Master

High-end recreational boat design - I edition

I level
I
1 year
Weekly: thursday and friday
Italian
60
Blended

START
08/10/2026


Academic Collaboration

  • Franco Gnessi: Architect
  • Giovanni Ceccarelli: Engineer
  • Andrea Patregnani: Maritime lawyer
  • Maurizio Magri: Yacht manager
  • Paolo Ferrari: Architect specializing in inclusion

Purposes

The main objective is to train a hybrid professional figure: the high-end nautical designer. Not just a designer capable of creating attractive exterior lines, but an architect of space able to manage the technical complexity of a boat. In a market where Italian-made products dominate the world scene, this program focuses on the perfect synthesis of naval architecture, interior design, and engineering, with a special focus on small vessels (superyachts) where detail makes the difference between an industrial product and a moving work of art. 

 

Target students

Admission requirements: Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Naval Engineering, Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, Architecture, Graphic Design, Gaming. 

 

Educational objectives

The educational objectives of the master are the following:

  • Architectural Composition: Definition of the yacht's style and aesthetic character.
  • Advanced technical design of the ship
  • Visualization and design assistance using AI
  • Space Planning: Optimization of internal and external functional distribution (layout), ensuring ergonomic flows for guests and crew.
  • Technical Integration: Constant dialogue between aesthetic forms, structures, and onboard systems.

 

Didactics

The Master, established pursuant to Ministerial Decree 270/2004, has a duration of 12 months, with a total commitment of 1500 hours, divided as follows:

  • Asynchronous video lessons: accessible 24/7, accompanied by slides and teaching materials.
  • Synchronous lessons in virtual classrooms and in person: to interact directly with teachers according to a scheduled timetable.
  • Individual study and research activities: to independently explore and consolidate the content learned in the Master's programme.
  • Exercises and mid-term assessments: to evaluate learning levels and form part of the assessment process.
  • Project work: for active experimentation with the content learned during the educational programme.

 

Master Diploma

The final examination consists of the preparation and discussion of a project based on a practical case study, to be presented in person before a committee. Upon passing the examination, the Master will be awarded. In addition, the title of first-level nautical designer on the Rhinoceros platform will be awarded.

 

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for the master is € 9.800,00

 

Registration

Registrations will open on 15 March.

Students aiming to register can request an appointment with the Master's Office or write to segreteriapostgraduate@unilink.it.

Admission to the Master is subject to passing an interview with the Scientific Coordinator of the course, aimed at assessing the candidate's aptitude and suitability.

 

Faculty

The teaching staff is comprised of experienced professionals from the academic, clinical practice and research field, ready to share their knowledge and skills through a multidisciplinary and innovative approach.

 

Teaching Management

  • Franco Gnessi
    Architect

Director of the Master

  • Franco Gnessi
    Architect

Scientific Board

  • Franco Gnessi
    Architect

  • Fabio Simonetti

  • Link Campus University Professors

Professors

  • Franco Gnessi
    Architect

  • Giovanni Ceccarelli
    Engineer

  • Barbara Gnessi
    Architect

  • Andrea Petragnani
    Maritime lawyer

  • Maurizio Magri
    Yacht Manager

  • Paolo Ferrari
    Architect Expert in Inclusion

Module Main Focus
Naval Interior Design High-quality materials, lighting design, and custom furnishings for luxury environments.
Exterior Styling Study of water lines, superstructure, and external decks (sun deck, beach club).
Technical Architecture Safety regulations, stability, and weight distribution. TECHNICAL TESTS AND TRIALS INSEAN ROMA SHIP TANK
Digital Modeling Advanced 3D modeling and photorealistic rendering for customer presentations. Design integration with AI modules.

 

The I Level Master in High-end recreational boat design is an advanced training course designed for those who want to turn their passion for the sea into a career of excellence.

In a market where “Made in Italy” dominates the world scene, this program focuses on the perfect synthesis between naval architecture, interior design, and engineering, with a special focus on “small ships” (superyachts) where detail makes the difference between an industrial product and a self-propelled work of art.

 

Learning Objectives

The main objective is to train a hybrid professional figure: the high-end nautical designer. Not just a designer capable of drawing attractive external lines, but an architect of space able to manage the technical complexity of a boat.

The course focuses on:

  • Architectural Composition: Defining the style and aesthetic character of the yacht.
  • Space Planning: Optimizing the functional distribution (layout) of the interior and exterior, ensuring ergonomic flows for guests and crew.
  • Technical Integration: Constant dialogue between aesthetic forms, structures, and on-board systems.
  • Each student will have a dedicated workstation to master Rhinoceros, the gold standard in 3D modeling.

 

Modules

Training (550 Hours)

The programme is divided into three fundamental pillars that run parallel to ensure constant growth in skills.

Focus: Technical Drawing and Basic Engineering

  • Descriptive geometry applied to hulls (construction plans).
  • Parametric 3D modelling and complex surfaces.
  • Detailed executive design (construction nodes, wood-glass-steel joints).
  • Specific features of ocean sailing: rigging, manoeuvring and technical architecture for large sailing yachts.

Focus: Architecture and Style

  • Architectural composition of superstructures (Exterior Styling).
  • Interior layout: naval ergonomics and on-board flows.
  • Interior Design: Materials, lighting and bespoke furnishings for the high-end market.
  • Integration between guest areas and crew areas (Crew circulation)

Focus: Business, Management and Relations

  • Marketing (60 Hours): Analysis of the global nautical market, brand positioning and luxury communication strategies.
  • Project Management (60 Hours): Order management, shipyard schedule, supplier management and cost control.
  • Customer and Project Psychology (30 Hours): Understanding the owner's needs, managing expectations and an empathetic approach to customised design.

Duration: 500 hours (final exercise)

The core of the Master is the development of a complete design for a 499 GT motor megayacht. The choice of gross tonnage is not accidental: it represents the crucial regulatory threshold that separates large yachts from pleasure boats subject to more stringent regulations.

Project phases:

  1. Concept & Sketching: Definition of stylistic identity.
  2. General Arrangement (GA): Detailed layout of all decks.
  3. Interior Design: Development of a living area and the Owner's Suite.
  4. Technical Specifications: Report on materials and engineering solutions adopted.

 

Stage

Guaranteed internship: Practical training at high-profile shipyards throughout the country, learning from the masters of the industry.

 

Educational Visits

Exclusive access to the Rome Naval Tank (INSEAN), a world leader in hydrodynamic research.

 

Certifications and Qualifications

At the end of the course, your professionalism will be certified by:

Level I Master (with recognition of 60 CFU).

Specialist Certificate as “Technical Designer for Nautical Applications on the McNeel Platform.”