The reputation of a yacht builder depends as much on his organisational skills as the workmanship and talent of his workforce.

When developing the final structural design of the yacht I keep in mind the builder's strengths. I would not, for instance, specify rolled frames if the builder is set up to use a computer controlled plasma cutter to cut the frames out of plate. While the scantlings are often adjusted to fit classification rules like Lloyd's or the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), the builder's experience and his preferred building methods also influence the structural layout. Close communication during the early stages of the design achieves a more harmonious, cost-effective and punctual building programme.

At the same time the builder will use our preliminary specifications to identify equipment suppliers with suitable models in their inventories. Items as diverse as the electrical security system and exhaust silencers, the hydraulic passurelle and water pumps, have to be selected, purchased and installed within my overall plan. A thousand and one pieces of equipment call for experienced on-site decisions and talented workmanship to ensure their neat installation for efficient use and easy maintenance.

For centuries wood provided the main structural components for ship and yacht building. This lasted until modern techniques for using light guage steel plate were developed. The electric welder which made this possible was not suitable for light aluminium alloys until the technique of shielding the arc in an atmosphere of an inert gas was developed. Aluminium alloys of marine grade are now accepted as the most efficient material for large cruising yachts. They offer accuracy, quality, speed of building and durability appropriate for yachts of the highest quality.