Announced at the 2011 Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show during the SuperYacht UK Technical Seminar, Product design student Matthew Bland has secured a place to represent British excellence at the 5th Abitare La Barca Concept Award which will take place from 16-17 February 2011 at Seatec, Italy.
Toby Allies and Tom Chant presents Matthew Bland (centre) with with Superyacht UK Design Award at the Tullet Prebon International London Boat Show. Photo Credit onEdition
The SYUK design competition enables design students studying in the UK to compete on a global platform. Matthew was awarded with a certificate and a SYUK jacket by Toby Allies, SYUK vice chair who is Sales and Marketing Director at Pendennis, which is one of the world’s leading custom SuperYacht and refit builders.
Students from a selection of design courses were asked to submit their current portfolio to a panel of judges from the SuperYacht UK association. Portfolio requirements demanded a strength in being able to design by hand, which would enable the winning student to compete successfully at the competition by drawing to a brief live on the Show floor.
Matthew, who is currently studying BA Hons Product Design at Uclan University, is delighted with the result, he said:
“I’m looking forward to the competing and travelling to Italy to compete in this esteemed competition, representing British design. This opportunity could really enhance my career prospects. I would encourage fellow design students to promote their work through opportunities such as this.”
Tom Chant of SuperYacht UK said: “We are excited to be sending Matthew to represent British excellence at the 5th Abitare La Barca Concept Awards. His design work is truly tremendous, and we are confident that he will be a strong competitor for the award. SYUK is delighted to be supporting young British designers. This is the 2nd year we have had an entry into this competition and intend to develop this competition year-on-year to encourage more UK students to be recognised in international markets.”
