superyacht awards

World Superyacht Awards 2021 – The winners and the reasons why

After another year packed with new-builds hitting the water for the first time, yacht charters reaching new heights, and old designs refitting their way to the future, this year’s World Superyacht Awards has officially been wrapped up! 

As 2021 kicked off, the world at large, as well as the yachting industry, had started to see the slight shimmer of light at the end of a COVID-19 infected tunnel, with hope that we would soon again be able to attend the numerous shows, events and destinations this industry had to offer. To feel the breeze of the ocean, and appreciate all the magnificent yachts out there.

Fast-forwarding to September 5th, zooming in on the Monte Carlo Sporting located in the heart of Monaco, we could finally taste that sense of excitement again, that appreciation of seeing the world of yachting for what it really is; grand, breath-taking, luxurious, and far away from any Zoom meeting. 

Here’s a recap of all the winners of the 2021 World Superyacht Awards. Let’s dive in. 

Motor Yacht of The Year:  Artefact

Length: 80m Builder: Nobiskrug Naval architect: Nobiskrug Exterior design: Gregory C Marshall Naval Architects Interior design: Reymond Langton Design

First things first, this category is considered the Crème de la Crème at the Superyacht Awards as it’s only open to winners to the winners of each motor yacht class covering displacement, semi-displacement and planing vessels. 

There’s a common pattern for this award as the eyes of the judges tend to lean towards the bigger yachts, who are designed and built with a bigger budget, when deciding the winner. However, this year we saw a greater number of smaller yachts taking a swing for the big prize, as their technology and design has shown capabilities to enter the ring with some of the bigger ones in the opposite corner. 

Although this award is a holistic one that considers every aspect of each yacht, from appearance to build quality and technology, which is why the judges finally came to an almost unanimous decision to prize the 80-metre Nobiskrug yacht Artefact as the Motor Yacht of the Year.

In addition to the credits already given to this yacht as the winner of the second largest displacement class, this award will highlight the extraordinary levels of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and attention to environmental and technical considerations that went into her design and construction.

The success of a custom-built yacht depends on many factors, including good teamwork between the yard and many outside parties. Above all, it requires an owner who is knowledgeable and able to see the process towards the fulfilment of their desires, and in this respect, the build of Artefact excelled.

Congratulations are in order, to all who were involved in building this remarkable yacht, a worthy winner of this most prestigious award.

Voyager’s Award: V6

Length : 48.5m Builder : Flyghtship

As the world was put on hold for the past two years, the Voyager’s yachts have had a hard time keeping up the same level of production, which is clearly seen in the fact that only three yachts submitted entries for this category. 

Despite this, one build stood out to the judges in particular; V6. 

During the beginning of 2020, the owner of V6 foresaw the coming collapse of most industries and quickly identified the need for what he called an “escape pod”.

With Edmiston’s help, the 48.5m expedition yacht T6 was identified as a suitable vessel and was purchased.

With little time to hand over from the previous crew, and now named V6, she made a transatlantic passage to the Canaries where she was joined by the owner and his family for a brief shakedown cruise, bringing along photography equipment, drones, and scuba equipment. Aboard the vessel, the sailors checked out Gibraltar, the Scilly Isles, Ireland, Scotland’s Western Isles, the Shetlands, and Arctic Norway before entering the Svalbard archipelago lying at 77 degrees North in the Barents Sea. After that, everything was an adventure, from sighting polar bears to hiking the Brasvellbreen ice wall, as well as swimming, paddling, and kite-surfing between icebergs.

Now that’s one hell of a way to spend lockdown, impressing the judges enough to bring home this year’s Voyager’s Award. 

