A complete record of four decades of maritime innovation — 40 landmark projects, profile drawings, and the stories behind them.
Published to mark the studio's fortieth anniversary, this monograph documents the full arc of J&J Design's work — from the Elan 31 that launched a career, to the hybrid and carbon-epoxy technologies that redefined production boatbuilding.
Edited by Shannon Jamieson Vazquez and published by Morski vodiči (Zagreb), covering 40 landmark projects with profile drawings, technical specifications, and design narratives.
Hardcover · 320 pages · English · Full colour throughout
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From first sketch to finished mould, J&J Design handles the full development chain. Concept, naval architecture, exterior and interior design, structural engineering, production process design, prototyping, and CNC tooling — all under one roof, all coordinated by the same team.
Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.
— Kenneth Grahame, Wind In The Willows, 1908
J&J DESIGN OFFICE WAS FOUNDED BY JAPEC AND JERNEJ JAKOPIN IN 1983 IN LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. FIRST DECADE WAS MARKED BY BESTSELLING DESIGNS FOR LARGE SAILBOAT MAKERS LIKE ELAN, JEANNEAU AND BAVARIA. FROM 1990 THE OFFICE WAS SUPPORTED BY AN IN-HOUSE PLUG AND MOULD SHOP WHICH ENABLED THE OFFICE TO OFFER FULL SCOPE OF DEVELOPMENT (FROM CONCEPT, NAVAL ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING TO TOOLING AND PROTOTYPING).
J&J STARTED TO DESIGN POWERBOATS IN 1987. MOST OF THE WORK IS DEVOTED TO THIS AREA SINCE THE LAST 30 YEARS, BASED ON EXTENSIVE RESEARCH WORK IN TANK-TESTING FACILITIES. APPLYING THE CARBON/EPOXY TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORLD OF PRODUCTION BOATBUILDING GAVE BIRTH TO THE SHIPMAN CARBON SAILBOAT RANGE, STARTING IN 2002. THEIR FIRST DIESEL-ELECTRIC AND FULL ELECTRIC RANGE CALLED GREENLINE STARTED IN 2008 AND TODAY THE J&J DESIGNS REPRESENT OVER 1000 HYBRID BOATS IN THE FIELD, BY FAR THE LARGEST FLEET WORLDWIDE.
IN 2011 THE NEWLY FOUNDED CHINESE POWER CATAMARAN BRAND WAS AQUILA, WHICH GREW TO TODAY'S LARGEST POWERCAT BRAND BASED ON J&J DESIGNS. IN THE LAST YEARS THE OFFICE DID DESIGNS FOR THE FASTEST GROWING POWERBOAT BRAND IN THE WORLD, SAXDOR, SUCCESSFULLY VENTURED IN FULL-ELECTRIC FOILING TECHNOLOGY WITH THE BMW/TYDE PROJECT AND THE LATEST BENETEAU GROUP FULL-ELECTRIC ISLAND CRUISING CONCEPT PROJECT. TODAY THE WORK OF J&J IS BASED ON A HISTORY OF 400 PROJECTS FOR PRODUCTION BUILDERS ON THREE CONTINENTS.
J&J DESIGN UNITES CONCEPT, NAVAL ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, PRODUCTION, AND BRANDING IN A SINGLE, INTEGRATED PROCESS. EVERY STAGE IS OPTIMISED FOR PERFORMANCE, EFFICIENCY, AND SUSTAINABILITY, DELIVERING INNOVATIVE, MARKET-READY SOLUTIONS IN CLOSE PARTNERSHIP WITH BOATBUILDERS.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE YARD AND J&J HAVE A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THE YARD'S QUALITIES AND CHALLENGES IN THE CURRENT AND FUTURE MARKETS. IN MANY CASES J&J'S NEUTRAL AND OBJECTIVE VIEW — HAVING INTIMATELY WORKED WITH 70 YARDS WORLDWIDE — ENABLES TO EVALUATE AND DIRECTLY COMPARE ALL RELEVANT AREAS: THE PRODUCTS, SALES, MARKETING, BRANDING, PRODUCTION INFRASTRUCTURE, TECHNOLOGY, SKILLS AND PURCHASING, INCLUDING MANAGEMENT ASPECTS. SUCH A BENCHMARK PRELIMINARY STUDY GIVES A GOOD AND OBJECTIVE INSIGHT INTO THE BOATBUILDING COMPANY WITHIN THE BOATING INDUSTRY AND IS OFTEN REQUESTED BY THE OWNERS.

CONTAINS THE DEFINITION OR REDEFINITION OF THE RANGE WHERE THE NEW MODEL IS POSITIONED — OR OF THE NEW RANGE IF A NEW RANGE IS CREATED. THE MISSION, IDEA AND STATEMENT OF THE NEW PRODUCT OR RANGE. FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS ASPECTS. SHORT DEFINITION OF THE NEW MODEL AND ITS ROLE WITHIN THE BUILDER'S PORTFOLIO.

A GOOD AND COMPREHENSIVE DESIGN BRIEF IS THE MOST IMPORTANT DOCUMENT IN THE LAUNCH PHASE OF A NEW PROJECT. IT CONTAINS: INTRODUCTION · MISSION · POSITION IN THE RANGE · STATEMENT · COMPETITION AND MARKETS · EXTERIOR DESIGN RULES · INTERIOR DESIGN AND GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS · HULL DESIGN AND HYDRODYNAMICS · DIMENSIONS AND BASIC SPECS · DECK CONCEPTS · HULL AND DECK GEAR · PROPULSION AND STEERING · TANKS · SYSTEMS · INTERIOR AND WOODWORK · HYDRAULICS · HVAC · COMPETITORS TABLE · PRICING · PRELIMINARY BOM AND COST STRUCTURE · CAPEX AND ROI · PRODUCTION CONSIDERATIONS · MARKETING · TIMING.

