Denmark

X-Yachts

Frank Neubelt, an award-winning yacht designer and naval architect, has made significant contributions to the superyacht industry for over three decades. 35 years ago, he initiated &nbsp;his career under his studio label <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/27" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Newcruise (Company)">Newcruise Yacht Design and Project</a> and later went on to establish <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Yacht Couture by Frank Neubelt Yacht Design (Company)">Frank Neubelt Yacht Design</a> (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Yacht Couture by Frank Neubelt Yacht Design (Company)">FNYD</a>) in 2013, along with the international project development and technical design hub <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Yacht Couture by Frank Neubelt Yacht Design (Company)">German Yacht Couture</a> (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Yacht Couture by Frank Neubelt Yacht Design (Company)">GYC)</a>. Frank's work spans a diverse array of international projects and clients, including both sailing and motor yachts. His collaborations extend across Northern and Southern European yards, and various other yards in the US and Asia.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/317513/image/large-52fe63c9c6a6b9d0d694af9092d0de30.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/317513"><a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht Times</a> writer Enrico Chhibber had a lengthy discussion with Frank, delving into his life story, the evolution of superyacht design, and the industry’s changes over his career, as well as his current and upcoming projects.Frank has been immersed in the maritime lifestyle since he was eight years old, growing up in a family with a strong sailing tradition. Describing sailing as a ‘family thing’, Frank recounted, “Every weekend, we would take to the water in dinghies and other boats. By the age of 13, I was allowed to sail on our yacht, which I still own today”. The sailing yacht is a 44-feet <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> yacht named Baleia, designed by Alan Gurney, is one of the very first aluminium-built <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Huismans</a> with a wooden superstructure.&nbsp;From a young age, Frank and his family sailed around the world onboard the Baleia, exploring diverse locales from Scandinavia and Britain to the Mediterranean and his dream city, New York. He still owns the sailing yacht today and spends several months each year cruising in the Med, describing his voyages as a ‘think-tank’ for his design developments. Frank’s lifelong passion for yachting inspired him to study boat building in Flensburg, Germany, where his IOR 1-ton racing activities deepened his interest in yacht design and construction. He fondly recalls; “The world of yachting was a kind of heaven, so I studied naval architecture with the hope of becoming a yacht designer one day.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/229573/image/large-c8ce78e521caac8d2bcef6f139e3997a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/229573">Recounting his first foray into the industry in 1987, Frank shared how his path crossed with Niels Jeppesen, the designer and founder of &nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6087" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="X-Yachts (Company)">X-Yachts</a>, while he was still a student. "I asked him if I could do an internship at his yard," Frank explained. At that time, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6087" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="X-Yachts (Company)">X-Yachts</a> was gaining recognition, particularly among younger sailing enthusiasts. Initially just an internship, the stint extended as he was asked to stay for another year. Although he had hoped to continue working as a technical co-designer at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6087" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="X-Yachts (Company)">X-Yachts</a>, ultimately, Niels decided to let him go.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/317514/image/large-d566da1e43cf805069dae68c915d6146.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/317514">What seemed like a little disappointment at the time actually became the catalyst Neubelt needed to strike out on his own as a designer. Frank recounted Niels's advice: "you are truly passionate, why don't you open your own studio?" Reflecting on his uncertainties, he admitted, "okay, but nobody knows me. At that time, I was recognised only in the racing scene and among yacht clubs in Germany." Despite these concerns, Niels encouraged, saying, "Why don't you try?”In 1989, Frank Neubelt, along with two fellow students and friends, established <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/27" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Newcruise (Company)">Newcruise Yacht Design and Project</a>. Frank took on the responsibilities of yacht design, while his colleagues focused on engineering and development. "About 35 years ago, we began a collaboration with a Swedish shipyard, designing 40-foot and 50-foot yachts for them," Frank recounted.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/302908/image/large-1fe043c7be7600da7fdba3912247228a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/302908">Initially focusing on sailing yachts, in 1995 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/27" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Newcruise (Company)">Newcruise</a> expanded to include motor yacht projects following client requests. Describing the transition, Frank highlighted his initial reluctance, stating: "At that time, I was not very keen on the idea, as the cultures of sailing and motor yachting were quite distinct, each attracting different types of enthusiasts."The expansion into motor yachts proved successful, as Frank explained:”'I designed a 60-foot motor yacht that was built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> for a German client, along with two additional 60-foot sailing yachts in the 1990s, constructed in Hong Kong. The success of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> yacht garnered the interest of another German owner, who approached us with a request to create something special, potentially up to 40 metres”. The result was the 34-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1106" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xanadu 34.0m (111'7&quot;)Moonen Yachts1997">Xanadu</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251871/image/large-68fb01098c6145efb44c917d2d96ec44.