At SETAG, we take pre-owned yachts and elevate them beyond new—through obsessive attention to detail, uncompromising standards, and world-class craftsmanship.

We are currently recruiting for an exceptional Upholsterer to join our growing team of elite craftspeople at our HQ in Plymouth, UK.

With an immediate start available, you will be part of a team that sets the benchmark for quality, precision and innovation in marine refits.

What We’re Looking For

    • Highly skilled Upholsterer with proven experience in high-end or bespoke environments

    • Exceptional attention to detail and genuine pride in craftsmanship

    • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a high-performing team

    • A proactive, “can do” attitude with a relentless pursuit of perfection

    • Experience in marine, automotive, or luxury interiors is a must
Our Team

Our refits are bespoke.
Our standards are absolute.
Our expectations are high.

What We Offer

    • Industry leading salary

    • 25 days holiday

    • The opportunity to learn, develop and refine your craft at the highest level

If you believe your work belongs at the very top of the industry—we want to see it.

Apply Here

Our team are what sets us apart.

We care about our craft and are fiercely proud of our reputation and credibility.

SETAG offers a challenging and rewarding working environment for individuals looking to advance their career. We welcome applications from talented people with a range of backgrounds, experience and qualifications.

If you believe you have the Se “Tag” of approval, please email below with your relevant experience.

[email protected] 

What if you could own a yacht that rivals anything new on the market, at a fraction of the cost, and with significantly less environmental impact? That’s not a compromise. That’s the SETAG approach.

SETAG refits pre-owned luxury yachts so that they are good as – if not better than – new, ensuring they are not only equipped to match any new 80ft+ boat on the market, but also that they are future-proofed for emerging trends in terms of design and technological advancement. The intelligent approach to sustainable yachting.

Why the ocean demands better

The ocean is at the heart of yachting – its beauty, its power, its sense of escape. It draws us back, time and time again. That connection brings with it a quiet responsibility: to preserve what makes these experiences so extraordinary.

Sustainability is no longer an abstract ideal, but a natural extension of life on the water. Choosing to refit rather than build new is a considered decision, one that reduces environmental impact while honouring the integrity of the vessel itself.

It also offers something more: the ability to achieve the standards of a new-build yacht, tailored to your exact vision, with greater efficiency and a more conscious footprint.

Because true luxury doesn’t just experience the ocean, it respects it.

The environmental cost of building a new yacht

Building a new yacht carries a hidden environmental cost – one that begins long before it ever meets the water. From the extraction of raw materials to the energy-intensive production of steel and aluminium, each stage places significant strain on natural resources, as well as on air, water and soil quality.

These materials, while essential to modern yacht construction, rely heavily on non-renewable resources and carbon-heavy processes. The impact extends across the entire supply chain, shaping a footprint that is far greater than what is visible on the surface.

 

Evidence from ongoing studies reinforces this. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) research, including findings published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, shows that a yacht’s environmental impact starts at the earliest stages of material extraction and construction, with manufacturing choices contributing significantly to its overall carbon footprint. Broader maritime LCA studies further suggest that, in some cases, construction alone can account for up to around 40% of a vessel’s total lifecycle emissions.

The smarter choice, refit your boat, don’t replace

For decades, progress has been defined by replacement – the idea that to achieve something better, you must start again. In yachting, that assumption carries a significant environmental cost.

SETAG challenges this with ‘The Third Way’: a more intelligent way to elevate your yacht. By refitting rather than building new, owners reduce demand for raw materials, cut energy-intensive production and minimise impact across the supply chain, while the careful optimisation of on-board systems offers the chance to further reduce ongoing emissions and long-term environmental impact.

It is not a compromise, but a considered choice – one that delivers exceptional standards while recognising that true luxury is defined as much by responsibility as by result.

Reduce, reuse, upcycle

A refit is the ultimate expression of upcycling, achieved without ever compromising on quality. Rather than starting again, SETAG works with what already exists, elevating every element with precision and care.

The hull, the structure, the very foundations of the vessel are preserved and enhanced, not discarded – proving that innovation and sustainability can exist in perfect alignment.

Explore The Third Way

Yacht luxury and sustainability are not a compromise

At SETAG, sustainability is not an afterthought; it is a guiding principle from the very first conversation. Each yacht is reimagined with careful attention to materials, processes and long-term impact.

The result is a refined balance: exceptional craftsmanship delivered with a more responsible approach.

Natural materials, thoughtfully sourced

True luxury is found in the details and in the integrity of the materials themselves. Wherever possible, SETAG prioritises natural, responsibly sourced alternatives that enhance both comfort and wellbeing on board – a more considered approach to sustainable yacht design.

