Designer Claudette K. Bonville died on July 16, 2019 after a battle with cancer. She was 66.
Bonville was an award-winning designer of yacht interiors who started out designing hotels, resorts and cruise ships, but eventually moved to the superyacht industry. Her first project was the 121-ft. Lady Anna, a sportfishing yacht built in 1991. Other projects included the 180-ft. Newcastle Sovereign (ex-Harbour Island); 167-ft. Feadship Amanti (ex-Dream); 164-ft. Westport Trending (ex-Vango); 164-ft. Delta Victoria del Mar (ex-Happy Days); 142-ft Royal Denship BACA (ex-Triple 8); and 170-ft Amels Nita K II (ex-Marjorie Morningstar).
Her recent work included the extensive refit of the 182-ft. Feadship Cynthia (ex-Twizzle) which won the 2019 International Yacht & Aviation Award for Best Deck Design from Design et al. The firm completed work on the refit of the 180-ft. Trinity charter yacht Unbridled as well as the 122-ft. Delta charter yacht Wonderland (ex-Time For Us).
“She was noted for her innate ability to execute the most suitable design and décor for an owner’s lifestyle,” read a press release sent out by her colleagues at Claudette Bonville Associates.
Bonville’s design team included Cindy Gunther, who joined CBA in 2002, and Claudette’s daughter, Lauren Bonville, who joined the company in 2009.
Bonville received multiple Boys & Girls Clubs 100 Outstanding Woman of Broward County honors for her work with her favorite charitable organization. In March 2019, Bonville was recognized by The South Florida Business Journal as a 2019 Influential Business Women Honoree.
Bonville is survived by her husband of 39 years, Michael, son Chase, daughters Lauren and Bridget, and three grandchildren. In her absence, Lauren Bonville and Cindy Gunther have partnered to launch Bonville Associates. A celebration of her life and work is being planned for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