THE ART OF HULL DESIGN — SAFE, STABLE, EASILY MANOEUVRABLE, EFFICIENT AND BEAUTIFUL — IS BASED ON CORRECT KNOWLEDGE AND INTERPRETATION OF SCIENTIFIC DATA, AND EXPERIENCE. MORE THAN 75,000 BOATS AND YACHTS BASED ON PROJECTS FROM OUR OFFICE GIVE US THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF THIS AREA. THE RIGHT 3D GEOMETRY OF ALL NAVAL ARCHITECTURE ELEMENTS IS BASED ON CFD STUDIES AND/OR TANK TESTING DATA, AND ON SEA-KEEPING AND STABILITY STUDIES. TO ESTABLISH VALID PREDICTION OF SPEEDS AND BEHAVIOUR, A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THE TRUE PRODUCTION WEIGHTS AND OPTIONS-DEPENDENT LOAD CASE IS ESSENTIAL.

CONCEPTUAL EXTERIOR DESIGN SKETCHES ARE TYPICALLY BASED ON A SO-CALLED "TECHNICAL PACKAGE" TO AVOID LATER CONFLICTS WITH AXIOMATIC CONCEPTUAL AND ENGINEERING NEEDS. THESE ROUGH SKETCHES ARE DEVELOPED INTO ARTISTIC IMPRESSION DRAWINGS AND PRELIMINARY 3D MODELS WHICH SERVE TO DEVELOP VIRTUAL REALITY AND SCALE PHYSICAL MODELS — ALLOWING GOOD EVALUATION OF THE WORK. FINAL 3D MODELS AND REALISTIC RENDERS ARE DEVELOPED AND MODIFIED AS NEEDED TO DEVELOP MARKETING AND SALES MATERIALS.

BASED ON PRELIMINARY GENERAL ARRANGEMENT DRAWINGS AND SKETCHES, THE RULES OF INNER DESIGN AND DECOR ARE DEVELOPED. MATERIALS PROPOSED ARE CHOSEN, AND DRAWINGS OF TYPICAL DETAILS — ALONG WITH A MOOD BOARD — ARE PREPARED. VR AND SCALE MOCK-UPS ARE DEVELOPED AS NEEDED. A 3D PRELIMINARY MODEL IS DEVELOPED TO ENABLE THE START OF THE ENGINEERING PHASE. FINAL 3D MODELS AND REALISTIC RENDERS ARE DEVELOPED AND MODIFIED AS NEEDED TO DEVELOP MARKETING AND SALES MATERIALS.

FINAL NAVAL ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN DRAWINGS SUPPORT THE ENGINEERING PHASE. THEY PROVIDE GEOMETRIC AND TECHNICAL DETAILS OF ALL BOAT PARTS AND YIELD A FINAL 3D SOLID MODEL, TYPICALLY USING DASSAULT CATIA OR SIEMENS NX. KEY AREAS INCLUDE COMPOSITE PARTS (GRP) WITH FINAL 3D MILLING FILES AND SCANTLING DRAWINGS DETAILING STRUCTURAL AND NON-STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS. SYSTEMS COVER PROPULSION, FUEL, STEERING, ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONICS, WOODWORK, INTERIOR APPLIANCES, HULL AND DECK GEAR, HYDRAULICS, WATER SYSTEMS, HVAC, SAFETY, AND MORE.

BUILD PROCESS MUST BE DEFINED EARLY, BECAUSE THESE DECISIONS AFFECT THE DESIGN, ENGINEERING AND TOOLING AREAS. WILL THE BOAT BE COMPLETELY BUILT IN-HOUSE OR WILL SOME COMPONENTS BE OUTSOURCED? THE COMPOSITE AND ASSEMBLY PRODUCTION PROCESSES ARE ENGINEERED AND THE PRODUCTION FLOWS DESIGNED. HOW WILL THE COMPONENTS MOVE INSIDE THE FACTORY? DEFINITION OF TOOLS AND JIGS NEEDED, PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGIES, SKILLS. VALUE STREAM ANALYSIS. PROCESS TIMES, TACT-TIME, EXPECTED VOLUMES, LIMITATIONS. DEFINITION OF RAMP-UP.

WHICH COMPOSITE (GRP) TECHNOLOGY WILL BE USED? ARE THE WAYS THE GRP PRODUCTION IS IN NEED OF MODIFICATION FOR THIS PROJECT — INJECTION, INFUSION, RTM, HAND LAY-UP, POST-CURING IN OVENS — AND IS NEW EQUIPMENT, INVESTMENT OR TRAINING NEEDED? TOOLING IS ADAPTED TO TACT TIME AND MANIPULATION OF MOULDS. ONCE THESE QUESTIONS ARE CLEAR, PROPER CUSTOM-DESIGNED TOOLING DEFINITION CAN BE MADE WITH DEFINITIONS OF GEL COAT TYPE, RESIN AND GLASS STRUCTURE, REINFORCEMENTS IN STEEL OR OTHER MATERIAL, AND MECHANICAL OR HYDRAULIC OPEN/CLOSE MECHANISMS.