Displacement Motor Yachts 3,000GT and Above: Moonrise

Length: 100m Builder: Feadship Naval architect: Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects Exterior design: Studio De Voogt; Rémi Tessier Interior design: Rémi Tessier

Moonrise is one of the judges’ favourites because of its impressive exterior design with a pleasingly clean line and plenty of attention to detail. The deck areas are equipped with every facility imaginable, including a helicopter landing area on the foredeck, which the owner had not specifically requested. In making this decision, the owner considered that the lack of such facilities might impact the resale price and was immediately justified after Covid-19 restrictions forced him to, ironically, arrive by helicopter.

In terms of the interior, Rémi Tessier created what the judges considered an admirable modern style that incorporated the luxurious touches for which she is known. Because Moonrise is meticulously designed to deliver Feadship’s high quality and low levels of noise and vibration, the judges deemed it worthy of winning this highly competitive category.

Displacement Motor Yachts Between 1,600GT and 2,999GT: Artefact

Length : 80m Builder: Nobiskrug Naval architect : Nobiskrug Exterior design: Gregory C Marshall Naval Architects Interior design: Reymond Langton Design

With a daringly fresh and appealing exterior style, an ingenious interior layout, cutting-edge interior design, excellent build quality, and an environmentally friendly propulsion system, the 80-metre Artefact captured judges’ attention to say the least. They were particularly blown away when they first saw the exterior design of the yacht, designed by Canadian naval architect Greg C Marshall.

Reymond Langton Design created an equally impressive interior, which features a unique window shape and large expanses of glass combined with fine artwork, furniture and murals. 

Displacement Motor Yachts Between 1,000GT and 1,599GT: Alfa

Length : 70.2m Builder : Azimut Benetti Naval architect: Benetti Exterior design: Benetti Interior design: Luxury Projects – Laura Pomponi

The judging of each yacht in this category is divided into six segments covering every aspect of the vessel, including exterior styling, interior and exterior design, quality of construction, layout and technical features, and Alfa has made herself known for her excellence within in the areas of exterior styling and interior design.

The exterior of the yacht was designed by Benetti’s design team, which was also responsible for her naval architecture, which satisfies the client’s desire for elegance and unification with the yacht’s maritime environment.

The hull of the ship sports a tremendously original profile with three strong vertical lines of panoramic windows. The superstructure provides five large and distinct deck areas as well as a beach club on the lower deck to provide cool shade and easy access to the sea.

By using a limited palette of soft, warm colours along with finely crafted wood, stone, leather, and marble, Laura Pomponi’s interior design is modern, uncluttered and highly efficient. The judges were especially taken with the feeling of calm, richness, and connection with one’s surroundings.

The full list of the winner from the 2021 World Superyacht Awards Motor Yachts 

Motor Yacht of The Year – ARTEFACT

Sailing Yacht of The Year – GEIST

Refitted Yachts – BROADWATER

Rebuilt Yachts – ISTROS

Sailing Yachts – GEIST

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Round Up

Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts 30m to 39.9m – SX112

Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts 40m and Above – CLUB M

Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and Below, 30m to 39.9m – AURELIA

Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and Below, 40m and Above – REBECA

Displacement Motor Yachts, 500GT to 999GT – BLUE II

Displacement Motor Yachts, 1,000GT to 1,599GT – ALFA

Displacement Motor Yachts, 1,600GT to 2,999GT – ARTEFACT

Displacement Motor Yachts, 3,000GT and Above – MOONRISE

Voyager’s Award – V6

Judge’s Special Award

Displacement Motor Yachts, 1,600GT to 2,999GT – LA DATCHA

Judge’s Commendation Winners

Sailing Yachts – CEFEA

Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and Below, 30m to 39.9m – K-584

Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and Below, 40m and Below – AMARE II

Displacement Motor Yachts, 3,000GT and Above – LUMINOSITY

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2021 Monaco Yacht show superyacht awards

Superyacht awards

•  MYS SUPERYACHT AWARDS CEREMONY

[CAROUSEL_SLIDER_2X_4COL id="12"]

The MYS Superyacht Awards distinguish a selection of new superyachts over 40m long and exhibited in world premiere by their builder at the 2021 MYS.

