A University of Staffordshire student has secured third place and an industry internship at a national design competition
Being able to use your collected skill set to go against other designers is something that’s incredibly rewarding and you learn a lot from the other contestants and their design style.
Charlotte Redfearn, 21, from Nottingham, was one of four BA (Hons) Automotive and Transport Design students from University of Staffordshire selected to take part in the 2026 Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition – representing half of the eight finalists.
The annual competition, held during the Southampton Boat Show, gives emerging designers the opportunity to respond to a professional brief and present their work to leading figures from the superyacht design sector.
Charlotte’s third-place finish earned her a one-week internship with superyacht manufacturer Cockwells, giving her the opportunity to gain experience within a professional design studio.
Charlotte said: “I was actually very shocked to come third! I grew up around cars and motorcycles a lot more than anything marine related, especially coming from the Midlands. So, it’s reassuring to see that I can still succeed in areas that I’ve not always had a lot of experience in.
“I was just happy to have been chosen as one of eight design finalists and to have the chance to enter the competition and take part in something challenging and new.
“As for the internship, I am extremely excited to see the studio and feel what it’s like to be part of a team of designers. I hope to get a lot out of the week spent down there and add it to my belt of growing design knowledge.”
The competition challenged finalists to design a 50-metre explorer-style yacht that would serve as its owners’ principal residence in the Norwegian Fjords while remaining capable of travelling anywhere in the world.
The yacht also had to use energy sources that produce no direct carbon dioxide or methane emissions within the UNESCO World Heritage fjords, without compromising the comfort and character expected of a luxury vessel.
Charlotte’s design was inspired by the natural landscape and geology of the Norwegian Fjords. She researched how the fjords were formed before discovering images of crystalline rock from the mountains under a microscope.
“I wanted to draw back to the natural environment of the fjords and the scientific marvels behind it,” Charlotte explained.
“I used this to directly inform the shapes I drew for the outside of the yacht, making sure to capture the aggressive nature of the crystalline rock. I also made sure to contrast this in the interior by keeping it much more subtle and mellow, with Scandinavian inspiration and neutral light tones.”
The finalists had one and a half days to develop their concepts, before pitching their designs to the panel of industry judges.
“Being able to use your collected skill set to go against other designers is something that’s incredibly rewarding and you learn a lot from the other contestants and their design style.
Charlotte added: “The judges, the other contestants and even the general public at the competition were a pleasure to spend time with.”
This year’s judging panel included University of Staffordshire graduate James Shakespeare, who works at Princess Yachts.
The competition is also supported by industry partners including Sunseeker, RWD, Cockwells and Winch Design, giving finalists an insight into the professional superyacht industry.
Coventry University student Oliver Weaver took first place, while Roman Aime from Solent University came second. The other University of Staffordshire finalists were Adam Platt, Sam McMann and James Horrocks, all studying Automotive and Transport Design.
Dr Dan Lewis, Course Director for Design at University of Staffordshire, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Charlotte and our three other student finalists who took part in this year’s Superyacht UK Young Designer Competition.
“This marks our sixth award from the competition in just five years, and having four students from University of Staffordshire reach the final this year is a fantastic reflection of the calibre of our students, as well as the quality of learning, teaching and one-to-one support they receive throughout the course.
“I’d like to congratulate Charlotte, Adam, James and Sam once again on this fantastic achievement, and thank our teaching team at the University for their continued support and commitment. In particular, I’d like to recognise Automotive & Transport Design Course Leader Richard Gilmartin and Nigel Turner for their contribution to supporting our students throughout the competition.”
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