From ethically managed supply chains to the reduction of toxins in finishes and furnishings, every element is carefully considered. Harmful man-made materials are minimised in favour of refined, natural options that maintain the look and feel of uncompromising luxury, while creating a healthier onboard environment.

Refined performance, reduced impact

Sustainability extends beyond materials to how a yacht performs over time. SETAG integrates energy-efficient solutions that reduce consumption, improve onboard efficiency and minimise environmental impact at sea.

This can include intelligent energy management systems that monitor and adapt power usage across the vessel in real time, alongside advanced battery storage technologies that reduce reliance on generators and enable more efficient energy use onboard. Further enhancements may involve upgraded HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems designed for lower energy consumption, as well as sophisticated wastewater treatment solutions that help safeguard marine ecosystems – ensuring every onboard system contributes to a more sustainable, efficient vessel.

Every solution is carefully considered and selected not only for its performance, but for its ability to support a more responsible way of yachting – without ever compromising on experience.

Discover More About Our Sustainable Aproach

No compromise on luxury

With SETAG, there is no need to compromise the luxury finish of your yacht to protect our planet. We think differently with design and manufacturing – a sustainable, cost-effective way forward without affecting quality.

Our Sustainable Approach

Your yacht should reflect not only your vision, but your values.

Discover how SETAG’s Third Way can redefine what’s possible, with less impact and no compromise. If you’re interested in understanding more, the process is simple: you can work directly with one of our designers to realise your own bespoke vision to create your personalised yacht.

Contact Us

Wednesday 29th April – Saturday 2nd May 2026

Join us at stand F-20 for the second time at the Palma International Boat Show 2026, held from 29th April – 2nd May 2026.

Our expert team will be on hand to guide you through our refit options either in Denia, Spain or our HQ in Plymouth, UK. With years of industry knowledge and a passion for yachting, we’re here to help you create your bespoke yacht, with the best in the business.

Whether you’re considering a transformation or simply want to meet our team, we’d love to see you there.

On Display – Princess V78

SETAG will be showcasing the Princess V78 (2012), recently completed at our Denia facility. This vessel has undergone a full-scale refit – stripped back beyond its original structure and rebuilt to superyacht standards. Highlights include a Sleipner stabiliser fin system for exceptional stability and a fully refreshed interior and exterior.

Come see how SETAG transforms a classic yacht into a modern masterpiece – truly not just skin deep.

Princess V78 at SETAG's Denia Facility

Book an Appointment

During the show, Chris Gates, CEO of SETAG Yachts, alongside his expert team, will be available for dedicated appointments to discuss the start of your bespoke Design & Refit journey. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with industry-leading specialists and discover how SETAG can elevate your yacht to new heights of luxury, while delivering exceptional value for money.

Schedule An Appointment
Chris Gates 1

The Show

The show brings together some of the world’s finest luxury yachts, offering something for everyone, no matter where you are on your yachting journey. It’s more than just an exhibition – it’s a celebration of the yachting lifestyle. Wander along the waterfront, take in the beauty of exquisite vessels and soak up the lively atmosphere of this premier event. Whether you’re an experienced yacht owner or simply eager to explore, there’s no better place to dive into the world of luxury yachting.

Discover more about the show

Introduction:

In 2026, yacht interior design is evolving with a greater sense of clarity and purpose. The industry is moving beyond aesthetics alone, embracing a more thoughtful balance between beauty, functionality and responsibility. Owners are increasingly seeking spaces that feel authentic to them – environments that reflect how they truly live on board rather than simply showcasing design statements that are trend-led.

This shift is not about abandoning luxury, but about refining it. Craftsmanship, materiality and spatial planning remain as meticulous as ever; however, there is now a stronger emphasis on how an interior performs over time. Longevity, adaptability and understated confidence are becoming markers of exceptional design. Together, these factors are reshaping expectations within the yachting industry, encouraging a more thoughtful approach to design rather than over excess.

Luxury yacht design in 2026 is defined by intention. Beyond visual impact, the most compelling interiors are those shaped by thoughtful material choices, intuitive comfort and a clear sense of identity. At SETAG Yachts, this philosophy underpins every project – creating spaces that feel quietly confident, deeply personal and designed to endure.

Written with Sarah Luck, Design Director at SETAG, this article explores the interior design themes shaping the year ahead. Drawing on extensive experience delivering bespoke yacht interiors, Sarah reflects on how sustainability has become an essential design discipline, how technology is increasingly invisible yet transformative, and how personal expression is redefining modern luxury on board.

