Hydro Tec: The Engineering Firm Turned Superyacht Design Studio

Sergio Cutolo developed an unwavering passion for the marine element from a young age: learning to sail as a young boy, he then studied Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering to further his expertise. After 10 years at the Italian shipyard Baglietto, of which he was made Technical Director, Cutolo founded Hydro Tec in 1995, a company which was simply the evolution of what had been done at the Baglietto Technical Department. In a unique manner, Hydro Tec’s scope of supply covered hydrodynamics, structural design, mechanics, and all the various technical issues that are the base for the construction of a yacht. 

Fast forward to three years ago, the company celebrated its 25th anniversary, of which Cutolo recognised to be ‘both an achievement and a turning point’ for the company. This is referring to Hydro Tec’s evolution from a company primarily involved with naval architecture and engineering, to becoming a holistic yacht design firm, embracing naval architecture and design along with detail engineering. Hydro Tec stands out within the superyacht industry as one of the few companies in the world to provide a holistic design package.

As a result of having a team with a common sensitivity to technical and aesthetical issues, Hydro Tec offers its expertise to create the perfect yacht in terms of functionality aa well as aesthetics. Designers see the yacht through the eyes of the engineer, and the engineer sees the yacht through the eyes of the designer.

The evolution of Hydro Tec from a company solely focused on naval architecture and engineering to now being a holistic yacht design firm is extraordinary; however, the development of the company has not stopped there. It is gearing up for a major rebrand and expansion, securing several new partnerships and investments to offer an even more comprehensive offering to clients. The company will be internally restructured to assist this expansion, subdividing into three units each with their own team, all acting under the umbrella of the Hydro Tec brand. 

‘We are expanding our services and each division will be fully autonomous – design included. Design will serve as the access point to fully enjoy the holistic and integrated package Hydro Tec offers; we are able to integrate, from the very onset of any project, all technical elements to create feasible and realisable concepts, actualising our moto: ‘Every technical detail is designed to be aesthetically pleasing. Every aesthetic detail is thought up to be technically efficient.’’, commented Davide Minieri, Managing Director of Hydro Tec. 

Flexible, customised solutions will continue to be offered, however now through distinctive units which communicate for a single, comprehensive range of services. Hydro Tec will soon be the industry’s first design and engineering studio that offers everything from the very first sketch to the final steel cuts. 

Sergio Cutolo has commented, ‘Over the past three years, Hydro Tec has grown exponentially within a growing market and we need to enhance, structure and respond to the success of our clients. One such development is our new ‘Uncharted Design Vision’ that transcends the traditional boundaries of design to explore new territories. Our Vision is to tackle each new design with an innovative and adventurous approach, allowing us to push conventional boundaries and create extraordinary solutions.’

Over the 28 years in operation, over 200 yachts have been delivered by Hydro Tec or are currently in build, spanning over 3000 metres of stunningly seaworthy vessels. A perfect example of Hydro Tec’s expertise is the Flexplorer 146 M/Y MAVERICK, which is currently under construction at CDM, with expected delivery later this year or early 2024. With Hydro Tec providing the naval architecture, engineering, and exterior design, MAVERICK represents the pinnacle of the company’s holistic design approach. The concept of ‘flexible explorer yachts’ appealed to clients, and the Flexplorer yachts under construction exemplify exceptional adaptability to diverse requests. MAVERICK displays a striking exterior by Hydro Tec, which beautifully contrasts the elegant interiors. She was built reflecting the Owner’s desires, resulting in a yacht with exceptional functionality as well as stunning aesthetics. A significant engineering feature that sets MAVERICK apart from other Flexplorers is her custom-built A-frame crane, which fits flush with the deck after launching the tenders and is positioned strategically at the borders of the cockpit, allowing for extensive space below deck which houses notable features such as a large gym and diving centre. 

To highlight Hydro Tec’s innovative nature, Vanguard, a concept, will be on display at the Monaco Yacht Show. She represents the spirit of the studio’s drive for innovation, both in the field of technology and design, born on a displacement platform which develops a large width which distorts the vertical position of the decks, creating a bridge “below deck” above the full load waterline. The layout, which makes it possible to have mobile terraces in correspondence with the guest cabins, makes the lower deck fully usable, allowing guests to have direct access from cabins to the beach area. This concept showcases Hydro Tec’s exceptional dedication to innovation, of which their holistic design approach enables as they have expertise across all areas of the design process. 

Hydro Tec will be attending the Monaco Yacht Show 2023, located in the Design & Innovation Hub. The team will be available to discuss future plans, new offerings and partnership opportunities. Hydro Tec will be displaying a model of its 65m explorer concept VANGUARD, a huge touch screen used for live drawing sessions, and a 3D printer to print out designs and gadgets. The company will also be holding two conferences, showcasing their spectacular solutions to the superyacht industry:
-    Thursday 28th September at 15.40: Explorer Yacht Conference -> “Uncharted Design Visions” Setting the course for the new generation of Explorer Yachts”
-    Friday 29th September at 15.40: New Catamaran Concept Unveiling -> “Chartering a new Design Vision: Your island I the Mediterranean” 

Hydro Tec has an exceptional history, and its rebranding will be significant not only to the company, but to the superyacht industry as a whole. We can only expect more remarkable solutions from the company, as they continue to give ‘flair and style’ to their functional, yet stunning, designs.