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251871">Frank has collaborated with shipyards worldwide, including Russia and Poland, where he designed the 39-metre award-winning <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/835" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hotchya Shipyard (Company)">Hotchya</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gaja39.0m (127'11&quot;)Hotchya Shipyard2006">Gaja</a>, followed by the Gdansk built 26-metre sailing yacht Opium. His work led him to collaborate with shipyards in the USA, Turkey, China, and Italy. Describing his experiences as adventurous, he noted, "I was never afraid to collaborate with unknown builders because I strongly believe that assembling the right group of professionals allows you to build wonderful yachts of quality and excellence. It all comes down to knowledge, enthusiasm, and creativity, coupled with mutual respect. With these elements, you can create the perfect yacht for any owner, provided they are trusting on the analysis to cover their new-build projects seriously."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/56176/image/large-6ce3d14946cf2deab3c70815a7c192af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/56176">As the conversation progressed, Frank highlighted the evolution of his projects, noting a significant increase in size from 2000 to the early 2010s. “During that decade, I brought in a young co-partner and we transformed our operations into a fully-fledged project and design house,” he explained. “At the same time, I co-founded the German Yacht Industry pool, Deutsche Yachten, and facilitated a client's order at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a>, which helped establish their transition to a superyacht builder.” Frank designed and his team oversaw the construction of several award-winning yachts, including the 68-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Triple Seven68.0m (223'1&quot;)Nobiskrug2006">Triple Seven</a>, the 73.5-metre yachts <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Siren73.5m (241'2&quot;)Nobiskrug2008">Siren</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1712" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady Vera73.5m (241'2&quot;)Nobiskrug2011">Lady Vera</a> (ex Sapphire). He added, “Moreover, my hull designs and naval architecture formed the technical foundation for superyachts like 73.51-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mogambo73.51m (241'2&quot;)Nobiskrug2012">Mogambo</a>, 73.55-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1714" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dytan73.55m (241'4&quot;)Nobiskrug2012">Dytan</a>, and the 73.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2824" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Odessa II73.8m (242'2&quot;)Nobiskrug2013">Odessa</a>.” His largest project to date is the 115-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1075" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd Werft (Company)">Lloyd Werft</a> explorer superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1752" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luna115.0m (377'4&quot;)Lloyd Werft2010">Luna</a>, delivered in 2010.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/94275/image/large-d20626c7591959d8947fc520d6de10c5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94275">As a result of the 2008 global financial crisis, work at the studio began to dwindle, leading to internal debates about the need for restructuring. During this challenging time, Frank felt compelled to leave his life's work and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/27" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Newcruise (Company)">Newcruise</a> label. He described the decision as “extremely painful”. Seeking solace and reflection, he spent one and a half years sailing on his boat. Unfortunately, after his departure, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/27" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Newcruise (Company)">Newcruise</a>'s reputation suffered, and the studio ceased operations two years later.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/37510/image/large-1e6cbfcee8de7751942a02ae2f9be75e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/37510">Frank Neubelt founded <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Yacht Couture by Frank Neubelt Yacht Design (Company)">Frank Neubelt Yacht Design</a> in 2013, a boutique studio located in Hamburg, with its co-branch in Palma by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7199" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Real Club Nautico de Palma (Company)">Real Club Nautico</a>. This initial venture evolved into the establishment of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Yacht Couture by Frank Neubelt Yacht Design (Company)">German Yacht Couture</a> (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Yacht Couture by Frank Neubelt Yacht Design (Company)">GYC</a>). Neubelt views <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Yacht Couture by Frank Neubelt Yacht Design (Company)">GYC</a> not just as a project agency but as a collective design hub. He explained, "<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Yacht Couture by Frank Neubelt Yacht Design (Company)">GYC</a> serves as a collaborative space where carefully selected &nbsp;affiliated cooperatives with long years in the industry come together to create a dynamic environment that aids clients in preparing and realising the construction of their bespoke superyacht."