Specialized naval architectural courses are available, but many only touch on yacht design, most being oriented towards ships and machinery. We also recommend being involved in a sailboat building project. This type of hands-on experience is great for learning and understanding the art of yacht design from the boat builder's perspective.
Competitive sailing is the proving ground for the competitive naval architect.
Get a feel for what makes a boat fast. Good big boat sailors learned in, and most continue to sail in, dinghies. You may wish to check the links below for some educational resources. I hope you find this information helpful and wish you success in the pursuit of your career goals. Russell Bowler , Vice President Farr Yacht Design, Ltd. does not endorse any of the educational programs listed below.