MYS/RINA ​​​​​​​SUPERYACHT AWard

Rewards the superyacht whose design, construction or operational management features eco-responsible solutions aiming at minimizing her environmental footprint.​​​​​​​

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN MYS superyacht AWARD

Is given to the superyacht, which design and bespoke work made on the interior areas enhance an exceptional quality of comfort, features and aesthetics.

BEST EXTERIOR DESIGN MYS superyacht award

Honors the superyacht which exterior design is the most innovative and refined.

award for the mys FINEST NEW SUPERYACHT

Rewards the most outstanding superyacht exhibited at the show according to the highest standards in naval engineering, design, living space fittings, technological performance or eco-responsible solutions.

winners 2019

Monaco yacht show superyacht awards.

The Monaco Yacht Show Superyacht Awards put the best superyachts exhibited at the MYS in the spotlight. The ceremony brings together major players in the international luxury yachting industry. Directors of prestigious shipyards, yacht designers, yacht owners and their agents, and directors of luxury brands all attend the evening. The MYS Superyacht Awards have been organised by the Monaco Yacht Show since 2014 on the eve of the show and honour large superyachts delivered during the year in the following categories: - MYS/RINA Superyacht Award - Best Interior Design Superyacht Award - Best Exterior Design Superyacht Award - Award for the Finest New Superyacht at the MYS The titles celebrate the excellence of the builders of the superyachts that are launched onto the world stageeach year at the Monaco Yacht Show. They are awarded by a jury of recognised experts from the world of yachting.  The 7 th Monaco Yacht Show Superyacht Awards will be held in September 2021 at the Yacht Club of Monaco. Attendance exclusively on personal invitation.

World Superyacht Awards nominees announced

After receiving a massive amount of nominations, Boat International Media’s expert team of editors have refined the nominees to an impressive list of World Superyacht Award finalists who now stand in contention to receive a renowned Neptune trophy. Over the next few weeks the judges will be personally visiting the contenders, with at least one judge inspecting each vessel, to inspect the details and quality the yachts. Not only does the physical inspection come into play, however. When the judges convene at the YCCS Virgin Gorda Clubhouse on the first day of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous, the jury will take into consideration comprehensive dossiers, including photographs and statements from the yacht owners, builders, and designers of each of the finalists along with the inspecting judges’ testimonies. The results of their deliberations will remain secret until May 4th where they will reveal this year’s winners at Çırağan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul, which is a former Ottoman palace bordering the Bosphorus, at the ceremonial dinner.

Combining a glittering awards ceremony with a gala dinner and dance, the Awards – dubbed the “Oscars” of the superyacht world – will be attended by an elite guest list of superyacht owners from around the globe and the most influential players in the superyacht industry. In 2012, the winner of “Motor Yacht of the Year” was the 254′ Feadship “Tango” which was launched in 2011. No surprise, as Feadship yachts are consistently recognized as some of the highest quality custom motor yachts built.

For over 53 years Atlantic Yacht & Ship has been serving the yachting community. Our headquarter sales office is dockside at Harbour Towne Marina in the heart of the yachting capital of the world, Fort Lauderdale, FL. We are official distributors of Sunseeker yachts and our in house  waterside service department  provides official Sunseeker warranty work along with general yacht services. Whether purchasing or marketing a quality vessel, Atlantic Yacht and Ship, Inc. is your one stop resource for the highest quality service and sales in the yachting industry today.

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Boat International World Superyacht Awards returning to Venice in 2024

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Popular news this week, popular news this month, latest news.

• Yacht Charter & Superyacht News >

Written by Rachel Kelly

Luxury yacht publication Boat International have announced that in 2024 the World Superyacht Awards will once again be hosted in Venice. From 3 rd -4 th May the ‘Oscars of the superyacht industry’ will be held in association with The Acquera Club.

Venice | the backdrop for the World Superyacht Awards

Stefano Tositti, founder and CEO of the club commented that he is “delighted to unveil the marvels of Venice” to attendees.

