Baz Yacht Design has been making waves in the competitive world of international yachting with its daring and innovative designs, gaining recognition through a series of prestigious awards.
Baz Yacht Design has been making waves in the competitive world of international yachting with its daring and innovative designs, gaining recognition through a series of prestigious awards.
The journey began a decade ago when architect Bilge Zaptçıoğlu Atal and naval engineer Barbaros Atal joined forces to create Baz Yacht Design. Starting out with smaller projects, they quickly grew into an award-winning brand with designs featured across the globe. Their breakthrough came with Andiamo, a 44-meter yacht that earned them a bronze medal at the renowned A’ Design Award in Italy. This marked a significant turning point for the design firm.
Building on this momentum, Baz Yacht Design was shortlisted for the prestigious “Designer of the Year” award at The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2024 for their refit of the 40-meter North Star. This achievement solidified their place in the global yacht industry. However, their most groundbreaking project to date is KAI, a yacht that masterfully blends sustainability with cutting-edge design. This innovative project earned them the rare Platinum award in the yacht category at the A’ Design Award & Competition, further showcasing their expertise and vision.
In addition to its offices in Marmaris and Antalya, Turkey, Baz Yacht Design has established a foothold in Hamburg, one of Europe’s leading maritime hubs. This strategic location not only places them closer to the industry’s major players but also strengthens their reputation, bolstered by a string of international awards. With this combination of proximity to the heart of the yachting world and growing recognition, Baz Yacht Design continues to make significant strides on the global stage.
How did Baz Yacht Design come to be?
B.Z.A.: Baz Yacht Design was born from the convergence of two distinct disciplines. When Barbaros and I met, I was focused on interior design, having graduated from the Architecture Department at MSGSU, while Barbaros was involved in yacht design and engineering projects as a graduate of ITU’s Naval Civil Engineering program. As we worked together, we began to recognize each other’s talents and creative potential. Initially, we collaborated on smaller projects, but our partnership quickly expanded into more ambitious and comprehensive endeavors. In 2014, the natural progression of our creative collaboration led to the founding of Baz Yacht Design, which has since evolved into an award-winning firm with projects both in Turkey and on the international stage.
What are the advantages of blending two distinct areas of expertise in yacht design?
B.Z.A.: The fusion of two different disciplines adds a special harmony and depth to our yacht designs. Barbaros’ technical expertise in naval civil engineering, combined with my background in interior design and architecture, allows us to approach projects from a holistic perspective. This synergy enables us to provide a comprehensive range of services—from the initial concept sketches and engineering calculations to interior design and end-user product support. Our designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also technically sound and highly functional. By offering all these solutions under one roof, we ensure that both yacht owners and shipyards receive everything they need seamlessly.
In addition to our design capabilities, over 20 aluminum catamarans, designed by our engineering department and built in various parts of the world, showcase our technical expertise on the global stage, further solidifying our reputation in the international yacht industry.
INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS: A STRING OF AWARDS
How many projects have you completed so far? Is there a particular project that stands out as a milestone for Baz Yacht Design?
B.A.: We’ve completed numerous projects in the yacht industry, ranging from new builds to refits, and from concept development to production support, with each project holding its own special meaning for us. Currently, we’re working on the interior design and production control for Renda Yacht’s Rentech 62ft daycruiser-party boat models, marking the first step in what promises to be a long-term partnership. This project highlights the diverse expertise of our studio across different facets of the yacht sector.
However, one true milestone for Baz Yacht Design was the interior design of the 44-meter motorsailer Andiamo, designed by Ginton Naval Architects. This project earned us the Bronze Award at the prestigious A’ Design Award in Italy, a moment of great pride as it recognized our design vision on a global scale. Another significant achievement was the refit of the 40-meter motorsailer North Star, also designed by Ginton Naval Architects and built by Mengi Yay Shipyard. This project not only impressed with its elegant lines but also earned us a nomination for “Designer of the Year” at The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2024, further proving our studio’s timeless design approach and technical mastery.
Additionally, the interior design of the 24-meter trawler Ice by Soyaslan Design was a key project for us. We aimed to strike the perfect balance between comfort and simplicity by integrating Nordic design elements with functionality. Recently, we’ve also completed refit projects for the Akhir 100, Azimut 105, and Privateer Trawler 54, which are other standout achievements for our studio.
Which project excited you the most?
B.A.: One of the projects that truly excited us was Project KAI, our 49.5-meter smart hybrid motor yacht design. This project earned us the prestigious Platinum award in the yacht category at the A’ Design Award & Competition in Italy. What makes KAI so special is its combination of sustainability and innovation, setting a new standard for future yacht designs. We’re currently in talks with leading shipyards in Turkey for its production and are eager to share more exciting updates about this groundbreaking project soon.
Can you tell us more about the North Star, which was shortlisted for the International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2024? What was the most distinctive feature of this design?
B.Z.A.: Being shortlisted for The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2024 with the North Star project and receiving a nomination for “Designer of the Year” was an incredible honor for us. The refit of this 40-meter motorsailer, built at Mengi Yay Shipyard, was an extensive and detailed project. We successfully merged the refined tastes of the yacht’s owner with modern design trends in yachting. Our main goal was to create a living space that blends comfort and elegance, with a design that maximizes both functionality and aesthetics. At the same time, we preserved the yacht’s iconic exterior features, ensuring that the North Star maintained its unique character.
