Judges’ Commendation: Holistic Design – WINNER

Among the yachts entered into the Design & Innovation Awards this year, the judges noted several possible feature items for a special commendation award, ranging from a novel solution for rigging from Future Fibres, a sleek user-friendly glass bridge on the Azimut sport yacht, and the sprawling spa on Flying Fox, which rivals the best to be found on land with its scope and leading-edge treatments rooms. However, it was the holistic design of 63.7m Scout that eventually edged out the other contenders. Scout, designed inside and out by H2 Yacht Design, is perfectly attuned to her owner’s vision of a home away from home with a unique, light-hearted Jules Verne- inspired theme, and a consistent style and colour scheme. Because this is a home rather than a temporary holiday escape, the yacht must keep its occupants entertained for months on end and make provisions for all members of the household, which includes two dogs. H2 did a superb job of blending the owner’s vision and the yacht’s long-range cruising purpose within a consistent yet highly entertaining shippy platform that surprises at every turn. One key requirement from the owners was for a large, totally open sundeck, with lift access and a dayhead. H2 founder Jonny Horsfield cleverly incorporated the two features into the arch to give the owners exactly what they wanted.