Meanwhile, Boat International Media CEO Toby Moore said, “We are delighted to be returning to the beautiful city of Venice, where the inaugural World Superyacht Awards were hosted in 2006” and continued, “we are looking forward to welcoming owners, leading designers and builders for a spectacular weekend of celebrations.”

The prestigious Neptune statuette

The World Superyacht Awards recognise the most outstanding new superyachts and are judged by a panel of current and former superyacht owners. The best of the best will be lining up to take home a prestigious Neptune trophy. Nominations are open until 31 st December and tickets go on sale soon.

Many of last years winners are now available for charter, so contact us now for a personalised list of award winning superyachts.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Boat International World Superyacht Awards returning to Venice in 2024".

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2024 world yacht trophies awards campaign.

• September 16, 2024

The spectacular Ocean 156 wins ‘Best Innovation’ in the 80′ to 98′ category!

The Ocean 156, an 80-foot luxury yacht, represents a culmination of Sunseeker’s commitment to technical prowess and refinement. This beautiful yacht showcases the finest in advanced materials, new technologies, and a bespoke design that promises a novel boating experience for its owners

The World Yachts Trophies recognizes the best motor yachts launched this year. Sunseeker, alongside Sunseeker London Group, were presented with the trophies during a spectacular awards ceremony that welcomed the world’s leading industry professionals to the bay of Cannes.

SUNSEEKER SPECIFIC FACTS ABOUT THEIR HISTORY AT THE WORLD YACHT TROPHIES

• this is the 4th year in a row Sunseeker has won an award at the World Yacht Trophies
• this is the 7th award Sunseeker has won at the World Yacht Trophies since 2021
• the finalists up against the Ocean 156 this year were the Astondoa Ax8 & Numarine 30XP (this is a big deal because the Numarine 30XP is a WILDLY popular boat that Alex Clarke over at Denison sells a ton of, but our Ocean 156 still came out on top as the award winner)
• The all-new Sunseeker Predator 55 was also nominated as a finalist in the Best Interior Design 13.7-19.5m category.

Previous awards include:

• Superhawk 55 (2023)
• 65 Sport Yacht (2021) Best Exterior Design 18.5-24m
• Ocean 156 (2024) Best Innovation 24-30m
• 88 Yacht (2021) Best Exterior Design 24-30m
• 90 Ocean (2021) Best Layout 24-30m
• Ocean 182 (2023) Best Layout 30-50m – this one is especially impressive as this boat is only 92ft and was competing against 100-150ft boats for best layout.
• 100 Yacht (2022) Best Exterior Design

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• Superyacht Business Awards 2023

The Superyacht Business Awards 2023 , voted the Best by Superyacht Captains & Crew, are awarded to the best businesses in the yachting industry. ACREW’s network of over 15,000 Captain and Crew Members are invited to vote for the superyacht businesses that deserve global recognition for being the best in their field. The Winners and Runners-Up receive the Superyacht Business Awards stamp to showcase their seal of approval from Captains and Crew around the world. ACREW champions these outstanding superyacht businesses through strong social and digital platforms and via media partnerships. Captains and Crew benefit from learning which businesses their peers highly recommend, and the businesses themselves gain an invaluable marketing tool, to support their exponential growth.

View the Finalists of the Superyacht Business Awards 2023

Category: best superyacht marina award, category: best superyacht agent award, category: best superyacht refit yard award, category: best superyacht crew training award, category: best superyacht service provider award, category: best superyacht recruitment agency award, category: best superyacht software award, category: best sustainable superyacht business award award.

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The winners of the World Superyacht Awards 2019

The winners of the World Superyacht Awards 2019 were announced at a glittering ceremony held at historic Old Billingsgate in London on 18 May 2019. Click through or use the links below to see all the winners.

