Germán Frers and his son Mani Frers have launched a new design office focused exclusively on production yachts. This venture aims to enhance collaborations with manufacturers such as Hallberg-Rassy and Nautor Swan. Several projects are already in progress within this framework.
Frers Design Office: A New Chapter in Yacht Design
The new design office formalizes a long-standing collaboration between the Frers family, creating a solid foundation for the continuous development of successful yacht ranges. The yacht design industry demands long-term planning, stylistic coherence, and regular upgrades, all of which this partnership intends to fulfill.
- New design office dedicated to production yachts
- Collaboration with Hallberg-Rassy and Nautor Swan
- Focus on sustainable, long-term yacht development
The Frers Family Legacy
The Frers dynasty began in Buenos Aires in 1925 with Germán Frers Senior, a self-taught engineer and sailor. His studio produced hundreds of racing and cruising yachts in South America. Germán, born in 1941, transformed this workshop into a globally recognized brand.
At just 16, he designed the Mirage, Argentina’s first fiberglass racing yacht. In 1965, he joined the prestigious Sparkman & Stephens studio in New York. This experience profoundly influenced his approach to yacht design.
Innovations and Milestones
Returning to Argentina in 1970, Germán Frers focused on his family studio. His first major success was Matrero, showcased at the 1971 Admiral’s Cup. Since then, he has designed over 1,300 yachts, including pure racers and bluewater cruisers.
Frers is well-known for his collaboration with Hallberg-Rassy, beginning in the 1980s. His designs have advanced models like the 42F, 45, and 53, known for their comfort and performance. Many Hallberg-Rassy yachts designed by Frers have sailed around the world, enhancing his reputation in the bluewater cruiser sector.
His partnership with Nautor Swan began in 1983 with the Swan 51, marking a shift toward faster and more powerful performance cruisers.
Mani Frers: The Technological Heir
Mani Frers, the third generation of the family, has honed his skills in naval engineering and computational fluid dynamics. He has worked on remarkable projects, such as Luna Rossa for the America’s Cup and various custom superyachts.
- Projects include the Wally 77 and the ocean racer Amer Sports One
- Focus on innovative designs, blending technology with tradition
Future Direction and Projects
The new partnership aims to create a coherent family of production yacht models, ranging from entry-level to bluewater options. It is designed to evolve over time, allowing for model updates and refits without sacrificing identity.
The Frers team is currently engaged in preliminary studies for new models. Their focus is on creating a balance in steering, inspiring confidence and combining performance with comfort.
This collaboration promises future production yachts that maintain the Frers legacy of speed and style, known for excellence in yacht design for three generations.