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/309919/image/large-fe75f61e8880b36fd5b49549e5954e4f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/309919">Frank remains actively involved in both ventures, ensuring a seamless integration of design innovation, naval architecture, project development and its &nbsp;management, exterior styling, Interiors &nbsp;and client engagement. Stating: “My personal philosophy is that any owner ought to &nbsp;enjoy the journey of creating their personalised yacht from the first sketch to the launch. That's the goal, which is challenging my passion in this wonderful job every time again. ” &nbsp; &nbsp;Reflecting on his most influential project, Frank affirmed, "Each one propelled us forward." He explained that every project provided a new key, unlocking further inspiration and opportunities for innovation. "It's a continuous learning process that enhances our expertise and enriches our design capabilities, whether for sailing or motor yachts."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272819/image/large-e618a3b835757ed5918ce7f599729404.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272819">A particularly sophisticated project for Frank was the 73.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Siren73.5m (241'2&quot;)Nobiskrug2008">Siren</a>. During her construction, he pioneered an innovative building system that has since been widely adopted. This technique involved constructing both the hull and superstructure entirely in steel, with the superstructure formed from rough steel boxes. Composite materials were used for cosmetic styling. Advances in 3D CAD/CAM and CNC-milled section production around 2005 significantly enhanced this process, enabling seamless module construction across the entire production line. This approach allowed the yard to utilise the same hull across different designs while customising the styling on top, thereby saving both money and construction time. Reflecting on this, Frank stated, “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Siren73.5m (241'2&quot;)Nobiskrug2008">Siren</a> exemplified innovation in both her design and production methods, marking a significant milestone in yacht building”.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/317517/image/large-845efcea4fcfeb476b6d78f0350f21c1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/317517">When asked about the transition from designing sailing yachts to motor yachts and the associated challenges, Frank explained, "The first challenge was rethinking the design to accommodate how people live on these vessels, their usage, and their values. Motor yacht design focuses on creating a functional vessel that enhances the experience of being on the water. This includes ensuring that all luxury amenities one would expect in a well-appointed villa are onboard, such as optimal illumination, superior and quiet air conditioning systems, and interiors that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, whether modern, traditional, or any style in between."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/317515/image/large-c9430dcfd5e4fb2a97df786e68aff3ad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/317515">He further noted, "When promoting motor yachts, clients expect the design to exude relaxation and splendour, as well as a bespoke individual elegant aesthetic. They view these yachts as high-performance vehicles on the water, requiring excellent stability and smooth handling to prevent seasickness. Additionally, for any type of yacht over 40-45 metres, designing discrete crew quarters is crucial to ensure that staff can operate without disturbing guests."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/317516/image/large-83336212539ffe19b8b97124cf417527.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/317516">Frank Neubelt's studio and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Yacht Couture by Frank Neubelt Yacht Design (Company)">GYC agency</a> are influencing the yacht design scene with innovative projects. Among these is the 42.7-metre aluminium-carbon performance sailing flybridge cruiser, the C-140, which is being constructed at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Conrad Yachts (Company)">Conrad Yachts</a> and is set for delivery in 2026. Created and tailored for newcomers to sailing, this yacht offers a design that emphasises speed and safety, making it ideal for world cruising. It features a saloon deck akin to those on 24-30-metre motor yachts, merging comfort with the practicalities of performance superyacht sailing.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/247382/image/large-d7ec6fd647156672b1638491a81be0f4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/247382">In addition, Frank has developed a unique 71.6-metre hybrid world cruiser concept named Screen, potentially in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2013" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ares Yachts (Company)">Ares Yachts</a> in Antalya. Moreover, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Yacht Couture by Frank Neubelt Yacht Design (Company)">GYC</a> is set to unveil another 95-metre explorer concept. Frank is currently seeking a high-quality shipyard to realise this vision of a world cruising explorer superyacht. This article is featured in&nbsp;Issue 49&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="http://superyachttimes.com/" target="_blank">SuperYacht Times</a>&nbsp;newspaper.&nbsp;You can find a full archive of all previous SuperYacht Times newspapers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

At the studio: The resurgence of superyacht designer Frank Neubelt 

Enrico Chhibber sat down with the titan of superyacht design, Frank Neubelt, to discuss his life and passion for sailing.