Converted yachts: Dream

Length : 106.5m

Original builder : Halic Shipyard

Refit yard : Olympic Yacht Services

Refit naval architect : Olympic Yacht Services

Refit exterior design : Studio Vafiadis /Olympic Yacht Services

Refit interior design : Ciarmoli Queda Studio

This ambitious project, which converted an aging 93-metre cruise ship into a 106.5-metre dream yacht for an owner with world cruising in mind, presented a significant challenge to the owner’s team, who acted as the builders, the project managers and also as naval architects and engineers. But as the Judges discovered from the documentation and the reports of colleagues who had visited the yacht, the task was completed in a highly successful manner.

At the outset, the hull was stripped to bare steel, the complete superstructure and surplus metal works were removed, and the interior gutted and sandblasted. The 320 tonnes of steel that was removed was replaced with 550 tonnes of new fabrications, including the new superstructure and 112 electrically-operated sliding windows each weighing 500kg. New stabilisers and other heavy engine room equipment were installed before the vessel was faired, painted and relaunched. Following her launch, new pipework was installed, she was rewired, and her new interior, all floating on rubber mounts to minimise noise transmission, was inserted. All these works were compliant with SOLAS 36 Passenger requirements.

The Judges concluded that this was an extraordinary conversion that not only changed the whole exterior profile of the vessel, improving it beyond recognition, but also gave her a completely new interior, which has a refreshingly understated and modern appearance that abounds in luxury. This, they felt, was a conversion for which the owner should be justifiably proud.

Rebuilt yachts: Haida 1929

Length : 71.1m

Original builder : Krupp Germaniawerft

Refit yard :  Pendennis

Refit naval architect : Cox & Stevens

Refit exterior design : Cox & Stevens

Refit interior design : Adam Lay

Of the yachts entered for this class, the standout winner was Haida 1929 , a motor yacht that was designed by the American naval architects Cox & Stevens for Max C. Fleischmann, a Santa Barbara businessman. This yacht, one of several of the same name owned by Fleischmann, was launched in 1929 in Kiel by her builders Krupp Germaniawerft. Since then she has sailed under many flags and names, perhaps the most recognisable being Rosenkavalier and the most recent being Doña Amelia .

She was in bad repair in 2017 when purchased by her new owner and was taken to Pendennis Shipyard for refitting, a task that he correctly anticipated would reveal hidden issues. The whole ethos of the work was of respect for the integrity of this historic yacht, a decision that was admired by the Judges, who were aware that while an ill-conceived rebuild would have destroyed this classic vessel, one that did not upgrade her interiors to meet modern standards of comfort might be money wasted. During the very detailed and well executed 17-month refit, 110-tonnes of steel and 90% of the pipework were replaced, the whole interior was tastefully reworked to the design of Adam Lay to create interiors evocative of her era, while a Hammam spa, massage room, and hairdressing room were added.

Early external features, such as stairways, were reinstated and her previous dip-pool was replaced with a larger swimming pool. Perhaps most notably, her original engines – built by Krupp in 1928 and probably the oldest marine diesels in their original installation – were rebuilt to their original specification rather than replaced, despite the inconvenience of having to stop them and restart them in reverse to go astern. The Judges considered this an eminently worthy rebuild that saved a historic yacht.

Refitted Yachts: G2

Length : 39m

Original builder : Vitters

Refit yard : Pendennis

Refit naval architect : Tripp Design

Refit exterior design : Tripp Design

Refit interior design : Nauta Design

Of the yachts in the highly competitive Refit category, the Vitters-built 38.2-metre sloop G2 was selected by the Judges as the winner. Built from advanced composites to a design by Bill Tripp and launched in 2009, the original owner’s requirement was for a fast yacht suited to long range cruising. Her new owners had a clear vision of their needs which, with a circumnavigation in mind, were similar in scope to the original but their personal interior taste called for enhanced interior light and clean modern design.

