The anticipation is building as the 2023 International Yacht and Aviation Awards (IYAA), announce their shortlisted entries and prepare to open online voting for the winners in each category. The IYAA recognizes the best designs in categories that encompass all aspects of yacht and aviation designs and concepts. As a company that was shortlisted in 2021 and went on to win the top spot in the category for “Private Aviation: Private Jet Design – Concept”, Camber Aviation is excited to participate again this year, especially given the high calibre of the other entries.
Now in its 13th year, the International Yacht & Aviation Awards are established as a key event in the super yacht and private jet design calendar. However, what sets these awards apart is their unwavering focus on design. While other events may share similarities, none are specifically dedicated to recognizing the crucial design aspects of the yacht and aviation industries.
Hosted by Design et al – a leading interior design magazine, and Luxe et al, a prominent magazine in yacht and aviation design, the awards are a crucial platform for designers. This event not only provides them with the opportunity to showcase their work and receive recognition for their commitment to design innovation but also to establish connections with other professionals in the industry. This in turn inspires others to explore new possibilities and technologies that drive the entire industry forward.
As the 2023 edition of the IYAA approaches, excitement within the industry is palpable. The awards showcase ground-breaking concepts and inspire designers to push the boundaries of what is possible in this ever-evolving industry. As such, Camber Aviation Management and leading designer Alexander Craker have collaborated on their submission this year: the innovative “LongTail” design for consideration in the “Private Jet Design – Concept” category.
The LongTail design concept, aims to create an iconic design for a pre-owned Boeing Business Jet – a Max 7, by combining the best aspects of the Riva Aquarama and the Rolls Royce Boat Tail. Unlike the more conventional types of private jet interiors that seek to disguise the cabin shape and make a passenger forget they are travelling, the LongTail concept embraces the rarefied experience of flying privately, making it an integral part of the design. The layout is about creating a luxurious, spacious, and comfortable environment that is designed to make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
The LongTail design relies heavily on the use of natural materials including bespoke leathers, hardwoods, and polished metals to create a clean, minimalist design that feels “ship-shape,” evoking the feelings of freedom and beckoning adventure that one experiences while cruising on a luxury motorboat or in a one-of-a-kind cabriolet. The cabin is arranged to maximize natural light and provides a sense of fluidity and movement, much like the open sea. The main attraction of the cabin is a state-of-the-art bar, exquisitely crafted in silver and gold, intended to be the central point of social interaction during the flight. It emerges from the rear of the day bed, forming a distinctive private bar area that includes stylish bar stools. To maximize space, the bar can be stored away discreetly and effortlessly, lifted and lowered by electric drives in a silent, elegant manner. While the bar is stowed, a 4K monitor can be raised in its place.
Passenger comfort is also a top priority in the design, with features such as ergonomic seating, soundproofing, and advanced climate control systems being incorporated throughout the cabin. Additionally, the minimalist layout and clean lines make the design much lighter than a more traditional layout, while the lightweight cabin ensures an increased range and improved performance over conventional cabin designs.
The LongTail represents Alexander Craker’s and Camber’s innovative spirit and involved a multi-stage design process that included research, brainstorming, sketching, and refining. In addition to Camber Aviation Management and Alexander Craker’s Longtail design, there are several other exciting entries at the Awards in categories including Concept Yachts, Yacht Interior Design, Private Aviation, Commercial Aviation, and Product Design.
One of the entries in the Motor Yacht Over 60 Metres category is MY “Project X” by Massari Design in collaboration with Golden Yachts Ltd. The yacht boasts exceptional external lines complemented by an equally impressive interior.
Conrad Shipyard’s superyacht project “C144 Ace”, designed in collaboration with m2atelier, is shortlisted for the Interior Design Award (Over 40 Metres) category. The yacht’s design concept aims to challenge traditional rigidity and codes of typical yachts by applying contemporary living concepts to the boat space.
