Global superyacht industry honour

Giles Barkley has been named the recipient of the International Superyacht Society's Excellence in Improving Yachting Award.

The award recognises individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the superyacht sector, with Giles selected for his role in educating and mentoring future yacht designers who now work across the industry worldwide.

Giles was recognised for the key role he played in Southampton Solent University's yacht and superyacht design courses for more than 30 years, helping to shape generations of designers, naval architects, engineers and yacht-building professionals. He was also recognised for developing and leading Solent's MSc Superyacht Design programme, bringing live industry briefs into the classroom and helping steer the curriculum towards sustainable design.

The recognition is particularly significant as Giles was nominated by a former student from almost 30 years ago, highlighting the enduring impact of Solent University's yacht design programmes and the influence of its teaching long after students have graduated.

Sarah Radif, Dean of the School of Technology and Maritime at Southampton Solent University, said:

"This recognition is a fitting tribute to Giles' extraordinary contribution to yacht and superyacht design education. Over more than three decades, he has inspired and supported generations of students who have gone on to shape the global marine industry.

"What makes this honour particularly special is that it came through a nomination from a former student, reflecting the lasting impact Giles has had on people's careers and lives. His commitment to industry-focused learning, innovation and sustainability has helped establish Solent as a globally recognised centre for yacht and superyacht design education."

Thousands of students have benefited from Solent's yacht design courses, which combine technical excellence with practical experience and have produced graduates who have gone on to become some of the industry's most respected designers and naval architects.

The University's yacht design courses are renowned for their strong industry focus, blending theory with hands-on learning. Students use the same commercially available software and design tools used by leading marine businesses and, from their first year, see their ideas brought to life through projects that include designing, building and racing model yachts.

As the sector has evolved, Solent's courses evolve with it. Growing demand for environmentally responsible yacht design has led to the development of the MSc Sustainable Marine Craft and Superyacht Design, preparing the next generation of designers to tackle challenges around sustainability, technology and innovation.

Although unable to attend the ceremony in person, Giles send a recorded video message that allowed him to thank colleagues, mentors and fellow students for their support, in which he said:

“Thank you for recognising the work that not only myself, but the whole of the yacht design teaching teams over the years have contributed towards, preparing graduates for employment in the yacht design Industry.

“Thank you to Oceanco for sponsoring this award and recognizing our efforts in making sustainable design an integral part of the course. And of course, thank you to a certain person in the audience for nominating me.

“Finally, thank you to the International Superyacht Society and their judges for voting for me. To be recognized for my contribution by the ISS is amazing. Winning this award I feel is a mark of respect for the course. It demonstrates the global impact our courses have had on both our alumni’s lives and the Yacht and Superyacht design industry.”

Today, more than 1,500 Solent yacht design alumni are working across the world, contributing to projects ranging from racing yachts to some of the largest and most innovative superyachts ever built.