Energy, talent and creativity are at the core of everything RWD produces in its beautiful New Forest riverside studios. Established in 1993, its young and enthusiastic team creates among the most celebrated yachts in the superyacht industry.
The 40-plus strong team includes a diverse mix of architects, car designers, industrial designers and interior architects amongst others – a combination of talents that underpins the original yacht designs RWD creates for its clients.
The exterior lines of all yachts designed by RWD are immediately identifiable by their elegance and purity
The recent launch of the 108m MY IJE from the Benetti shipyard showcases the wonderful relationship the studio enjoys with its Italian partners, whose yachts are built in Livorno and Viareggio. The companies are working closely together on two semi-custom ranges – the Oasis & BNow series – which span lengths between 34 and 68 metres. Without exception these series of yachts reconfirm the studio’s ability to articulate a beautiful line. Benetti is reporting huge interest, ensuring the superyacht brand appeals to as many yachting clients as possible. The exterior lines of all yachts designed by RWD are immediately identifiable by their elegance and purity.
Another recent successful collaboration has been with Tenderworks who has created alongside the RWD team a ‘supercar of the seas’, a fast 14-metre tender striking a balance between elegance and speed. Ultimately British in design, it is being described as a ‘wolf in a finely tailored suit’.
Working with other world-class shipyards on many other larger custom projects, RWD is buzzing. Each yacht comes with a very different brief, allowing the studio to indulge the differing styles and visions of the commissioning owners. ‘These are hugely inspiring times, the scope for each project allows a world of exploration into all sorts of techniques and finishes,’ says Kate Maclaren, RWD’s newly-appointed Head of FF&E.
The studio is looking to the future with energy, and the next generation of designers within the team is at the forefront of what it does. Charlie Baker, one of RWD’s Team Principals, believes that ‘collaboration with owners and contractors ensures we deliver sublime and innovative design; the process has to be enjoyable and at RWD we excel at enjoying what we do and making sure our owners are enjoying their journey.’
The team is also working with owners to refit their existing yachts, enabling the boats to enjoy another life with an updated vision and refreshed look. In the current climate, the studio and the wider industry are acutely aware of the need to reduce their impact on the environment as much as possible. Building a superyacht is a luxury few can afford, so being aware of this and our universal responsibility for the planet’s future is a huge topic of discussion at all levels across the industry and within RWD.
RWD has confidence in its talented team and its ability to deliver and is always looking to the future. Working with the company values at its very core, RWD looks forward to remaining at the forefront of yacht design and will keep on enjoying its journey.
