Yachting 100 Years

Project Scope

Concept
Art direction
Book design
Editorial & copywriting
Contributor engagement
Photography
Image licensing
Production Management

Project Details

Imagine a book that isn’t just a publication, but a portal into the extraordinary world of nautical excellence. This was the vision of Gary Wright and Charlie Birkett, Y.CO’s founders. They wanted the ultimate client gift that could be used to explain the world of superyachts - the history, the designers, the builders, the destinations, the crews, and above all, the amazing life on the water that awaits.

They posed a simple yet profound challenge: “We need a definitive narrative of superyacht heritage.” Not a brochure, not a catalogue – but a big, bold, beautiful coffee table book that will sit proudly alongside the most prestigious volumes in the world’s most exclusive villas, chalets, country estates and of course, superyachts.

“I’m really proud of what we achieved with Pixie and our team. This is one of the best client engagement projects we have ever completed. The whole process was a lot of fun and the positive feedback from clients and the superyacht community has been overwhelming.”

Charlie Birkett
Y.CO Co-Founder & CEO

A Collaborative Maritime Odyssey

This was an opportunity for Y.CO to engage with its extraordinary community. A chance to involve clients, teams and suppliers in an ambitious project. The concept included chapters on yachting through-the-ages, destinations, and yachting pioneers. But by far the most compelling idea was to work with a selection of contemporary yacht designers who would each critique an iconic yacht from the past 100 years.
 
In total 12 yacht design studios took part in the project, generously giving up their time to contribute words, original sketches, renders and photography to help describe the features of the selected yachts.
 
In addition, a further 30 contributors, including yacht owners, builders, captains and marine environmentalists submitted quotes, articles and thoughts to our editorial team.
 
The design approach was completely collaborative: Y.CO, the contributors and Pixie’s design & editorial teams worked together to craft each section of the book and bring the wealth of content to life across 250 pages.

“To have the support from twelve of the greatest yacht design studios, several pioneering owners, captains and many of the shipyards means a huge amount to me and Charlie.

No-one has ever attempted to represent the yachting community like this before - to have their contributions documented in a book of this calibre is nothing short of historic.”

Gary Wright
Y.CO Co-Founder & Chairman

“What a masterpiece of a book!
The vessel design idea and execution is really cool, making this beautiful coffee-book educational, insightful and thought-provoking.
So many beautiful photos, and a powerful but simple graphic design.
I’m really enjoying this book!”

Peder Eidsgaard
Yacht Designer & Book Contributor

“A book like this only comes along once in a generation. In my thirty year career in print, never before have I had calls from every person involved in the production, from the paper mills and binders, to the foilers and finishers, to tell me that this is the best book they have ever worked on. I honestly think it stands out as one of the most impressive pieces we’ve produced.”

Matt Booker
Founder, Cousin, Print production company

Crafting the Impossible

The scale of the project required a meticulous approach. Every detail was considered, from bespoke cover materials to the bright yellow end papers to the subtle yellow head and tail bands -
a discreet nod to Y.CO’s brand identity.
 
We engaged five UK artisan suppliers, each chosen for their unparalleled craftmanship to perfect various parts of the production process, from specialist paper manufacturers to printers and binders to slipcase producers.

Beyond a Book – A Legacy

This isn’t merely a publication. It is a celebration of superyacht culture and maritime excellence, a tribute to the owners, designers, builders, destinations, and crews who have shaped the superyacht world.
 
A book destined to become a collector's treasure, bringing together the past and the future, tradition and innovation.

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