In Private Aviation, Flexjet has partnered with Bentley Motors UK to create a luxurious private jet called Project Bacalar. The Gulfstream G650ER jet has been customized to showcase the exquisite design and style that Bentley is known for, and Flexjet is shortlisted for the Interior Design/VIP Completions Award category.
At the cutting edge of design concepts, Van Geest Design and Rob Doyle Design have unveiled a revolutionary yacht design concept called Domus. The sailing trimaran offers an interior volume equivalent to a 60-meter motor yacht, and the designers have incorporated the concept of a single-story house built around an atrium to create an airy, open atmosphere on board. The design is competing in the Concept Under 40 Metres category.
And in Commercial Aviation, Adient Aerospace’s Altitude project aimed to improve the narrow-body business class seating experience due to the increasing use of smaller planes for long-haul flights, and as a result, it has been nominated for the Cabin Design Award in the International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2023.
And the listed entries are just a small sample of some of the original approaches pioneered by the nominees shortlisted in their categories. This is particularly exciting for enthusiasts as one of the unique aspects of the IYAA is the opportunity for anyone with an interest in design or aviation or yachting to participate in the voting process. Once the voting opens on May 10th, all website visitors will have the opportunity to see detailed descriptions and images of the nominated designs and vote on their favourites in each category, in contrast to many competitions where the winners are selected by a small group of industry experts. By opening the voting up in this manner, the International Yacht and Aviation Awards reach a much wider audience to ensure that the winning designs stand on their own merit, and possess a global aesthetic appeal that transcends industry and reputation.
In addition, the open voting allows readers and followers of design et al to be among the first to discover ground-breaking designs and innovations that may not otherwise be readily available to the general public. And by engaging enthusiasts in the selection process, the IYAA fosters a sense of community and shared excitement about the future of yacht and aviation design.
By incorporating creative methods of engaging their audience, the IYAA’s influence extends beyond the design community, impacting the broader yacht and aviation industries as well. By recognizing and promoting creative design concepts, the awards have a ripple effect on the development of new technologies and materials that ultimately benefit the entire industry. This progress creates a more diverse and vibrant market for luxury transportation, offering consumers a wider array of choices and spurring further growth in the sector.
Furthermore, the IYAA serves as an educational platform for the design community, allowing industry professionals to learn from the successes and innovations of their peers. Through the sharing of ideas, concepts, and technologies, the awards contribute to a collective advancement in design that benefits the entire industry whilst inspiring young designers to take their first steps in the industry. By fostering an environment of collaboration and learning, the IYAA ensures that designers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in yacht and aviation design.
This long-standing tradition of fostering growth and development within the industry, makes the International Yacht and Aviation Awards stand out in a crowded industry, inspiring designers to explore new possibilities and challenge the boundaries of design. With each passing year, the IYAA continues to raise the bar for what is possible in yacht and aviation design, setting new benchmarks for excellence and innovation.
With only a couple of weeks until voting opens, the shortlisted nominees will be eagerly waiting to see how their designs are received across a wide audience. Having the opportunity to submit visionary concepts in an event that celebrates exceptional talent and imagination is the very essence innovation that defines the superyacht and private jet industries. As such, the awards ceremony in Venice will undoubtedly be a memorable event, bringing together designers, professionals, potential clients and even enthusiasts to recognize the accomplishments of the yacht and aviation design community.
For entrants like Camber Aviation Management and Alexander Craker, submitting their “Longtail” design concept to the awards represents not only an opportunity to showcase their innovative approach to private jet interiors but also to gain valuable feedback and insight from industry professionals and enthusiasts alike, as well as being motivated and inspired by competing designs. In addition, the experience of participating in the IYAA can lead to new opportunities and collaborations, helping to shape the future of yacht and aviation design.
By honouring the best in design, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainability, the awards play a crucial role in shaping the future of yacht and aviation design for years to come. The 2023 edition of the IYAA is sure to be another exciting and inspiring event, showcasing the incredible talent and passion that exists within the design community.