Why Knot

Why Knot is a dynamic sailing team made up of young talented racers who compete in both national and international regattas. United by their speed, strength, and adventurous spirit, the team approached STRAAT Agency with a unique request: to transform the hull of their MaxFun 25 sailboat into a bold, moving artwork that would represent their identity on water and on land.

Their goal was to commission a bespoke visual design that incorporated their personality , their team name, and their ethos. The design needed to make a statement — whether cutting through waves during a race or catching eyes on the highway while being trailered to the next competition.

To meet the creative challenge, STRAAT Agency invited Saïd Kinos — a Rotterdam-based visual artist known for his powerful blend of typography, symbolism, and abstract graphic patterns. With roots in graffiti and a background in graphic design, Kinos is an expert in creating layered, high-energy compositions that capture the complexity of modern communication. His bold, rhythmic, and expressive style perfectly captured the spirit of the Why Knot team.

Working closely with the team, Saïd Kinos developed bespoke designs for the boat’s nearly 8-metre hull. The design features dynamic, fragmented shapes that echo the motion and chaos of competitive sailing. Using black and blue as the base, he introduced vibrant accent colours and a layered typographic structure that gives the boat a sense of speed, direction, and energy — even when standing still. 

The Why Knot name was seamlessly integrated into the design, becoming part of the visual rhythm rather than a static emblem. The final result is a bold, modern racing vessel that feels as fast visually as it is physically. 

For the team, the boat has become more than a racing tool — it’s now a moving work of art that represents who they are: young, adventurous, and ready to take on the world. 

This collaboration shows how contemporary art can live beyond the gallery — on the water, in competition, and on the road — turning sport into spectacle.

“For us, sailing is about more than speed — it’s about making a statement. Our name, Why Knot, says it all: a playful twist on ‘Why Not’ that reflects our belief that no challenge is too big and no idea too bold. We thrive on asking ourselves, ‘Why not take it on?’ and then going full sail ahead. We wanted our boat to carry that same fearless energy in her appearance, and working with STRAAT Agency and Saïd Kinos gave us exactly that — a design as bold and dynamic as our racing style. Now, whether we’re flying downwind in a regatta or towing her to the next adventure, the Why Knot spirit is impossible to miss.”

Bryan Lesage Captain of WhyKnot

Partner
Wiebe de Witte, Nautical Repair Service

Want to know more? Click here for information about our project with Altera.