IN SOME CASES IT IS DESIRED THAT THE PROTOTYPE COMPOSITE PARTS ARE MANUFACTURED AND, IF NEEDED, PROTOTYPE BOAT 1 IS BUILT. THIS ENABLES UNDERSTANDING, DEFINING AND FINALISING THE DETAILS OF THE PRODUCTION AND BUILD PROCESS, ALONG WITH BUILDING THE NECESSARY TOOLS AND TEMPLATES WHICH CAN ONLY BE DEFINED AT BUILDING BOAT 1. THIS BUILD OUTSIDE THE PRODUCTION AREA IS VERY INSTRUMENTAL IN DEFINING HOW THE PRODUCTION RUN WILL OPERATE. SOMETIMES A PRE-SERIES OF 2 TO 5 BOATS IS PLANNED TO OPTIMISE THE SMOOTH PRODUCTION RUN OF THE HIGH-VOLUME SERIES.
FIELD TESTING OF BOAT 1 IS VERY IMPORTANT TO DEFINE WHAT MODIFICATIONS NEED TO BE APPLIED TO THE SERIES TO MEET THE MARKET IN GOOD SHAPE, AVOID MAJOR DESIGN OR ENGINEERING MISHAPS, AND AVOID RISK OF CALL-BACK SCENARIOS OR MAJOR WARRANTY ISSUES. J&J POSSESSES A SET OF DEDICATED MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTATION AND A VAST EXPERIENCE IN TESTING OF BOATS IN ALL CONDITIONS. MANY AREAS ARE MEASURED AND DOCUMENTED: SPEED AND CONSUMPTION VS RPM AND LOAD IN DIFFERENT CONDITIONS; PITCH, YAW AND ROLL ANALYSIS; MANOEUVRE CAPACITY AND BEHAVIOUR; VIBRATION AND NOISE IN DIFFERENT AREAS.

POSSIBLY THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF A DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IS HOW IT IS MANAGED. A SMOOTH FLOW OF COOPERATION AND INFORMATION BETWEEN THE BUILDER'S AND J&J TEAM IS NEEDED TO ACHIEVE THE BEST RESULTS. THE RESPECT OF TIMING AND COST MUST BE MONITORED AND CONTROLLED DURING THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS. TYPICALLY A PROJECT MANAGER ON J&J'S SIDE WORKS WITH THE PROJECT MANAGER ON THE BUILDER'S SIDE. THIS MANAGER STARTS TO SHARE ALL INFORMATION WITH THE BUILDER'S PRODUCT LAUNCHER AT THE START OF ENGINEERING. THE LAUNCHER — TYPICALLY COMING FROM THE PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT — TAKES OVER THE PROJECT AT THE END OF THE ENGINEERING PHASE TO FINALISE DEVELOPMENT AND PREPARE A SMOOTH LAUNCH.

FOR OVER FORTY YEARS, J&J DESIGN HAS ADVANCED INTEGRATED YACHT DEVELOPMENT — UNITING NAVAL ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, AND TOOLING UNDER ONE ROOF. TODAY, WE EXTEND THAT LEGACY THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
SINCE LATE 2022, WE'VE APPLIED AI TO STRUCTURE LARGE DATASETS AND UNLOCK INSIGHTS FROM OUR 400+ YACHT PROJECTS. THIS ENABLED FASTER ACCESS TO VALIDATED SOLUTIONS ACROSS STRUCTURE, NAVAL ARCHITECTURE, BOMS, AND BUILD COSTS. AI NOW SUPPORTS HIGH-FIDELITY HYDRODYNAMIC SURROGATE MODELS — DELIVERING RAPID, ACCURATE PERFORMANCE PREDICTIONS AND REAL-TIME DESIGN OPTIMISATION.
OUR NEXT STEP IS A PROPRIETARY, AI-POWERED DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM. THIS INTERACTIVE TOOL WILL INTEGRATE ALL DESIGN PHASES, ENABLING FASTER DEVELOPMENT CYCLES, ACCURATE COST FORECASTING, AND ENHANCED PRODUCT QUALITY. AT J&J, INNOVATION MEANS REFINING PROVEN METHODS, NOT REPLACING THEM.

A TEAM OF 25 DESIGNERS AND ENGINEERS WORKING AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF PRODUCTION YACHT DESIGN.
IF YOU'RE DRIVEN BY CRAFT, PRECISION, AND THE SEA — WE'D LIKE TO MEET YOU.
















































Following its world premiere at the 2026 Miami International Boat Show, the Aquila 50 Sail headed out for sea trials — and the results confirmed what the design promised on paper.
The 50 Sail demonstrated exceptional space utilisation, with the bridge-to-bow staircase, fixed forward cockpit and generously proportioned saloon all performing as designed under real sailing conditions. The Hybrid Ocean Drive™ system allowed silent electric maneuvering in harbour, while the sail plan delivered balanced performance offshore.
Developed by J&J Design in partnership with Aquila's leadership team — which brings decades of competitive sailing experience — the 50 Sail is the first in a range that will include the 44 Sail (late 2026) and the 65 Sail (2027).
AQUILA CATAMARANS →
J&J Design presents the YOT 36 and YOT 41 — two new power catamarans developed for Catana Group that define the identity of the YOT range: practical, fast and feature-rich deck layouts paired with comfortable interior spaces, ideal for Mediterranean cruising.
The YOT 36 is the range entry point, built around outboard propulsion and an uncluttered deck plan that maximises the sea terrace and social space. The YOT 41 extends the concept with additional volume below and a two-cabin layout without compromising the open-plan deck that defines the range.
Both models continue J&J Design's long collaboration with Catana Group, which produced the award-winning YOT 53 and YOT 35 OB.
