Inside the Mind of a Naval Architect

Please could you tell me a bit about your career journey, and your role as a Naval Architect at Hydro Tec? 

Sergio Cutolo: I’ve been passionate about the sea and navigation for as long as I can remember. After studying Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the University of Napoli, I accepted a job at Baglietto, where I was under the experienced lead of Alcide Sculati. It was here that I discovered a real passion for high-speed motor yachts, and spent the next ten years at the yard, taking on the role as Technical Manager.

In 1995 I decided to set up my own design office that focused on the Naval Architecture and Structural Engineering aspects of yacht design. With the office growing in size, I remained focused on all technical aspects of the engineering of a yacht, extending the range of offerings to include exterior design. I can say that, still today, I remain hands-on regarding all hydrodynamics aspects, structural design and exterior design.

What do you think sets naval architecture apart at Hydro Tec?

There is more than a single factor setting Hydro Tec apart as a yacht design house. On the technical side you can count on my personal 40-year experience in the field, with Hydro Tec preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025. A second factor can be found in the wide range of offerings that the office can develop directly, from hydrodynamics and exterior design to structural design and propulsion. We are the perfect partner for our clients: they can concentrate on the construction and project management while we take care of the design aspects.

Could you please give me an insight into Hydro Tec’s holistic approach to design?

The design of a yacht is the result of many different contributions. Different aspects need to match perfectly and need time and work to find the right balance between function and aesthetics. When these two aspects are developed by the same team you benefit from the fact that the design is perfectly integrated from the beginning and technical aspects go hand-in-hand with design elements. We apply the same approach when we work with designers because our engineers have developed a perfect sensitivity towards design aspects and they are able to find the best technical solution to respect the designer's intentions.

How does this approach positively impact your job role, as well as the wider network of disciplines at Hydro Tec? 

The main advantage is the fact that all interfaces can be designed at a very early stage, before the final structural design or piping are completed. The project develops in a more harmonious way and yards receive a fully integrated design from the very beginning.

Could you please share an insight into how Hydro Tec, specifically the naval architecture, is pioneering eco-conscious trends in explorer vessels?

We need to consider the complete life span of a yacht, which means we need to include the building time and process as well as the future disposal, not just the operational period. The explorer concept is the most eco-conscious trend in yachting. We are yet to pioneer a zero-emission solution for yachting, unless we accept substantial reduction of living spaces and nautical range. It’s a kind of asymptotic law which comes from continuous optimization, from the hull form to weight saving, from reusing heat from exhaust to heat insulation to reduce HVAC impact on consumption.

What do you anticipate for the future of naval architecture and the holistic design approach at Hydro Tec? 

We started to design explorer yachts 20 years ago and we have come a long way since then. Today there is a little bit of ‘explorer’ in almost every yacht; younger clients in particular have a completely different attitude towards sea and the yachting lifestyle. With many more years of experience ahead of us, and many yachts happily sailing, Hydro Tec is committed to drive the change and provide more and more ideas and experience to our industry.