Rather than dramatic shifts in style – the trends of 2026 are less about introducing something entirely new and more about refining what already works and a refinement of priorities. Sustainability is integrated as standard practice, technology is expected to be seamless and only added where it genuinely improves daily life on board, and personalisation is approached with greater depth and meaning.  The result is more resolved – spaces that are not only visually compelling, but value quality, are instinctively comfortable and designed to stand the test of time.

Sustainable Yachting

At SETAG, sustainability has long been embedded in our specification process rather than treated as an optional add-on. We believe it is the responsibility of designers and specifiers to explore the environmental impact of the products they choose as a matter of course, regardless of whether sustainability is a primary concern for the client or end user. In 2026, this mindset is no longer progressive – it is simply good practice. Sustainable thinking has moved firmly into the mainstream and should be integral to every stage of design decision-making.

We work closely with several manufacturers whose products successfully marry environmental responsibility with true luxury. One of the materials we specify most frequently is Luna, a carpet by Rols. Available in a wide range of colourways, Luna is produced using regenerated nylon derived from discarded fishing nets recovered from the ocean. Despite its sustainable origins, the finished appearance is refined and tactile, with a look and feel similar to silk or Tencel – making it ideally suited to luxurious yacht interiors that feel as good ethically as they do aesthetically.

Another long-standing favourite within our material palette is Siminetti mosaic. Siminetti produce exceptional mother-of-pearl panels and sheet mosaics, ranging from understated contemporary designs to highly intricate, bespoke artworks. All are crafted from responsibly sourced freshwater and saltwater pearl. Their freshwater pearl is derived from shells grown for the natural pearl industry, with the shells themselves being a by-product that Siminetti source directly from farms in Asia. Their saltwater pearl is supplied by Pacific communities who depend on sustainable relationships with the ocean lagoons in which pearls are farmed or harvested as a food source. All harvesting is carried out in line with local government fishery regulations, with ongoing communication ensuring transparency, accountability and long-term supervision.

For us, working with suppliers who are confident in – and accountable for – their sustainability credentials is non-negotiable. Conscious products do not need to conform to a particular aesthetic; they can be refined, tactile, expressive and uncompromising in their beauty. Finding that balance between responsibility and luxury is something we actively seek out in every project.

This shift has also encouraged greater transparency across the supply chain, allowing designers and clients alike to make more informed, responsible decisions without compromising on quality or performance.

Learn more

Personalised Yacht Interior Design

Personalisation and individual expression continue to shape interior design, and this movement has only strengthened as clients seek spaces that feel deeply personal rather than trend led. Incorporating vintage pieces, heirlooms and objects with history brings depth, authenticity and emotional resonance to an interior, helping to ensure its longevity and timelessness.

By way of example, Sarah’s own home features furniture and vintage lighting that once belonged to grandparents – and even great-grandparents. By weaving these pieces into a contemporary interior scheme, the result is a space that feels both rooted and relevant, layered with meaning rather than dictated by fleeting trends. This approach translates beautifully to yacht interiors, where considered personal touches can elevate a space from impressive to truly memorable.

On board a yacht where spaces are inherently curated, this approach ensures interiors feel lived-in rather than staged, with character that deepens over time rather than dating.

Yacht Comfort & Technology

True luxury is, at its core, about comfort. While material choices such as upholstery fillings and mattress construction are fundamental, comfort is also shaped by layout, circulation, sightline and proximity to amenities and entertainment. When these elements are carefully considered together, the result is an environment that feels intuitive, relaxed and effortlessly luxurious.

In yacht design especially, where spatial efficiency is paramount, this careful planning plays a vital role in ensuring spaces feel generous, calm and easy to inhabit.

Historically, many of the technologies designed to make life easier have been visually intrusive. In 2026, the ultimate expression of luxury lies in seamless, almost invisible integration. On several recent projects, we have installed wireless charging plates concealed beneath leather-wrapped countertops and work surfaces. Positioned intuitively – a side table by a patio door, a bedside table – devices begin charging without conscious effort. When a guest realised their phone is fully charged simply because it was placed down naturally, the experience feels both effortless and quietly impressive. It is these subtle, considered details that significantly elevate everyday luxury. The most successful integrations are those that quietly anticipate needs, creating moments of ease that feel natural rather than engineered.

We have also seen a continued rise in fully integrated smart systems, whether controlled via tablets, smartphones or voice automation. Lighting, climate control, entertainment systems and appliances can all be managed intuitively and remotely – technology that is now equally at home on board a yacht, as it is in a private residence. When thoughtfully specified, these systems enhance comfort without ever dominating the visual language of the interior.

