Autodesk software key as new super yacht models unveiled in Monaco

Design consultancy Claydon Reeves unveiled scale models of three new super yachts on its stand, at the Monaco Yacht Show, (21-24 September, 2011, Port Hercules, Monaco).  All three concepts were developed with Autodesk AutoCAD and Autodesk Alias design software, more typically used in the automotive sector.

The yachts: Cosmos, Caspian and Radiance, will be made to order and are all at least 70 metres long. Prices for the finished yachts start at US$30 million.

Working alongside Claydon Reeves, design consultancies, Bluesmith and Integer Solutions used Autodesk Alias Design software to carry out complex surfacing and major superstructure design.   Alias was also used to create 3D renders of the yacht models, invaluable in the sales process and key in customising the design to meet a client’s demands,  and to produce the physical scale models of the yachts.

“This is a completely new approach to yacht design,” says Paul Siodmok, Integer Solutions, whose background is in automotive design for leading car manufacturers. “Alias is the de facto standard for vehicle design. It is surprising that it is not more widely used to develop yachts because the same principles apply.”

The work of Bluesmith and Integer Solutions builds on the foundations set by Claydon Reeves’ design team, which first created 2D designs from manual sketches in AutoCAD.

“For us, the key benefits of AutoCAD are familiarity and ease-of-use,” says James Claydon, one of the partners at Claydon Reeves. “We can use it to ensure work is carried out accurately and the product development cycle minimised.  

“AutoCAD also links well with the Autodesk Alias Design software used by Bluesmith and Integer,” he adds. “We can export designs in the form of DWG files directly into Alias, allowing us to drive productivity and design efficiency. In turn, this enables us to accelerate and streamline the whole design process.”