This translation is from the original article published in Spanish by Verónica Durán Castello. It discusses an interview with Germán Frers, a renowned boat designer, covering topics such as trends in boat design, changes in the nautical world, his career, and personal insights into sailing and design.
“Germán Frers: ‘Foiling boats don’t interest me as much’
In a week when the nautical sector celebrates one of its most important events, the Monaco Yacht Show, which brings together the elite of enthusiasts, Expansión interviews Germán Frers.
Considered one of the world’s most important boat designers, Germán Frers inherited a love for sailing and boat design from his father, a renowned naval architect and shipyard whose first design dates back to 1928. Since then, the Frers have left their mark on boat design history, creating all types of boats, from recreational and racing sailboats to large luxury yachts with unique designs and cutting-edge technology.
How did your love affair with the sea begin?
My father took me sailing from a very young age, and I continued sailing, expanding my horizons, racing in small boats, and later sailing with my father and friends. I never had any doubt that my profession would be boat design. It’s something I love, a great passion of mine.
What is the global trend in luxury boats?
There is a tendency towards specialization; new solutions are being sought, new paths explored. Every new project comes with the demand for something more modern and top-of-the-line. People are looking for the most advanced designs possible. It’s happening in all areas right now. Technology is fundamental and levels the playing field to a certain extent, but to stand out, to do something superior – which is what people naturally want – requires a greater effort.
Is the world of yachting changing?
There has always been evolution, and the sector is changing in the sense that it’s no longer just seasoned sailors navigating; it’s younger people with the means to buy a boat and enjoy it with their families. There are also more women sailing, bringing about a change in the world of design, in its concept, within the sector.
Is there a real interest in the sector to generate new contributions that are more environmentally friendly?
Of course, any hybrid option is in demand these days with motor boats, and any contribution that is friendly to the environment and nature is welcome.
What do you like more, designing custom boats (one-offs) or one-design boats?
All boats are custom-designed, whether they are one-design or one-off (unique and individual designs). All are based on a very comprehensive, detailed brief.
What are your most special designs?
I have special memories of many designs, and really, for me, they are all special. You put your heart into it, contribute everything you know, and the effort to do something as well as possible. I have memories of boats for the America’s Cup, racing boats, large motor yachts, one-off boats for interesting people.
What would you like to design in the future?
Continue doing what I have done so far. I have covered a large area in terms of sizes and types, and I think except for the foilers, which don’t interest me as much – I consider them belonging to another sport or competition – I like to work on different projects.
What do you think of the future of foiling sailboats?
It’s something that has existed for a long time and is now popular and gaining prominence thanks to the America’s Cup. It’s something very special and has its place in the market. I was born in the era when short-distance transport boats had wings and then were abandoned, and now I’m seeing wings on sailing boats. It transforms sailing into a more extreme sport.
What would you change about your professional career? Do you regret anything?
You always make mistakes that you regret, but I don’t have anything specific to highlight.
What was your most successful decision?
To put in all the effort and be honest with clients and with myself.
Which client has impressed you the most?
There are a number of clients who have impressed me a lot, and I have been very lucky to meet some truly fantastic people for whom sailing is a kind of reward they give themselves, a pleasure in their life.
How important is it to work with professional racing teams to get continuous feedback on innovation?
Feedback from crew members, sailmakers, builders is important. You work a lot with crew members on projects like the America’s Cup, where the activity is very intensive and concentrated.
What is the sailboat you have sailed the most?
I have no idea.
What other passion do you have besides the sea?Design in general, country life. And with that, my life is full.
If you like the countryside and as a good Argentinean then you will make good barbecues…
‘Barbecues?’ No, I’m terrible. You have to have a special talent for cooking, or for marriage…
What characteristic do you look for in a worker to add to your team? What do you value?
Without a doubt, creativity and enthusiasm.
Which shipyards stand out today?
Artisanal shipyards in Italy are well known, and larger ones in Germany and the Netherlands. Finland (working with Nautor for over 30 years), and Sweden stand out too.
The industry has developed considerably in New Zealand but with the economic situation, as the New Zealand currency strengthens, clients have returned to the northern hemisphere.
Has being Argentinean brought advantages or limitations in the development of your profession?
Advantages? None that are tangible and no major limitations either, except for the distance, which means living on planes or moving to other countries. I have lived in New York and in Italy where I had a studio for 20 years. The distance implies sacrifice for the family.
What is the state of nautical in South America?
Directly proportional to the economic situation. There is good activity in small class boats in South America, such as in Argentina, Brazil, Chile. Larger nautical activities remain significantly underdeveloped and demanding.
How is the sector in Spain? What is your opinion of Spanish shipyards? What is their strength?
In Spain, the sector advances significantly, boasting a rich tradition, and the former King has strongly supported sailing. Nowadays, sailing in Spain is among the best in the world. There were very good shipyards in Spain like Mefasa, in Oviedo. But in these countries sometimes the lives of shipyards are short. Everywhere, the world faces complexity, and we are gradually recovering after the 2008 crisis.
