ONBOARD talks to Mark Pascoe about the future of superyacht tender design and how Falcon Tenders is striving to deliver luxury vessels whilst embracing sustainable practices and materials together with integrating AI into the design and production phases
Falcon Tenders Limited is a premier manufacturer of bespoke superyacht tenders, renowned for craftsmanship, innovation and luxury. Based in Southampton, UK, Falcon Tenders specialises in high-performance limousine, open sports and beach-landing tenders tailored to complement the world’s finest yachts.
With a reputation for producing highly customised vessels that blend cutting-edge technology with timeless elegance, the company has firmly established itself as a leader in the industry.
Background and achievements Established in 2019, Falcon Tenders has rapidly gained industry recognition for its excellence in design and craftsmanship. The company has earned prestigious accolades, including New Yacht Builder of the Year 2021, Most Innovative Superyacht Tenders Manufacturer from 2021 to 2024, and Best Custom Yacht Tender Builders from 2023 to 2025. These awards highlight Falcon Tenders’ relentless pursuit of excellence and its ability to push the boundaries of yacht tender manufacturing.
In addition to its accolades, Falcon Tenders has been recognised in international award ceremonies for its innovative designs. The company was a finalist in the 2023 Boat International Design & Innovation Awards with the projects “Miss Wonderly” and “Miss Leblanc.” These tenders showcased Falcon’s signature blend of aesthetic refinement and advanced engineering. Another milestone achievement came in 2024, when the company won the World Yacht & Aviation Awards for the “Gladius Project,” demonstrating its ability to integrate high-performance capabilities with luxurious detailing. Most notably, 2025 saw the crowning achievement of “Project KD”, which was awarded Tender of the Year and received the esteemed Minerva Trophy, further cementing Falcon Tenders’ standing as a dominant force in the superyacht tender industry.
Design philosophy
Falcon Tenders collaborates with some of the most renowned designers in the industry, including Michael Leach, Uros Pavasovic and Tim Heywood, to create fully customised vessels that embody both technical precision and artistic
vision. By working closely with these design powerhouses, Falcon ensures that every tender it produces is not just a functional vessel but a masterpiece in its own right. Whether it is an elegant limousine tender for transporting guests in utmost comfort, an open dayboat for thrilling excursions, or a crewed owner launch designed for seamless beach landings, Falcon Tenders brings sophistication and performance together.
A key example of Falcon’s commitment to innovation is the Falcon Shuttle concept, which was developed in partnership with GreenJoy Studio. This bespoke catamaran tender is designed to transport vehicles between a superyacht and shore, catering to yacht owners who require a seamless transition from sea to land. This forward-thinking approach highlights Falcon Tenders’ dedication to redefining luxury yachting by offering tailored solutions that go beyond conventional expectations.
Collaboration and craftsmanship
The success of Falcon Tenders is driven by the seamless collaboration between designers, engineers and skilled craftsmen. Every project begins with an in-depth consultation process involving yacht owners and shipyards to ensure that each tender meets the exacting standards and unique preferences of its client. This client- centric approach ensures that no two Falcon Tenders are alike; each vessel is designed to reflect the personality and lifestyle of its owner while maintaining the highest levels of performance and reliability.
Once the design is conceptualised, Falcon’s engineering team meticulously refines every aspect of the vessel to optimise weight distribution, speed and structural integrity. One of the company’s most noteworthy advancements in recent years has been the development of a cutting-edge carbon fibre roof, created in collaboration with Dash-CAE. This innovative roof structure is 75% lighter than conventional designs, significantly enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency. The use of advanced materials, originally developed for Formula 1 and aerospace applications, further reinforces Falcon Tenders’ reputation for precision engineering and lightweight construction.
Beyond structural innovation, Falcon Tenders is also pioneering new propulsion solutions. The company actively researches hybrid and fully electric powertrains to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the exceptional performance expected by yacht owners. Additionally, Falcon Tenders is at the forefront of exploring hydrogen-powered propulsion systems, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable maritime engineering.
