Overview

The Yacht Design Program provides students with a quality professional education that prepares them for employment in a design-related field in the worldwide marine industry. Students study the theory behind yacht design and then put it into practice by creating their own concept vessel designs. Upon graduation they are proficient in contemporary methods for the design, drafting and specification of hullform, structures, arrangements, mechanical and electrical systems and propulsion for all types of craft up to 150′ in length — though the program concentrates on boats up to 80′.

In addition to the structural engineering and naval architectural aspects of yacht design, students must pay significant attention to ergonomics and aesthetics of boats. Students also refine their presentation skills.

The maximum class size for the Yacht Design Program is 20 students. A student who successfully meets the criteria for graduation from the program is awarded a Diploma in Yacht Design from The Landing School.

See photos of the Yacht Design Program facility and students.

Educational Objectives

The Yacht Design Program is a technical course of study in the design of sail and power craft. A student completing the Yacht Design Program has the drafting, CAD and technical skills to work professionally in a naval architect’s office, production shop, sail loft, brokerage firm or other technical marine business.

Course Description

The Yacht Design Program teaches the overall design process including drawing hull lines, arrangements, ergonomics, stability, hullform design, resistance, propulsion and rig, keel and rudder design.

Students learn the basics of structural design and layout for composite, steel, aluminum and wood boats to the ISO standards. The curriculum includes structural mechanics, such as the fundamentals of engineering statics and strength of materials. Instructors also cover aspects of system design and installation including engines, shafts, tanks, piping, ventilation and electrical systems.

A significant amount of instruction is provided in computer-aided yacht design using a networked PC at each student’s workstation. On the Microsoft Windows® platform students are instructed in the use of two-dimensional drafting, three-dimensional hull fairing, solid-modeling software and spreadsheets for basic design calculations. Students are trained in industry-standard specialty and general software programs such as FastShip for hull definition and hydrostatics, AutoCAD for 2D drafting and Rhino for 3D modeling. While the use of computers is taught as part of the course, students are strongly advised to be comfortable with PCs, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Word and Excel before entering the program.

Throughout the program, students prepare preliminary designs for safe and practical sailing and power yachts. As a final project, each student prepares a set of plans and calculations that covers all aspects of the design for a sailboat, powerboat or commercial craft. The designs produced comprise a portfolio that each student may use to demonstrate his or her skills and competence when seeking employment.

Special topics are presented during the school year which support and extend the scope of a student’s studies. Students listen to lectures by industry experts, take field trips and review case studies on business practices and client relations.

The Yacht Design Program instructors are active professional designers. They devote their attention during the school year to the learning needs of the students, and each faculty member provides instruction and guidance from his particular field and unique professional experience.

Internship

Each Yacht Design Program student is required to spend between one and two weeks at the beginning of the fourth quarter of the school year working in a design office or boatyard to gain first-hand marine industry experience. Staff provides advice and assistance with placement.

 Workload 

The Yacht Design Program is very demanding. The material covered in a 10-month period usually takes at least two academic years to complete at other institutions. Students devote a substantial amount of time outside of lab and lecture periods to completing school assignments and projects.

Credits from the College of the Atlantic 

Under an exchange agreement between The Landing School and the College of the Atlantic (COA) in Bar Harbor, Maine, students who successfully complete The Landing School’s Yacht Design Program and previously or subsequently are admitted to the COA shall receive nine COA credits (one year’s worth) towards their Bachelor of Arts degree in human ecology. Details of this exchange agreement are available from the Admissions Office at The Landing School or at the College of the Atlantic.  

Credits from the Maine Maritime Academy

Through an exchange agreement, the Maine Maritime Academy, located in Castine, Maine, and The Landing School together offer a two-year Associate’s Degree Program in Small Craft Design. This degree will be awarded by Maine Maritime Academy and includes at least one year of residence at Maine Maritime Academy and one year of residence at The Landing School. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at The Landing School or at the Maine Maritime Academy.

Program Structure

The Yacht Design curriculum is organized into five subjects plus the internship. The ten-month program is divided into four quarters, each consisting of approximately nine and a half instructional weeks, excluding vacations and holidays. The five subjects (plus the internship) and the quarters in which each is taught are as follows:

Total clock-hours: 1,380*

*A clock-hour is a period of 60 minutes that includes a minimum of 50 minutes of instruction.