Yacht Design Alumni stories

On the occasion of the 20th birthday of the Specializing Master in Yacht Design, we interviewed 20 alumni of the first MYD editions who have distinguished themselves in the world yachting scene. Here is our interview with Ensar Cabuk, student of the IX edition of the Specializing Master and today Sales Manager at Sirena Marine.

Discover his path!

1. Can you tell us “who you are”, what do you do today and what role within the company / reality where you work?

I studied naval architecture and marine engineering at the Yildiz Technical University, and then Master in Yacht Design in Politecnico di Milano. After finishing the Master in Yacht Design education in 2011 (MYD9) I returned to Turkey and started working in Sirena Marine as a design engineer. I worked in Azimut Yachts projects being produced in Sirena Marine such as Azimut 38 Fly, Azimut 40S, and Magellano 43 project. Afterward, I assumed the role of the project manager of Sirena Yachts series, the first motor yacht brand of Sirena Marine.

Since 2017 I’ve been working in the Sales department of Sirena Marine, and today I’m working as the Sales Manager and I also have a very active role in the product development process of our new projects.

2. What was the role of training, and in particular of the Specializing Master in Yacht Design at the Politecnico di Milano, to get to where you are today?

I can say that when I graduated with my master’s, I wasn’t the same guy I was when I started. Being in Italy, the center of design and Yachting in the World, I have to admit that it added a lot to my knowledge about yachts, my perspective, and my vision of life. As an engineer, studying with architects, designers, and engineers from other disciplines has taught me a lot. Improved my knowledge and manners on design issues, expanded my self-development capacity and perspective. Having that master’s degree is seen as a sign of love and passion for the job in the job interview.

3. An important moment or a memory from your experience at the Specializing Master?

We went to the Azimut shipyard in Viareggio. While waiting there, before starting the shipyard tour, I saw an Azimut magazine. There was the new Magellano 76 project’s render on the cover. Designed by Ken Freivokh. I learned about Ken Freivokh during the master and after that, he was one of my favorite designers. I liked the design and seeing an Azimut boat designed by him on that cover page made me think that; “oh God will I be one day working for a company like this and take a role in a Project like this” Before our final exam and presentation, I’ve received a job offer to work as a design engineer on the new Magellano 43 project.

4. The first word that comes to mind when thinking about the Specializing Master.

Sorry, it will be longer than a Word but I can say that;
“The best 1 year, that changed the course of my life”
If only one word is asked, I can say “longing”

5. What advice would you give to a young person who dreams of becoming a yacht designer / undertaking this training course?

Yacht design is a versatile process and requires knowledge of design, architecture, aesthetics, engineering, and materials. In addition, and most importantly, you need to be following the dynamics of life and you need to be people of taste. You have to work with people from different disciplines and different countries. The city of Milano and Master in Yacht Design in Politecnico di Milano provides you that and opens the Yachting world doors to you, and trains you for that. On the other hand, like me, not everybody has to be a designer who takes this Master. If you have that passion for the sea, and the boats, it will help you to find your way as a proffessional in the Yachting business.