Colour Palette

Over the past two to three years, interior design has seen a clear move towards warmer, more grounded palettes, and this evolution continues into 2026. Earthy tones, tactile materials and natural finishes remain central, but with a more refined, pared-back approach. We are increasingly drawn to confident blocks of colour combined with warm timbers such as honey oak and walnut, both of which remain highly popular within the yachting industry.

These palettes are intentionally versatile, allowing interiors to evolve through soft furnishings, artwork and personal objects rather than requiring a whole redesign in years to come.

The 2026 palette builds on these foundations, pairing earthy hues and natural textures with fresh whites and soft off-whites. Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer, is a warm, neutral off-white that works effortlessly across a wide range of schemes. It allows richer colours and materials to take centre stage while contributing its own sense of lightness and modernity. This balance – a minimal, contemporary take on an earthy palette – is a defining characteristic of current design trends and one we expect to see endure well beyond the year ahead.

*Image from Pantone

Summary

As we look ahead, yacht design in 2026 is defined less by overt statements and more by considered choices. Sustainability is no longer a feature to highlight, but a responsibility embedded within the design process. Comfort is approached holistically, shaped as much by layout and flow as by material selection. Technology, once a visual distraction, is now seamlessly integrated to enhance everyday life on board without demanding attention.

As we look ahead, yacht design in 2026 is defined less by overt statements and more by considered choices. Sustainability is no longer a feature to highlight, but a responsibility embedded within the design process. Comfort is approached holistically, shaped as much by layout and flow as by material selection. Technology, once a visual distraction, is now seamlessly integrated to enhance everyday life on board without demanding attention.

 

At SETAG, our focus remains on designing interiors that balance responsibility with refinement, innovation with longevity. By approaching yacht design with intention, clarity and craftsmanship, we continue to create spaces that feel timeless, intuitive and distinctly personal – both now and in the years to come.

Our commitment to craftsmanship underpins every refit, delivering transformations of exceptional quality that strengthen a yacht’s longevity and overall value. Each project results in a bespoke interior designed to be lived in, enjoyed and appreciated for years to come.

For those considering a bespoke yacht refit, please contact us to discuss availability or to arrange a dedicated design consultation on board.

Contact

With SETAG, you can make a huge difference when you buy something secondhand, maybe a bit tired and then you put all of this beauty in it and you create what effectively is a brand new boat. Completely to your own liking, your own standard...creating the perfect boat for us.
Delighted SETAG customer - Squadron 42 owner
Brilliant concept...new boat look and feel at pre-owned prices - by the industry experts. Recycling at its best!
Briony Newington - Founding Partner, Fairline Yachts.
The great thing is, none of this is off the shelf - I love this boat and now she’s got her frock on...this is the best money I've spent.
Delighted SETAG customer - Princess 61 owner
If you want to redefine, refit and remaster your boat who better to do it than the people who designed it in the first place? "What a fantastic idea!"
Miles Morehouse – Marketing Director, Fairline
We cannot recommend the SETAG team highly enough. If you love your current boat, then for a fraction of the cost to change it, have it SETAG’d. The SY branding certainly helped us obtain a premium price. We got what we paid for her in 2017 plus what we spent with you!
Delighted SETAG customer - Targa 50GT owner
I have worked with Chris for over 30 years and I’m pleased to see him develop his own brand - along with likeminded people with industry-leading expertise. The future is bright for Setag Yachts and pre-owned yacht owners, who can now refurbish their vessels to today’s - or even tomorrow's standards.
David King - Founder, Princess Yachts.
That has been one of the key selling points for us – having that personalised service and having a boat that is unique to us – is standout in its own right. We are pretty blown away…very very pleased. I think it’s fabulous…it has transformed the boat.
Delighted SETAG customer - Targa 47 owner
The perfect way to open up a new market: the "true reflection of luxury". Setag gets it: simplicity and personalisation are key – with the depth of knowledge to deliver.
James Barke – Managing Director of Boats.co.uk
Setag are probably the only company who can carry out all the tasks as a ‘one stop shop’. Other yards were reluctant to price work and needed to subcontract many tasks meaning higher costs and longer lead times. If you are in any doubt speak to Chris and his team, they know boats like no one else.
Delighted SETAG customer - Princess 460 Owner
We have been waiting for this quality of service: a comprehensive, professional refit that we can rely on – because of the pedigree of its staff, with over 200 years' experience in our market.
Christopher Head – Group Sales Director for Sunseeker London Group
You have put Princess magic into our beloved Broom.
Delighted SETAG customer - Broom 370 owner
Never have I come across a more able collection of professionals in this market. We have complete trust in Setag, since its team has been in the business for as long as we can remember. We're very excited to welcome this specialist refit company into our portfolio.
Colin Capewell - Managing Director of Princess Motor Yacht Sales

Testimonials

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