CATANA GROUP →
The Aquila power catamaran range has been recognised by Southern Boating magazine's annual Readers' Choice Awards — one of the most widely read boating publications in the United States.
The award reflects the strong following Aquila has built in the American market since J&J Design began developing the range in 2011. Today the brand is the world's largest power catamaran manufacturer, with over 800 boats sold across nine models — all designed by J&J Design.
The recognition comes as Aquila prepares to expand into the sailing market with the 50 Sail, 44 Sail and 65 Sail — the first sailing catamarans in the brand's history, all developed by J&J Design.
SOUTHERN BOATING →
The Wiszniewski W29 made its public debut at Boot Düsseldorf 2026 to strong acclaim — a boat that sets a new standard for craftsmanship and performance in the 30-foot outboard class.
Designed by J&J Design for Wiszniewski Yachts in Poland, the W29 is a deliberate contradiction: a classically beautiful traditional wooden day boat with the soul of a jet fighter. Super-strong outboard power gives the boat 60-knot potential, while the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail recalls the golden era of Chris-Craft and Riva.
The W29 follows the critically acclaimed Wiszniewski 43, also designed by J&J Design, which debuted at Boot Düsseldorf 2024.
WISZNIEWSKI YACHTS →
The YOT 53 — J&J Design's flagship power catamaran for Catana Group — is presented in a new video walkthrough that captures the boat in its element.
At 16 metres, the YOT 53 is the largest model in the YOT range and represents the fullest expression of the concept: a mega sea-terrace layout that transforms the entire aft deck into a floating living platform, combined with a comfortable four-cabin interior and twin outboard propulsion that keeps the hulls clean and maintenance simple.
The YOT 53 was named among Barche a Motore's "10 Most Beautiful Boats of 2025" — one of the most prestigious editorial rankings in Italian boating media.
CATANA GROUP →
The new Beneteau First 60 carries J&J Design's deck and cockpit work — continuing a collaboration between the studio and the Beneteau Group that spans more than four decades.
The First 60 is a performance cruiser designed for shorthanded offshore sailing, with a cockpit layout optimised for racing efficiency and a deck plan that allows a crew of two to manage the boat safely in all conditions. J&J Design contributed the deck design and naval architecture, working alongside Beneteau's in-house team.
The First range is among the most successful production sailing yacht lines in history, and the 60 represents its new flagship — a boat that combines genuine offshore capability with the build quality and reliability the First name has always stood for.
BENETEAU →
J&J Design introduces the Aquila 50 Sail — an important first for the world's leader in power catamarans, and an important first for the industry: never before has a powerboat builder of this scale seriously embarked on a journey into the sailing segment.
The Aquila 50 Sail was developed to transfer the innovations that made Aquila's power catamarans world leaders — in space, functionality and comfort — directly into a sailing yacht. The result is a 15-metre blue-water cruising catamaran that looks like an Aquila, handles like a quality sailing boat, and lives like nothing else in its class.
Available as the 50ES with Hybrid Ocean Drive™ electric propulsion or the 50DS with conventional diesel engines, the 50 Sail will be shown for the first time at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2026. A 44 Sail and 65 Sail will follow in 2026 and 2027.
AQUILA CATAMARANS →
The Catana YOT 53, designed by J&J Design, has been selected by Barche a Motore — one of Italy's most authoritative boating magazines — as one of the 10 Most Beautiful Boats of 2025.
The editorial selection recognises boats that achieve an exceptional standard of design across form, function and innovation. The YOT 53 was cited for its distinctive mega sea-terrace concept, which transforms the aft deck into a continuous open-air living space, and for the coherence of its design language from hull to flybridge.
The recognition follows a series of strong reviews since the YOT 53's debut, confirming J&J Design's collaboration with Catana Group as one of the most productive in contemporary power catamaran design.
BARCHE A MOTORE →
The Aquila 50 Sail has claimed the IMS Premiere Award at the 2026 International Multihull Show in La Grande Motte, France — recognising it as the most outstanding new model at the show. Judges commended the design as a bold and precise entry into the sailing market, with innovative design and ergonomics.
The 50 Sail made its world debut at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2026 and its European premiere at La Grande Motte, developed in collaboration with J&J Design — the studio's first sailing catamaran for Aquila, the world's leading power catamaran builder.
The boat is available in 50ES (Hybrid Ocean Drive™ electric propulsion) and 50DS (diesel) variants, with four, five or six cabin configurations. A 44 Sail follows in late 2026 and a 65 Sail in 2027.
READ MORE AT AQUILA BOATS →
Nautistyles filmed a detailed walkthrough of the Aquila 50 Sail following its world premiere at the 2026 Miami International Boat Show — one of the most comprehensive independent reviews of J&J Design's first sailing catamaran for Aquila.
The coverage explored the boat from bow to flybridge, highlighting the space and circulation on board, the quality of fit and finish, and the bridge-to-bow staircase that provides direct access from helm to forward cockpit. The Hybrid Ocean Drive™ electric system on the 50ES variant was also examined in depth.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE →The Prestige F6.7 is the new flagship of the Prestige F-Line — completing a flybridge family that includes the F4.3, F4.9 and F5.7. At 20.45 metres with approximately 170 m² of living space, it is designed around seamless movement between spaces and a continuous visual connection with the sea.
J&J Design has worked with Prestige since the very first Prestige 41 in 1989. The F6.7 continues that collaboration at a new scale, with three social zones on deck, an 83 m² main deck saloon centred on a social island galley, and a 20 m² owner's suite forward with panoramic views.
