How should the new Royal Yacht be built? Interior and yacht designer joins the debate

When it comes to the new Royal Yacht, he concedes that it is a politically contentious subject: “I can understand why people don’t see it as a priority right now, given the economic climate. But rather than being a “vanity yacht” (as it has been described by ghost Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds), he thinks the new ship could be a “big calling card” for them. trade missions and a symbol of British craftsmanship. .

“The idea of ​​a merchant ship is not such a crazy idea,” he adds, “but I think it needs to be combined with some sort of sailing or management training in order to that it has a dual role. These things can turn into a white elephant if not well thought out. “

The key, he believes, especially given the current focus on COP26 and its influence on Britain’s global reputation, is that the ship is built sustainably. “By their nature, yachts can be unfriendly, but you can look at things like hydrogen or steam propulsion systems, waste management systems, reverse osmosis plants to make water. and non-polluting paints used that do not pollute. You’re trying to have a neutral footprint as you walk through the water, so it’s a matter of being aware of all the materials that come in contact with the environment.

In terms of aesthetics, he believes the yacht should have a cohesive history that takes a holistic approach, from the exterior and interior finishes to the teaspoons used in restaurants. Interiors should celebrate British craftsmen and British manufacturers, but in a disciplined and controlled manner. The worst would be a design committee, he said, recalling the words of car designer Alec Issigonis: “A camel is a horse designed by a committee.

It also recalls the understated refinement of Sir Hugh Casson’s interiors for Brittania. “A lot of the time it’s about when not to show up,” he says. “It’s about refining a disciplined vision for something that will be an elegant projection of the nation. It has to be something that looks authentic, classic, beautifully crafted, and beautifully detailed. Because if it’s just a floating convention center, that won’t be enough.

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