Christian Gott, lead concept designer at British luxury motor yacht manufacturer Fairline, has been announced as Designer of the Year at this year’s Boat Builder Awards at METSTRADE in Amsterdam.
Up against stiff competition with innovative designers from Rand Boats, TYDE and HH Catamarans also shortlisted, Christian took home the award after being recognised for driving the styling of the brand’s latest models. This includes the Squadron 68 launched in 2022, the Phantom 65 the same year and the new Squadron 58 launched at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show. The Targa 40 which makes its world debut at Boot Düsseldorf in January, joins the Squadron 58 as ground-up firsts for Christian and his concept design team.
Award judges commented: “Our final decision was influenced by our winner’s rise through the ranks of Fairline. In 14 years, he progressed from a boatbuilder apprentice who studied for a design degree on his own initiative to being appointed as Lead Concept Designer. He is now responsible for styling the company’s latest launches – including the impressive Squadron 58.”
The awards, which have recognised business achievement since 2015 are run by IBI and METSTRADE and take place annually at the National Maritime Museum during the trade show. The awards recognise the significant contributions of individuals, teams and supply chain partners within boat building companies globally.
James Powell, Sales Director at Fairline said: “Nurturing talent is part of Fairline’s DNA and we’re delighted to see Christian’s hard work get the recognition it deserves. Christian has been such an integral part of our design evolution while remaining true to Fairline’s roots and bringing an unprecedented vision of where we go next.
“The development of the all-important connection to the water is Christian’s focus. We know our customers want to be on the water in every capacity, the more connection you can have the better, whether that’s inside the boat with large glazing or outside, enjoying the entertaining space of a large cockpit or flybridge.”
Christian said of the award win: “To be recognised for the work I’m so passionate about is fantastic and I’d like to thank those who were part of the judging process and congratulate the others shortlisted in this category.
“Fairline’s are always classic in design, you can look at a Fairline that’s 20 years old and a brand new one and easily tell they are both clearly Fairline. The design evolution over recent years has been ensuring those key Fairline design features like our hull windows on every model have a signature shape. Within each of our model ranges there are subtle differences, but within each range it remains clear they are families of boats and I’m proud of our work to ensure that the Fairline DNA still shines through.”
Fairline will be making the world debut of the all-new Targa 40 and the European debut of the Squadron 58 at this year’s Boot Düsseldorf. Its UK and European network of dealers will be represented at the stand in Hall 6, Location D59, together with key personnel from Fairline’s factory teams, including Christian.