Sustainability and advanced materials
Sustainability has become a core focus for Falcon Tenders, as the company continuously seeks to integrate environmentally responsible practices into its yacht tender production. One of the key ways it achieves this is by utilising plant-based epoxy resins, significantly reducing reliance on petroleum-based materials. By employing lightweight foam sandwich construction, Falcon enhances both efficiency and durability while minimising waste.
The company is also dedicated to responsible sourcing, particularly when it comes to decking materials. Natural teak, known for its durability and timeless aesthetic appeal, is sourced from sustainable forests to ensure minimal environmental impact. Beyond the exterior, the interior spaces of Falcon’s tenders are designed with sustainability in mind. Upholstery and interior elements incorporate hand-tufted carpets, Italian marble and sustainably sourced fine wood veneers. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that luxury is never compromised while promoting eco-conscious craftsmanship.
Falcon Tenders is also investing in the development of green propulsion systems, exploring the potential of hydrogen fuel cells, battery-electric powertrains and hybrid solutions to meet the evolving demands of environmentally conscious yacht owners. By continuously refining its approach to sustainability, Falcon Tenders reinforces its position as an industry leader committed to responsible luxury.
Challenges and AI integration
The world of superyacht tenders presents unique challenges that require a delicate balance between tradition and innovation. One of the biggest challenges Falcon Tenders faces is integrating advanced propulsion systems and lightweight materials without disrupting the timeless elegance expected by yacht owners. To maintain structural integrity, engineers must meticulously design each component, ensuring that high-performance materials such as carbon fibre not only enhance performance but also meet rigorous safety and durability standards.
Another challenge is aligning sustainability goals with luxury expectations. Yacht owners demand the highest quality materials, finishes and performance, which requires continuous research into eco-friendly alternatives that do not compromise on aesthetics or functionality. Falcon Tenders is committed to overcoming these challenges by staying at the forefront of material science and engineering.
Looking toward the future, AI is expected to play an increasingly important role in yacht tender design and manufacturing. AI-driven generative design tools can analyse vast amounts of data to optimise structural components, leading to lighter and more efficient vessels. Predictive maintenance systems powered by AI will also enhance reliability by identifying potential issues before they become critical. Additionally, AI integration in supply chain management can streamline production, ensuring that Falcon Tenders continues to deliver world-class, bespoke creations with efficiency and precision.
Future projects
Falcon Tenders continues to set new benchmarks in the industry with its groundbreaking projects. In early 2024, the company delivered a pair of custom 10-metre tenders – one open and one fully enclosed limousine – for a newly refitted 87-meter Lürssen motor yacht. These tenders, crafted with sustainable materials, demonstrate Falcon’s ability to merge speed, elegance and eco-consciousness, achieving remarkable speeds of up to 40 knots.
Another highlight is the 9.75-metre limousine tender commissioned for the 64-metre Sanlorenzo yacht, Project KD. Delivered in April 2024, this tender is a masterpiece of design, featuring innovative exterior laser lighting and a meticulously curated interior with cream leather upholstery and custom macassar ebony veneered bulkheads. This level of customisation reflects Falcon Tenders’ commitment to delivering a truly personalised luxury experience.
The company is also preparing to unveil a 10-metre fully enclosed limousine tender, designed entirely in-house, at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show. This upcoming model is expected to set new industry standards, embodying Falcon’s ethos of innovation, sustainability and uncompromising luxury.
Under the visionary leadership of founder Mark Pascoe, Falcon Tenders continues to redefine luxury yacht tenders through cutting- edge innovation, masterful craftsmanship and sustainable engineering. With an unwavering dedication to precision and groundbreaking design, the company remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering bespoke solutions that exceed the expectations of the world’s most discerning yacht owners.
As Falcon Tenders looks ahead to the future, its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible ensures that its legacy of excellence will only continue to grow, together with embracing sustainable practices and pioneering designs to deliver unique vessels for the evolving needs of the future yacht owners.