Propulsion is via Volvo IPS pods (IPS 1200 or IPS 1350), with a cruising speed of around 22 knots and a top speed close to 30 knots. The world premiere is planned for the Cannes Yachting Festival, September 2026.
PRESTIGE YACHTS →
Barche magazine published an in-depth profile of J&J Design, tracing the creative journey of the Ljubljana studio from its founding in 1983 to today. The article explores the studio's unique position as a full-service design and engineering office, its role in pioneering hybrid propulsion and carbon-epoxy construction, and its collaborations with the world's leading production boatbuilders across four decades.
The piece draws on direct conversations with Japec and Jernej Jakopin, touching on the philosophy behind the studio's work, the challenge of designing for volume production without sacrificing innovation, and the personal relationships that have defined J&J's partnerships with builders in Italy, France, Germany, Scandinavia, China and the United States.
READ IN BARCHE MAGAZINE →
Elan Yachts has launched the Elan SixtyFive, a 65-foot carbon-epoxy bluewater cruiser designed by J&J Design in collaboration with Guillaume Verdier. The boat is built for shorthanded offshore sailing and long-passage blue-water voyaging, combining the structural efficiency of a racing-derived construction with the comfort and reliability expected by serious cruising sailors.
The SixtyFive features a deep-keel performance underbody, a deckhouse layout optimised for watchkeeping at sea, and a below-decks arrangement designed around the needs of couples sailing extended passages. Carbon-epoxy construction throughout keeps displacement low while providing exceptional structural stiffness. The boat represents a natural evolution of J&J's long collaboration with Elan, which stretches back to the studio's founding project — the Elan 31 of 1983.
READ MORE AT ELAN YACHTS →
The Wiszniewski 43, designed by J&J Design for Wiszniewski Yachts in Poland, has received the 2025 BIG SEE Product Design Award — one of the most prestigious design recognitions in South-East Europe, now expanded into a global platform.
The award recognises the W43's exceptional combination of Mediterranean cockpit proportions, American-level outboard power, and European craftsmanship. Originally unveiled at Boot Düsseldorf 2024, the boat has attracted significant attention for its modern classic aesthetic and performance credentials, which include a top speed approaching 60 knots in certain configurations.
WISZNIEWSKI YACHTS →
The Korkyra 650 Pro has received the CCIS Golden Award for innovation. The boat features a distinctive front-loading platform that provides a wide, accessible boarding area — making it significantly easier to board from a dock or marina berth, and equally suited to divers, cyclists bringing bikes aboard, and passengers with reduced mobility.
The front-loading concept also simplifies cargo handling and anchor work. Designed with inclusive access as a core requirement rather than an afterthought, the Korkyra 650 Pro demonstrates how thoughtful naval architecture can open the experience of boating to a wider audience without compromising performance or aesthetics.
MORE INFORMATION →
The Aquila 42 Coupé — the inboard engine version of Aquila's acclaimed 42 platform — offers a new approach to the power catamaran concept. Where the outboard version prioritises simplicity and open-deck living, the Coupé introduces a fully enclosed hardtop structure with integrated glazing, creating a climate-controlled helm and saloon environment suited to year-round use in more demanding conditions.
Designed by J&J Design, the 42 Coupé shares the same hull platform as the open version, preserving the fuel efficiency and sea-keeping qualities of Aquila's proven deep-V tunnel hull design. The Coupé was presented at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival as part of Aquila's growing range of enclosed and semi-enclosed models.
AQUILA CATAMARANS →
Aquila has announced its entry into the sailing catamaran market with three new models — the 44 Sail, 50 Sail and 65 Sail — all designed by J&J Design. The range marks a significant expansion for the world's largest power catamaran builder, bringing the brand's philosophy of maximised space, practical functionality and innovative engineering to the sailing segment for the first time.
The Aquila sailing catamarans feature hybrid electric propulsion as standard on the ES variants, drawing on J&J Design's extensive experience with hybrid systems developed across the Greenline programme and the ICC project. The 50 Sail will make its world debut at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2026, followed by the European premiere at the International Multihull Show in La Grande Motte.
AQUILA CATAMARANS →
Aquila will present two European premieres at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival (9–14 September), Stand QML 020 in the Vieux Port de Cannes: the Aquila 42 Coupé and the Aquila 50 Yacht. Both models are designed by J&J Design.
The Cannes show is one of the most prestigious events in the global boating calendar, attracting buyers and press from across Europe and beyond. Aquila's participation continues a strong year for the brand, which has expanded its range significantly and is preparing to enter the sailing catamaran market.
CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL →
Barche magazine's August 2025 edition features an extended profile of J&J Design Studio, tracing the creative journey of the Jakopin brothers from their early sailboat designs for Elan and Bavaria through to the landmark projects of recent years — from the Shipman Carbon and Greenline Hybrid to the BMW/Tyde electric foiler and the Aquila sailing catamaran programme.
The article is one of the most comprehensive assessments of the studio's work to appear in the Italian boating press, exploring the design philosophy, engineering approach and business model that has allowed a studio from Ljubljana to become one of the most influential production yacht design offices in the world.
BARCHE MAGAZINE →
Aquila has delivered the 100th unit of the Aquila 32 Sport power catamaran — a significant production milestone for the model and for the broader Aquila range. The 32 Sport is one of Aquila's most successful outboard models, designed by J&J Design as an accessible entry point into the Aquila range without compromising on the space efficiency and sea-keeping qualities that define the brand.
