Paolo Demel — Hermes: A New Chapter in Yacht Design

Paolo Demel’s Hermes is a striking example of how contemporary yacht design can combine sculptural clarity, user comfort and technical efficiency. Awarded the Platinum A’ Design Award in the Yacht & Marine Vessels category, Hermes positions itself as an elegant, modern vessel that prioritizes both the onboard experience and visual presence on the water.

Background: Paolo Demel the designer

Paolo Demel is an award-winning designer whose portfolio spans yacht, furniture and lighting projects. He has been recognized multiple times by the A’ Design Award program and presents himself as a forward-looking, collaborative designer focused on innovation and refined forms. His LinkedIn and award profiles document his public presence and the projects that have earned international recognition.

Hermes — design language and intent

Hermes uses soft, flowing lines and carefully proportioned glazing to foster a close visual connection with the surrounding water and landscape. Side windows are a signature element, reflecting daylight and creating an illuminated silhouette at night via perimeter LED detailing. The hull and superstructure favor slender, efficient shapes that suggest both speed and elegance, while interior planning balances privacy and comfort for overnight stays.

Key features that stand out

• Large side glazing: creates panoramic sightlines and a strong visual dialogue with the sea, enhancing the onboard experience for guests.
• Perimeter LED lighting: used to sculpt the yacht’s night silhouette, turning the vessel into a luminous object after dark.
• Slender, efficient hull forms: the overall profile emphasizes hydrodynamic efficiency—important for performance, fuel economy and range.
• Thoughtful accommodation: bow cabins and discrete living areas provide privacy while retaining connection to exterior decks and views.

Why Hermes won the Platinum A’ Design Award

The Platinum distinction is reserved for designs judged to be at the very top of their field. Hermes was recognized for its combination of aesthetic refinement, functional planning and clarity of concept—qualities A’ Design highlights for Platinum winners. The award underlines how Hermes balances emotional impact (its silhouette and lighting) with practical needs (efficiency, guest comfort).

Sustainability and technical notes

While Hermes projects a luxury image, the design language and slender hull indicate attention to efficiency—an increasingly important metric in modern yacht design. Many contemporary award-winning yachts pair refined hull shapes with efficient propulsion systems or hybrid options; Hermes’s form language aligns with this industry shift toward lower consumption and better range. (Specific propulsion details for Hermes are published in the official project brief and technical kit.)

The business case: why builders and owners should care

Hermes is not just a design statement; it’s a commercial proposition. Award recognition (especially Platinum) boosts brand visibility, helps attract high-net-worth buyers and supports marketing campaigns for yards or design houses associated with the project. For shipbuilders and brokers, a trophy-winning design shortens lead-generation cycles and increases perceived value—two measurable business benefits.

How Hermes compares to current trends

Hermes sits comfortably among contemporary superyacht trends—transparent glazing, lounge-style interiors and LED-driven night identities—while offering a clean, efficient silhouette that nods to sustainability and modern performance. Compared with flamboyant superyacht statements, Hermes reads as refined and purposeful: less theatrical spectacle, more considered presence.

Official links for further reading: