more than ownership.” He also hopes for more recyclable boat designs and a resurgence of wood construction.
Romain envisions a return to simpler, more sustainable boats. “I would like us to return to simpler, more virtuous boats. I am not convinced that technology and the arms race are the most adequate answers to have more fun at sea. A light boat with an aluminum mast and good sails can be extremely efficient and above all hyper fun! For a much more affordable price and eliminating the maintenance worries of some boats.” He sees potential in electric motorization and foils for motorboats.
A Decade of Achievements
In their first decade, Yacht Design Collective has designed between 35 and 40 boats, with 350 units launched. They have also created 7 floating buildings in Paris and have 4 more in progress, along with 3 large 69-foot units under construction.
Personal Passions Fueling Professional Success
François finds joy in sailing his own designs. “The last one, on my Pandira 8.50m, a prototype that we designed and on which I really enjoy myself. The next one? On a small 4m by 4m trimaran that we also designed and that I am putting back in the water this weekend. A boat built 95% of wood. A real little bomb!”
Romain stays connected to the latest trends through personal experience. “The last navigation was simply yesterday. I got into Wingfoil and I love it! I get my fill of sensations and I stay connected with new technologies. By sailing on this type of machine, we really understand a lot of things and it’s a real plus for our next designs.” He also values sharing his passion with his family, planning a sailing trip to show his children why he loves his work.
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