The milestone reflects the strength of Aquila's manufacturing and distribution network, which has grown from a single Chinese facility in 2011 to a global operation serving buyers across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
AQUILA CATAMARANS →
Aquila has received two major honours at Asian marine industry awards. The Aquila 70 Luxury Power was named Best Motor Yacht 40–75ft at the 2025 Asian Marine & Boating Awards in Shanghai. The Aquila 46 Coupé won Power Catamaran Under 15m at the Yacht Style Awards in Singapore.
Both models are designed by J&J Design. The recognition at two of Asia's leading marine industry events underlines Aquila's growing strength in the Asia-Pacific market, which has become one of the most important growth regions for the brand. The 70 Luxury Power in particular represents the upper end of J&J's catamaran work for Aquila — a flagship-level platform developed for extended liveaboard and charter use.
AQUILA CATAMARANS →
Aquila models have received a series of international awards in 2025, including recognition at the Helsinki Boat Show, the Berlin Boat Show and the Yacht Style Awards in Singapore. The awards span different categories — from best performance to best family boat — underlining the breadth of the Aquila range and its relevance to different segments of the power catamaran market.
All Aquila models are designed by J&J Design, which has worked with the brand since its foundation in 2011. The consistent award recognition reflects the strength of the design programme and Aquila's ability to deliver boats that perform well across multiple evaluation criteria.
AQUILA CATAMARANS →
The Saxdor 400 GTC and GTO have received three awards across major European boat shows in 2025: Motorboat of the Year at the Helsinki Boat Show, Best for Fun at the Berlin Boat Show, and recognition at the Yacht Style Awards in Singapore.
The 400 GTC and GTO are two variants of Saxdor's flagship platform, designed by J&J Design as the top of the Saxdor range. The GTC (Gran Turismo Coupé) features an enclosed hardtop helm, while the GTO (Gran Turismo Open) offers a sportier open configuration. Both share the same advanced hull design developed with J&J and produced at Saxdor's Finnish facility.
SAXDOR YACHTS →
The Saxdor 320 GTC has been awarded Boat of the Year at the Japan International Boat Show in Yokohama — a significant recognition in one of the world's most quality-conscious marine markets.
Designed by J&J Design, the Saxdor 320 GTC brings together the high-performance hull of the GTO with an enclosed hardtop structure that adds practicality and year-round usability. The Japan award follows a string of European recognitions and confirms Saxdor's rapid growth from a Finnish start-up into a global brand.
SAXDOR YACHTS →
A virtual reality 360-degree tour of the Aquila 42 Coupé has been added to the Aquila website, giving prospective buyers an immersive walkthrough of the boat from any device.
The Aquila 42 Coupé, designed by J&J Design, features an enclosed hardtop with panoramic glazing and a layout optimised for liveaboard comfort. The VR tour covers all deck levels, the saloon, galley and cabin accommodation — providing the detail buyers need to assess the boat's suitability before a physical visit or sea trial.
EXPLORE THE VR TOUR →
Lawrence Schäffler, one of the most experienced commentators on the boating industry, has written an article examining the accelerating shift toward electric and hybrid propulsion in production boatbuilding — a transition in which J&J Design has played a defining role since the Greenline programme began in 2008.
The article explores the technical, commercial and regulatory drivers behind the switch, and the particular challenges of implementing electric systems in a marine environment. J&J Design's work across the Greenline, Shipman Hybrid, BMW/Tyde and ICC projects is cited as evidence that the transition is not only possible at production scale but is already delivering results in the market.
READ THE ARTICLE →
The Sunbeam factory has released a winter test video of the Sunbeam 29.1 Gran Turismo — a compact sailing yacht developed with J&J Design's involvement in naval architecture and structural engineering.
The 29.1 GT is positioned as a performance-focused daysailer and short-offshore cruiser, designed for easy single or double-handed sailing in challenging conditions. The winter test footage demonstrates the boat's stability and confidence in cold-weather North Sea conditions, underlining the build quality and sea-keeping credentials of the design.
SUNBEAM YACHTS →
The BoatLife YouTube channel has published a test drive video of the YOT 36, filmed in Thailand. Dan Jones discusses the boat's performance, fuel economy, deck layout and the distinctly sporty feel of the hull — qualities that set the YOT range apart from conventional power catamarans.
Designed by J&J Design for Catana Group, the YOT 36 is the entry model of the YOT range, built around an outboard propulsion system and a deck plan that prioritises social space and sea access over enclosed volume. The Thailand test conditions — warm, calm water — allowed the boat to demonstrate its efficiency at cruise speed as well as its response at higher throttle settings.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE →
Victoria Chalaya (NautiStyles) has published a detailed comparison of the Aquila 42 and 46 Coupé — two closely related models that serve different buyer profiles within the Aquila enclosed-cockpit range. The video walkthrough examines the key differences in layout, space, helm ergonomics and onboard living between the two sizes.
Both the 42 and 46 Coupé are designed by J&J Design. The comparison helps prospective buyers understand which model better suits their cruising style — whether they prioritise the more manageable footprint of the 42 or the additional volume and accommodation of the 46.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE →
The BoatLife YouTube channel has posted a detailed walkthrough and sea trial of the Wiszniewski 43, exploring the features and performance of the J&J-designed powerboat in real on-water conditions. The video covers the boat's distinctive layout — combining a Mediterranean-style social cockpit with high-performance American outboard power — and records actual performance figures during the sea trial.
The Wiszniewski 43 debuted at Boot Düsseldorf 2024 to strong critical acclaim, winning recognition for its design approach. The BoatLife review provides the kind of independent technical assessment that buyers and the marine press use to evaluate a new model.
