Twenty one year old design student Mark Norton-Menedez has won the inaugural Superyacht UK (SYUK) design competition.  Announced at the 2010 Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show, Mark has secured a place to represent British excellence at the Abitare La Barca Concept Award which will take place from 10-11 February 2010 at Seatec, Italy.

The SYUK design competition enables design students studying in the UK to compete on an international stage.  Students from partner organisation, Coventry University, sent portfolios accompanied by an article on their design ethos, interest in boat design and understanding of the Superyacht industry, to a panel of judges from the Superyacht UK association in December. Portfolio requirements demanded a strength in being able to design by hand, which would enable the winning student to compete successfully at international level.

Mark, who is currently studying BA Hons Boat Design, is no stranger to receiving praise for his talent in boat design as he was the recipient of the Cecil Angel Award for outstanding contribution to the reputation of Coventry University. He also recently completed a five-month work placement with Victory Design Srl (Brunello Acampora).

Tom Chant of Superyacht UK said: “We are excited to be sending Mark to represent British excellence at the Abitare La Barca Concept Award. His work is truly outstanding, and we are confident that he will be a strong contender for the prize. SYUK is pleased to be supporting young British designers, and we intend to grow this competition year-on-year to encourage more students to be recognised in international markets.”

Following his recent win, Mark instantly secured two opportunities to share his designs with British companies with help from SYUK.  Thrilled with the result, he said: “I’m really excited to be flying off to Italy to compete in this prestigious competition, representing the best of British design. The opportunity could really help my career prospects, and I am already seeing the benefits of entering the SYUK Design Competition. I would encourage fellow design students to promote their work through opportunities such as this.”

The Abitare La Barca Concept Award will take place on 10-11 February 2010 during Seatec, Italy (which runs until 12 February) where contestants will work on their designs in an open format in front of visitors.