TESTIMONIALS

2011

SDS is not another road show event, but a platform where the real issues and challenges are discussed – a rarity in this business.
Henning Fehrmann, CEO, Fehrmann Metallverarbeitung GmbH

Great overall change to the format, and would love the opportunity of speaking again next year
Carl Persak, Partner, Persak & Wurmfeld

The Symposium was rich with interesting topics, from design to technical, presented by reputable speakers in a pleasant interview format.
Horacio Bozzo, Owner, Axis Group Yacht Design

The Symposium is a great platform for sharing knowledge and ideas.
Cristina Fonzar, Marketing and Communication Consultant

I think it was a great event and the staff were amazing. GREAT JOB
Ted McCumber, Project Manager, Washington Yachting Group

I think it is a great opportunity for young designers to be exposed to experienced yacht design professionals and be able to ask direct questions.
Glade Johnson, Owner, Glade Johnson Design

The relaxed informal structure provided the ideal atmosphere for networking in this fascinating area. The facilitated approach encouraged the speakers to give of their best through the rich and varied programme.
Kim Franklin, International Projects Lawyer, Crown Office Chambers

I enjoyed the whole symposium, it was great to see the regular problems and questions I face every day from a different perspective… well done to all.
Tim Heywood, Designer, Tim Heywood Designs Ltd.

The opportunity to see old industry friends and meet new ones at the Superyacht Design Symposium in an informative, stimulating and convivial atmosphere is unequalled.
Peter Wilson, Director, MCM

Very well run, excellent participants, good food, nice networking opportunities
Robert Kertell, Principal, Robert A Kertell International Yacht Styling & Interiors

A necessity to attend if you want to be up to date regarding the design and latest developments in this industry
Marcel van der Spek, Commercial Director, Esthec

2010

“It was a great symposium with very important topics and I was positively surprised by the owners that came and shared their views, because this was very helpful as well.”
Peter Lurssen – Lurssen

“I have to really think hard about how you will improve it. I though it was excellent.”
Howard Meyers – Chariman Burger Boat Company and Owner of M/Y Ingot

“This is the first Symposium I’ve been to and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I found it enlightening, educational and enjoyable.”
Tim Heywood – Tim Heywood Designs

“I think it was very interesting, as usual: I’ve been to all three of them. I look forward to it.”
Joseph Vittoria – Owner of M/Y Mirabella V

“Another wonderful experience. The audience was fantastic and all the presentations were very interesting; I think it’s one of the ways we can learn a lot.”
Rocco Finocchiaro – Amico & Co

“I think it was really interesting; if I can say even better, better and better because there were all the parties involved in this industry, from owners to designers.”
Paolo Moretti – RINA

“The Symposium itself would be hard to criticize; the networking was most invigorating for me. I got the impression that this was also very important to the other designers.”
Joe Artese – Joseph Artese Design

“I think it’s a great choice and it should always be here, in the backdrop of the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.”
Hani Jabsheh – Owner of M/Y Hana

“The organisation is amazing, really amazing how it’s done. All the subjects are very interesting because they are very close to our work concern; it’s not something in general.”
Remi Tessier – Interior Architect Designer, Remi Tessier Design

“The Superyacht design Symposium was an excellent forum to access a broad array of professionals from every facet of this industry. Some thought provoking discussion and lively debate. I found it very constructive. The networking opportunities were good and the social events really fun – and all wrapped the professional Boat International Media package! Thank you.”
Peter Wilson – MCM

“You see the result: we are here talking about it, and also the networking side of it.”
Mario Pedol – CEO, Nauta Yachts

“I think it was a very inspirational two-days. We heard from owners about the excitement to build a yacht. We would all aspire to do that but we also recognise what the challenges are.”
Mark Bodington – Silverlining

“Having seen the way this is gone, it’s a fantastic combination of people coming from all aspects of the industry.”
Paul Shallcross – BMT Nigel Gee

“Thank you so much for making the SDS such a wonderful experience. The event was fantastic! As a Designer I can only say that the leadership of the organisation makes sure that each designer feels privileged to be attending the event.”
Christina Norris – Owner and Chief Designer, Oversee Yachts

2009

“The fact that the entire symposium passed so quickly was a clear indication that it was interesting and informative. The comments at dinner and lunch the following day confirmed to me that many felt the same. I look forward to the next one.”
Joe Vittoria – owner of S/Y Mirabella V

“I found the two day event a great platform for owners and the industry to mingle and exchange thoughts and ideas. I also valued very much the fact that most discussions included an owner’s perspective along with those of industry experts. Owner engagement at these events is always welcomed and encouraged.”
Hani Jabsheh – owner of M/Y Hana

“I was proud to participate in the Superyacht Design Symposium. I thoroughly enjoyed the diversity and depth of the content covered by the featured speakers from around the world. The networking and quality interaction with architects, designers and superyacht owners exceeded my expectations.”
David V. Johnson – owner of M/Y Resolute

“I was interested to hear the conversation about the long, lean and light hulls. I am building such a boat right now.”
Eric Wittouck – superyacht owner and founder of Rouge Tomate

“I really enjoyed the symposium: topics, organization and location. I’ll definitely try to attend also next year.”
Paolo Moretti – Business Manager, RINA

“It’s nice to be here with the likes of Ron Holland, Ed Dubois, Bill Tripp and German Frers – it was exciting to see that kind of talent in one room.”
Donald Tofias – owner of W-Class racing yachts White Wings and Wild Horses

“I think it’s been very interesting – there was a lot of variety in the topics.”
Ken Freivokh – Superyacht Designer

“I really enjoyed the organization and content of the Symposium, it would be pretty difficult to improve upon. Fantastic event – I look forward to next year’s!”
David Seal – owner of Top Yachts

“I’m very impressed. It has been very well organized, the whole event.”
Til von Krause – Sales Director, Abeking & Rasmussen

“The venue added to the success as well as the outstanding evening at Rouge Tomate.”
Joe Vittoria – owner of S/Y Mirabella V

“I found the whole event thoroughly worthwhile and will certainly make every effort to attend next year.”
Robert Hubble – Helios Maritime Aviation

“Congratulations on putting together a terrific conference. It really was top-notch. We were inspired by many people there, and hopefully we inspired a few ourselves!”
Karen Hawkes – Hawkes Ocean Technologies

“It was a perfectly put together, with well balanced speakers and topics.”
Chris Dlugokecki – Lloyd’s Register

“Congratulations on another splendid Superyacht Design Symposium!”
James Watlington – Alexanders Barristers & Attorneys