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39,000 readers of Southern Boating magazine in the United States voted in the 2025 Readers' Choice Awards, naming Greenline as their Favorite Green Boat. The recognition underlines the continued appeal of the Greenline hybrid range — a programme that J&J Design originated with the Greenline 33 in 2008 and has continued to develop across a growing range of models.
Greenline is now produced by SVP Yachts, which has expanded the range to eight models from 39 to 58 feet. J&J Design's foundational work on the hybrid diesel-electric-solar concept — including the battery management, propulsion integration and structural engineering — established the technical basis on which the Greenline brand has grown into one of the world's most recognised names in sustainable boating.
GREENLINE YACHTS →
The Fairline Targa 40 has won the Best Sportcruiser category at the 2025 Motorboat of the Year Awards, held in Düsseldorf on 21 January 2025. The Targa 40 faced strong competition from the Jeanneau DB37, Makai M37 and Parker Sorrento before being selected by the international jury.
J&J Design is responsible for the hull design, naval architecture and GRP structural engineering of the Targa 40. The win continues a strong period for Fairline and reinforces the technical credentials of a hull platform developed to balance performance, efficiency and sea-keeping in a compact sportcruiser format.
FAIRLINE YACHTS →
The YOT 41 has received the European Powerboat of the Year 2025 award at Boot Düsseldorf — arguably the highest annual recognition in European production powerboat design, often described as the Oscars of the boating world.
Designed by J&J Design for Catana Group, the YOT 41 is the mid-range model of the YOT power catamaran line, combining the distinctive mega sea-terrace deck concept of the range with a twin-cabin interior layout suited to overnight and weekend use. The award follows the YOT 41's strong reception at its premiere and confirms the YOT range as one of the most significant new product lines in European power catamaran design.
CATANA GROUP →
A detailed review of the Aquila 50 Yacht explores how J&J Design's flagship power catamaran for Aquila redefines space and performance at the 16-metre level. At nearly 8 metres wide, the 50 Yacht offers volume comparable to much larger monohulls while maintaining the fuel efficiency and manoeuvrability advantages of the catamaran platform.
The article examines the Explorer Yacht concept behind the design — a philosophy that prioritises long-range capability, generous accommodation and a layout that functions equally well at anchor and underway. Key features include the panoramic saloon, the full-beam owner's suite and the expansive cockpit-to-swim-platform connection that defines the outdoor living experience.
AQUILA CATAMARANS →
The 2025 Miami International Boat Show has been chosen as the venue for the world premiere of the new Aquila 42 Coupé and 46 Coupé — two enclosed-hardtop variants of Aquila's most popular platforms, designed by J&J Design.
J&J Design has worked with Aquila since the foundation of the company in 2011, and the Coupé programme represents a natural evolution of the range — extending the model lineup into enclosed configurations suited to northern European and Pacific conditions where year-round weather protection is a priority. Both models share hull platforms with their open-deck counterparts, preserving the performance and efficiency characteristics that have made Aquila the world's largest power catamaran builder.
AQUILA CATAMARANS →
International Boat Industry magazine has published a feature on the J&J Design monograph — Forty Years of J&J Design Studio 1983–2023 — following the studio's Designer of the Year award at the Boat Builder Awards Amsterdam in November 2024.
The 320-page hardcover book, edited by Shannon Jamieson Vazquez and published by Morski Vodiči in Zagreb, documents forty years of the studio's work across three sections: The Story, covering the history of the office; The Boats, presenting 40 selected projects with profile drawings, technical data and insider accounts; and The Work, illustrating the office's key contributions to naval architecture, engineering, materials technology and sustainable boating. The book is available at €40.
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Japec Jakopin participated in the METSTRADE Theatre panel on the key forces shaping the future of boat building, alongside Garmin's EMEA Marine Segment Director Pontus Fernstrom and IBI Editor Ed Slack. The panel explored the technical, commercial and regulatory issues that will define production boatbuilding in the coming decade.
Topics included the pace of the transition to electric and hybrid propulsion, the challenge of range and charging infrastructure for marine electric systems, the role of design and engineering in making sustainable boats commercially viable, and the particular pressures facing volume production builders trying to balance innovation with cost control. Japec Jakopin drew on J&J's four-decade experience to provide practical perspective on what the industry can realistically achieve.
MORE AT METSTRADE →
At the Boat Builder Awards 2024, held during the METSTRADE fair in Amsterdam and organised by METSTRADE/RAI, ICOMIA and IBI, Japec and Jernej Jakopin and Studio J&J Design were named Designer of the Year. The award recognises their pioneering contributions to carbon-epoxy construction in production cruising yachts and their role in developing the world's first serial hybrid diesel-electric-solar powerboat range.
The Designer of the Year is one of the most prestigious recognitions in the global boating industry, awarded annually to individuals who have made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the field. For J&J Design, it represents acknowledgement of more than four decades of continuous work across naval architecture, engineering, exterior and interior design, and production process development — work that has shaped the global production boatbuilding industry in measurable ways.
BOAT BUILDER AWARDS →
The Island Cruising Concept — developed by J&J Design for Beneteau Group — is a full-electric island-hopper designed for low-impact coastal cruising. Conceived around the idea of bringing boating closer to modern sea-goers by minimising environmental impact while maximising convenience, the ICC combines hybrid electric propulsion, solar assistance and a radically social single-level layout.
J&J Design designed, engineered and tooled the project, and built the first two prototypes. Key technical features include 48V lithium battery storage, dual 10kW Fischer Panda electric pods, a 22kW range extender and a draft of only 0.85 metres — allowing access to shallow protected bays and anchorages that are inaccessible to conventional motor yachts. The ICC represents a direct continuation of J&J's green boating work, from the Greenline 33 Hybrid of 2009 through to the BMW/Tyde electric foiler.
