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yacht design course

Discussion in 'Yacht Designers Discussion' started by world citizen, Feb 3, 2007.

  1. world citizen

    world citizen New Member

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    Hello,

    Does any one have come across the under mentioned course?

    it looks interesting for someone who wants to expand his knoweldge a bit in design.

    Any remarks, suggestions and ref will be highly appreciated

    http://www.macnaughtongroup.com/school.htm

    thanks
  2. coismov

    coismov Member

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    There is also Westlawn Institute of Yacht Design, which boasts the likes of designers like Tom Fexas as graduates. I am curious, however, as to which one is a more credible credential on the job market.
  3. ESYD

    ESYD Member Removed

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    The best vocational course that I know of is The Landing School (www.landingschool.org). It is a residential program in Kennebunkport, ME, teaching boat building, boat design, and marine systems. They are finishing the last section of their multi-year expansion, and are adding a fiberglass (actually composites) construction program. They also have a job placement service that graduates and alumini can use. The Landing School takes about 20-25 students a year in each program, and the job rate for graduates is better than 95% (that is, graduates holding a job in their field of training up to 5 years out of the school). You can learn a lot more about other people's success with it on BoatDesign.net, in their education and training thread.

    I was on the Advisory Board for the Design Program for 7 years before moving down here to Florida, so I know the school intimately. One of the perks of that position was the ability to rub shoulders with Olin Stephens twice a year. What an experience!

    The McNaughton School, from what I hear, will teach you a little about boat design and also traditional wood boat construction. The Landing School is a far more comprehensive program, and people from all walks of life, and all ages, attend.

    For those that cannot do a one-year residency, there is the Westlawn program which is very good.
  4. yotphix

    yotphix New Member

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    For those who haven't figured it out, one of the paretheses from Eric's link was inadvertently included. Just remove it to get the page to open.
  5. world citizen

    world citizen New Member

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    Thanks,

    any suggestions from the east side of the Atlantic?
  6. AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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    It depends on your interest? Is it to design yourself and if so, power or sail? For production or one-off build? Tenders or Superyachts? Any specific material? By hand or computer, 2D or 3D...:)

    There is a lot to learn and if it is of pure interest, there are also some good books as an alternative. The MacNaughtongroup I have no experience from, but they seems to have a broad perspective.
  7. world citizen

    world citizen New Member

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    Well i am already in the super yacht segment (power), and it is purely for my own interest.

    i believe that it is really interesting and Fascinating
  8. AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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  9. world citizen

    world citizen New Member

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  10. AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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    Yes, but this is where all knowledge starts. Schools for Superyacht design I have never heard of, then you have to study engineering or shipbuilding since this is the major difference when you go up in size. From Mickey Mouse to Heavy Duty...:)

    But I posted this link for anybody looking into this thread as I guess it is a few yacht designers to be out there!
  11. world citizen

    world citizen New Member

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    To be honest me either but i believe that being an engineer does not mean that you know how to draw a line, does it?
    that is why i am looking for such a course like The MacNaughtongroup. May be it will expand our imagination further from sewage treatments and SOLAS requirements
  12. coismov

    coismov Member

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    The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale has a fairly new yacht design program (maybe in its fourth year). I'm not sure if you were interested more in the engineering aspect of it, or the aesthetics, I believe the Art Institute program focuses more on exterior styling rather than, say, small boat naval architecture. Also the Southampton Institute has a yacht and powercraft design program. (http://www.solent.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/yacht_and_powercraft_design_beng/course_details.aspx)

    Once again, however, I'm not sure about the credibility of these programs. The problem is, every program is going to tell you that they're the best. Does anyone else know anything about these programs?

    Cheers,
    Vance
  13. Innomare

    Innomare Senior Member

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    What I found rather shocking in the site of the McNaughton group is that they encourage their students to call themselves naval architects (apart from the two states where the title is legally protected).

    This program may teach you to become a yacht designer, but not a naval architect. Naval Architecture is an engineering degree (bachelor or master).

    The course may very well be good, but I think they harm their own reputation by giving out diploma's which are not recognized. Other schools (such as Westlawn) have consistently called their programs "Yacht design" as it should be.

    From the site:
    QUOTE
    When I graduate will I receive a diploma?
    Yes, you will receive a diploma in Naval Architecture with a Specialty in Yacht and Small Craft Design. This certifies your competence in the knowledge and skills of the profession. This will get you in the door for an interview just about anywhere. Your portfolio of student work should get you a job in one of the firms of your choice.
    UNQUOTE

    And:
    QUOTE
    What are the mathematical requirements?
    The first lesson tests your understanding of basic math principles. A fair number of people will find that their biggest problem is poor math "habits" rather than actual lack of understanding. While we eventually get into very basic elements of trigonometry and calculus these concepts are more intimidating in anticipation than they actually are in fact. This is because you will be learning and applying them in the context of real world applications rather than just theory. To start with you should understand addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions and powers and roots. Most people will have most of this. The powers and roots sometimes require a little bit of extra help. However they are essentially simple to learn.
    UNQUOTE
  14. Londondesigner

    Londondesigner New Member

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    If you want to focus more on actual design in terms of styling, layout, plans then Coventry University let you focus on boat design as part of their Transport Design Course. Their record of yacht design employment is very good.