Most yacht designers have a signature look for their creations, but for Dutch studio Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, the only constant in its vessels is diversity – making for a richly varied portfolio that proves the Utrecht-based atelier is no one-trick pony. “If there are two pillars that define our approach, these are innovation and creativity,” explains the eponymous founder Sander J Sinot. “Our strength lies in the nearly 50 international designers and specialists who bring their expertise and passion to the table in every project,” he adds.

Now a major player within the yachting world, the company grew from relatively humble beginnings. Sinot cut his teeth at Henry Dreyfuss Associates in New York, where he learned the ins and outs of industrial design and lent his hand to projects from aircraft and trains to speedboats. After making a name for himself in the design world, Sinot returned to the Netherlands to form his own venture in 1991.

San, a Sinot-designed, 45m motor yacht for Turkish shipyard Alia Yachts (images: Redcharlie Media)

From the outset, Sinot was keen to offer a full spectrum of design services while harnessing CAD (computer-aided design) and CGI. By not shying away from new technologies, the studio was always straddling the cutting edge, and quickly became known for producing exceptionally sharp, high-quality imagery that gave clients comprehensive insights into their projects. The studio soon found fame in the world of private jets, high-end financial institutions and prestigious beauty brands, but later pivoted to focus solely on one of its most popular and successful ventures: superyachts. The studio’s first yacht over 24 metres came from Feadship in 2007 with the exterior design of the 45m Space (now Sport) – kicking off an enduringly beloved line of F45 Vantage Feadships.

Despite its success in superyachting, the brand has always managed to avoid pigeonholing itself. From interiors to exteriors, Dutch shipyards to Chinese shipyards, Oceanco gigayachts of over 100 metres to slick and speedy 13m Wajers, Sinot has a mind-boggling range of boats under its umbrella. And it won’t stop there: “We are taking steps to expand this philosophy beyond yachting, applying the same principles of innovation, precision and personalisation to exclusive real estate, bespoke furniture, custom-designed products and hospitality environments,” hints Sinot.

Helix, now Megan, part of the F45 Vantage series (© Feadship)

To this day, the studio continues to embrace technological advancements. “Innovation allows us to navigate complex challenges – whether it’s pioneering sustainable propulsion technology, as in our concept yacht Aqua, seamlessly integrating lighting and daylight, or reimagining interiors that transform space itself,” maintains Sinot. Conceived as a fully hydrogen-powered superyacht, Aqua is certainly one of the brand’s boldest visions.

These multifaceted, challenging designs are part and parcel of what the studio can achieve, but the company keeps tight-lipped about its processes. “Behind the scenes is where the creative magic happens – and some things must remain a mystery,” says Sinot coyly. “After all, commissioning a fully custom yacht is an exclusive and intricate journey.” This is true for all yacht designers, but perhaps it’s especially relevant for Sinot, many of whose yachts are completely private, with only a handful of people ever taking a peek inside.

The firm’s 112m concept superyacht, Aqua, a hydrogen-electric-powered vessel with five decks (image courtesy of Sinot)

Somewhat unsurprisingly, the studio has the same approach to its own designs, preferring to remain under the radar rather than shouting about its accomplishments. After all, Sinot points out, yachts are “unlike anything else in the world”. He explains, “For one, they are among the most expensive movable objects money can buy – second only to the largest rockets designed for space travel. Beyond their sheer scale, yachts are highly advanced technological masterpieces, existing more in the realm of industrial design and precision engineering than traditional architecture. The complexity involved in their creation is as immense as the investment required to bring them to life.” 

Sinot crafted the sumptuous interiors of Heesen’s 60m Lusine (images: David Churchill)