BENETEAU GROUP →
The YOT 36, designed by J&J Design for Catana Group, has received the BIG Award 2024 — the annual recognition for exclusively Slovenian designs given by Zavod BIG. The award acknowledges the YOT 36's contribution to design excellence and international competitiveness from a Slovenian design team.
The YOT 36 is the entry model of the YOT power catamaran range, and its recognition reflects the quality of J&J Design's work on a category-defining product that has attracted significant attention across European and international boat shows since its introduction.
CATANA GROUP →
The Aquila 50 Yacht is presented in a detailed editorial feature exploring how the boat achieves an unusual combination of luxury and performance at the 16-metre catamaran level. The article examines the design decisions — made by J&J Design in collaboration with Aquila's leadership team — that allow the 50 to deliver exceptional volume, sophisticated interiors and genuine offshore capability in a single platform.
Featured elements include the panoramic saloon with its floor-to-ceiling glazing, the full-beam owner's suite, the aft cockpit-to-swim-platform connection and the performance hull platform — a deep-V tunnel geometry that delivers efficiency and sea-keeping characteristics well beyond the typical power catamaran standard.
AQUILA CATAMARANS →
A drone footage video of the Saxdor 320 GTC showcases the boat's lines, proportions and performance at sea. J&J Design contributed concept development and naval architecture to the 320 GTC project, which has become one of Saxdor's most successful models internationally.
The aerial footage captures the 320 GTC's distinctive silhouette — the enclosed hardtop helm, the clean deck plan and the aggressive bow profile — and demonstrates its performance at speed in open water. The Saxdor range, designed with J&J's involvement, has grown from a Finnish start-up product to one of the fastest-growing powerboat brands in the world since its introduction.
SAXDOR YACHTS →
Jack Haines (YachtBuyer), Nick Burnham (Aquaholic) and James Barke (boat.co.uk) conducted a comparative evaluation of three Fairline models — the Targa 40, F33 and Targa 45 GT — all designed by J&J Design. The test included performance measurements, handling assessments and a head-to-head comparison of the boats' different approaches to the sportcruiser concept.
The three models span Fairline's core range and demonstrate the variety of hull forms and deck layouts that J&J has developed for the brand. The Targa 40 focuses on sportcruiser efficiency; the F33 is a compact day and weekend boat; the Targa 45 GT extends the platform into flagship territory with a longer waterline and more accommodation volume.
FAIRLINE YACHTS →
J&J Design is proud to announce the publication of Forty Years of J&J Design Studio 1983–2023 — a 320-page hardcover monograph documenting four decades of the studio's work. The book is edited by Shannon Jamieson Vazquez of SJV Editorial, New York, and published by Morski Vodiči in Zagreb.
Divided into three sections — The Story, The Boats and The Work — the monograph presents the history of the office, 40 selected projects with profile drawings, technical specifications and insider accounts, and a comprehensive overview of the studio's contributions to naval architecture, design, engineering, materials technology and sustainable boating. The book is priced at €40 and is available through the Morski Vodiči website.
ORDER THE BOOK →
The XO DFNDR 9 has been awarded the title of Design of the Year in Slovenia 2023 (Oblikovanje leta 2023) by Zavod BIG — the annual recognition for the best Slovenian design across all categories. The award acknowledges the boat's exceptional design quality and its contribution to Slovenia's international design reputation.
J&J Design contributed naval architecture and concept development to the XO DFNDR 9, a Finnish-brand offshore powerboat designed for demanding conditions. The DFNDR 9 is built around a deep-V hull with exceptional sea-keeping characteristics, a protected helm station and a layout optimised for rapid deployment and all-weather operation.
XO BOATS →
The Aquila power catamaran range has been awarded the Favorite Power Catamaran in the Southern Boating Readers' Choice Awards for the second consecutive year — a recognition voted for by 39,000 readers of one of the leading boating magazines in the United States.
All Aquila models are designed by J&J Design. The consecutive recognition underlines the consistency of the brand's product quality and the loyalty of its customer base, which has grown steadily since Aquila's foundation in 2011 from a single model to a range of nine designs spanning 28 to 70 feet.
AQUILA CATAMARANS →
Aquila has delivered the 200th unit of the Aquila 36 power catamaran — a milestone that demonstrates the commercial strength of J&J Design's most prolific model for the brand. The Aquila 36 was designed as an accessible mid-range catamaran, and its success with 200 deliveries confirms the depth of demand for well-designed, practical power catamarans in the global market.
The Aquila 36 is produced by Sino Eagle, the world's largest power catamaran manufacturer, at its facility in China. The 200-unit milestone reflects a sustained production rhythm and a consistent buyer profile — primarily North American and European customers looking for a capable family cruiser with the space efficiency and fuel economy of a catamaran hull.
AQUILA CATAMARANS →
The BMW/Tyde Icon electric foiling yacht made its boating public debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2023, following its first public appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in May. The boat drew significant attention as one of the most technically ambitious electric foiling yachts to enter production, combining BMW Designworks' exterior language with J&J Design's engineering and hull design expertise.
The Icon foils on T-foils at speeds above approximately 15 knots, lifting the hull clear of the water and dramatically reducing drag and noise. At full foiling speed the boat is essentially silent — propelled by twin electric motors drawing on a high-capacity lithium battery pack with a range extender for longer passages. J&J Design was responsible for the complete naval architecture, structural engineering, systems integration and tooling for the project.
BMW/TYDE →