The revered Monaco-based marine architect and designer opens up about his life on the Riviera.
In the superyacht industry, it’s hard to find a name more synonymous with style and quality design than Espen Øino. Known as the “dream-maker” of the yachting world, the Norway-born, Monaco-based naval architect is behind many of the world’s largest and most iconic superyachts.
Øino started drawing boats when he was four years old and founded his eponymous brand in 1994. He now has a thriving studio in Monaco with a strong team of architects, designers and engineers who have collectively worked on nearly 70 superyachts; Dilbar (156 m), Octopus (126 m) and Whisper (95 m), are just a few of the largest, but Øino’s list is arguably the most impressive among contemporary yacht designers.
The architect’s contribution to the industry goes beyond yacht design. He’s recently penned an exclusive seating collection for high-end furniture maker Paola Lenti, and he regularly lends his voice and expertise to important causes and initiatives in his roles as founding member of Monaco Capital of Advanced Yachting and Cluster Yachting Monaco, and a partner of the Water Revolution Foundation.
At the studio’s slick waterfront Monaco office overlooking Port Hercules, we speak to Øino to discover a little more about the everyday life and passions of the man behind the pen.
How do you start your day?
I don’t eat breakfast; I have a coffee with my wife at home if she’s there. Otherwise, I come to the office early—around 7.30/8.00am—and I have a coffee there and start working with my PA.
What items do you keep on your desk?
I have a Norwegian troll sitting on my desk with a big salmon is his hands to remind me of my Norwegian origins. I also have a Norwegian flag and have a nice picture of powder skiing which I look at a lot as it reminds me of my other big pleasure in life, skiing.
If you were to design a yacht for yourself, what would it look like?
I’ve done it. The yacht is very simple and in many ways is the antithesis of the many large and complex yachts we do here. I was trying to create a boat that is as reliable as an old Land Rover Defender car I have in the mountains. My family felt that the only appropriate name for it would be “Bruttino” because they didn’t think it was very beautiful, but it has a lot of soul and character, just like a Defender.
When designing yachts, do you sketch by hand or use digital tools?
The two can be combined. I sketch a lot by hand in my paper books, which I always travel with and use in every meeting, but I also use my iPad for sketching and colouring. It’s very efficient and convenient, especially while travelling.
What constitutes luxury to you?
Time and peace. Every time I go on an international flight, I never connect my phone to Wi-Fi to allow myself time offline. Having no people calling you for 10-12 hours is, for me, a real luxury. At the office, I have an open-door policy, so having some time to myself is a luxury.
What items do you love to collect?
I have a nice watch collection. When you design and build boats, you often get a present from the owners when it’s finished, and often it’s a watch. I didn’t start off being particularly interested in watches, but I’ve developed a passion for it over time.
How do you like to relax?
The only time I really switch off is when I’m at the helm of my boat. You have to be aware of what’s going on around you, particularly when you’re driving fast, so I relax doing that, funnily enough. The same goes when you’re skiing. It’s fast and you have to be alert, but I relax doing that and just enjoy the moment.
What’s your perfect summer destination?
Capri, which I really love for many reasons. It’s a very old island with a lot of history and soul. It feels like you’re going back in time 50-60 years to the La Dolce Vita period. I love the way they treasure good food and good produce. It’s a pretty slow life with a lot of walking, which works for me.
Where are your favourite places to go out in Monaco?
I think the Larvotto with the new beach and all the restaurants is fantastic. I often go to La Rose des Vents, Flavio Briatore’s restaurant, for lunch. Even in November, it’s beautiful to sit there on the beach as if it was summer in Scandinavia. For dinner, I think Amazonico has been a big hit this summer. I still rate MayaBay, which is across the street from where I live, as one of the top restaurants in Monaco. Cipriani is, of course, a classic. They make you feel at home, and they have the best ice-cream in Monaco.
When travelling, what’s your favourite hotel?
It depends where you go. I’ve just come back from La Mamounia in Marrakesh, which is a classic, but the service is fantastic. Recently, I was in London at The Emory hotel, which was fantastic. It’s right by Hyde Park and you look out of the windows across the top of the trees. It has a very good restaurant—probably the best burger I ever had in my life—and very good service.
Who do you admire most, and why?
It probably would be appropriate to say my father, who passed away very recently. He instilled in all three of us—my two brothers and myself—good core values for life in general. We all live by the Scandinavian core values: work hard; do what you like to do in life, not what you think you should do; and always try to give as much time as you can to others.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
It is as important to know what you don’t know as it is to know what you do know. So, to be able to draw a clear line when you are out of your comfort zone, so that people understand that this is not your field, and they should talk to somebody else. People should do that, particularly in our industry.