Our priorities for North Star were clear: to create a serene environment where the yacht owner could fully enjoy the summer season with family and guests. To achieve this, we chose a chromatic color palette with soft blue-green tones that evoke a sense of calm and balance. Throughout the design process, we carefully listened to the owner’s wishes, offering tailor-made solutions that met their expectations. Rather than making any structural changes, we enhanced the existing spaces with elegant touches, preserving the yacht’s original spirit while maximizing both functionality and aesthetics.
The quality of materials and craftsmanship was of the highest importance in this project. Safety was also a key focus, especially while sailing, so we ensured that all furniture was securely fixed, maintaining the perfect balance between performance and safety. The detailed transformation of North Star was a collaborative effort that resulted in a yacht that perfectly met the owner’s desires. Their continued satisfaction with the project and decision to work with us every season shows us the true value our designs bring to their lives. This kind of positive feedback fuels our passion and creativity in yacht design, motivating us to continue pushing boundaries.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGIES
How did Project KAI, which won the rare Platinum award in the yacht category at the A’Design Award & Competition, come to life?
B.A.: When we began designing KAI, our main goal was to create an environmentally friendly “gentleman’s yacht.” The design focuses heavily on privacy for the owner, with an entire private deck that is highly functional and independent, ensuring that the crew doesn’t need to pass through, even during docking maneuvers. To accommodate the need for carrying a 13-meter tender on deck for long voyages, we developed a telescopic aft deck system. This innovative feature transforms into a spacious seawater pool when anchored, creating a peaceful living space that integrates beautifully with nature.
KAI’s exterior design follows a fluid aesthetic with soft, elegant lines. Alongside chromatic tones, the underwater mooring system and concealable rope loops contribute to the yacht’s sleek, seamless surfaces, providing a timeless elegance. At the core of our design process were environmentally friendly and cutting-edge technologies. With electric motors, a large battery bank, and a smart hybrid system, KAI offers a quiet, eco-friendly cruising experience, setting a new standard for future yacht designs. The combination of sustainable technologies and a serene journey on the water is what makes KAItruly unique.
What sets KAI apart is the perfect harmony between eco-friendly cruising, privacy, and luxury. We believe this design has a soul of its own, and we’re excited about its future. Currently, we are working on a 39.5-meter KAI catamaran and a 13-meter KAI tender. Our next step is to find the right owners for these new designs and begin production, turning our vision into reality. We look forward to continuing this journey, bringing passion and innovation into every yacht we create.
Apart from Marmaris and Antalya, you also have an office in Hamburg. What advantages has having an office abroad brought you?
B.A.: Our Hamburg office has been instrumental in expanding BAZ Yacht Design’s global presence. Being centrally located in Europe, it gives us access to a wider range of markets, allowing us to grow our client portfolio and build strong international partnerships. Hamburg’s well-established maritime industry and infrastructure play a key role in enhancing our project development processes. By working closely with local suppliers and engineering firms, we can deliver more innovative and efficient solutions. Additionally, this office has enriched our design approach by exposing us to different cultural perspectives, broadening our creative horizons. With this global outlook, we are better positioned to tackle both local and international projects, further solidifying our reputation in the yacht design industry.
The advancement of technology and sustainability efforts have led to revolutionary developments in the yachting world, especially in recent years. What development has impressed you the most?
B.A.: One of the most remarkable advancements in yacht design has been the shift away from fossil fuels and the increasing use of renewable energy sources. We are all aware of the harmful effects that fossil fuels have on the environment, so it’s crucial to embrace alternative energy solutions that not only improve energy efficiency but also minimize environmental damage.
Eco-friendly technologies like electric propulsion systems, hybrid engines, and harnessing solar, wind, and wave energy have enabled significant progress in reducing the carbon footprint of yachts. These innovations impact not only how yachts operate but also their long-term environmental effects. At BAZ Yacht Design, we’re committed to being part of this transformation and contributing to the preservation of our oceans. When designing KAI, prioritizing sustainability was a key factor from the very beginning.
Where do you think the drive for sustainability will take the yachting world in the future?
B.Z.A.: As yacht designers, we are also passionate sailors who spend four to five months each year on our boats. The sea and nature serve as both our greatest inspiration and a responsibility at the heart of our designs. We view the protection of our oceans and the environment as the most valuable legacy we can pass on to future generations. Sustainability is always our priority; we consistently choose eco-friendly materials and advanced technologies for our projects. Our goal is to shape a maritime industry that recognizes and protects this precious heritage by implementing the most environmentally friendly solutions.
How do you see the future of Turkish yacht design?
B.A.: In recent years, the yacht design industry in Turkey has been gaining increasing international recognition and respect. Leading design studios in the country are establishing themselves with their creative visions and technical expertise. However, for this success to be sustainable and for the sector to advance, strategic steps are essential.
To strengthen Turkey’s yacht design and production sector on the global stage, we need to enhance our visibility in international markets. Encouraging domestic designers and shipyards to develop cohesive promotional strategies abroad and participate in more industry fairs is crucial. This initiative should not rely solely on individual efforts but also involve collaborations and joint ventures. By working together, Turkish yacht designers and manufacturers can amplify their presence on the global stage and elevate the sector to new heights.