On deck, the aft cuddy was surplus to their needs and was removed to create a flush open deck, to which sunbathing cushions were added, while 40% of the old teak was replaced, the caulking changed to grey, and the main cockpit extended to permit a larger guest dining area. To lighten the interior, two large new skylights were cut into the deckhead of the main saloon, while 11 larger portlights were fitted to the guest cabins, where the original, and now dated, honey-toned wood was replaced by a lighter, contemporary style created by Nauta Design.

At the same time, the owners' cabin was increased in size and its layout modified, a complex task which necessitated moving some structural bulkheads. Additionally, the yacht was made as maintenance-free as possible for her upcoming circumnavigation by servicing, upgrading or replacing all machinery and systems, and bringing forward the 10-year Class Special Survey. Navigation and communication equipment was also replaced while the hull, mast and deck structures were repainted. The Judges considered that the extent, quality and outcome of the 11-month refit was exemplary – and well worthy of a Neptune.

Sailing Yachts 30m to 59.9m: Vijonara

Length : 42.2m

Builder : Pendennis

Naval architect : Hoek Design

Exterior design : Hoek Design

Interior design : Owner/Hoek Design/Hermès

Admiration for Modern Classics – yachts that borrow their outward appearance from the ‘Golden Age of Yachting’, but are otherwise completely modern in their comfort, performance and technology – remains widespread, and Vijonara , a Truly Classic 127 designed by Andre Hoek, was considered by the Judges to be a near perfect example of her breed.

Not only was she built to the very highest standards, with the quality of her craftsmanship – especially her woodwork – being rated as outstanding by the Judges who visited her, but her polar diagrams also revealed that she possesses extremely good performance under sail, particularly in lighter breezes. The Judges considered that the twin-cockpit deck layout, with a private aft cockpit linked to the master cabin and the helm station located forward, adjacent to the guest cockpit, worked extremely well by providing privacy for the owner and a sense of safety while being at the heart of the sailing action for the guests. But perhaps the most important factor in choosing her as the winner was found inside, where her welcoming accommodation areas are all beautifully paneled in wood and trimmed with fine leather supplied and crafted by Hermès. As such, Vijonara exuded the charm and character, as well as a sense of luxurious comfort that one might expect in a great classic yacht.

Sailing Yachts 60m and Above: Black Pearl

Length : 106.7m

Builder : Oceanco

Naval architect : Dykstra Naval Architects /Oceanco

Exterior design : Ken Freivokh / Nuvolari Lenard

Interior design : Gerard P. Villate / Nuvolari Lenard / Ken Freivokh

Black Pearl , the Judges considered, was a huge step forward from the first yacht of this type, Maltese Falcon , surpassing her on practically every level.

Here was a sailing vessel with all the facilities, comfort and performance of a motor yacht, but one that has the potential to cross oceans without the use of any diesel fuel whatsoever, as propulsion is left to the wind and the total demand for household electricity could be met from her shaft generators. Interestingly, provision has been made for the future integration of solar power generated from her sails – an emerging technology that is not yet ready for service. This, and a host of other attributes, was more than sufficient for the Judges to award a Neptune to this remarkable yacht.

Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts 30m to 32.9m: RJ

Length : 31.6m

Builder : Arcadia Yachts

Naval architect : Arcadia Yachts

Exterior design : Arcadia Yachts

Interior design : Hot Lab

All six yachts in this class were of a similar size, and while this made comparison easier for the Judges, the high quality of the entries still made choosing a winner difficult. It soon became apparent that their focus was concentrated upon RJ , an Arcadia 105, that not only impressed them as being very well built but also displayed contemporary good looks while satisfying many of today’s ‘must have’ trends.

Particularly admired was the connectivity with the marine environment through an abundance of large windows, many of which open to provide a cooling breeze without the need to run air conditioning. The combination of sliding doors that open to fold-down balconies on either side of the main saloon with the room’s fully-glazed aft portion makes this whole area open and airy, while offering wide views spanning almost 300-degrees. Forward, there is an observation lounge that once again provides panoramic views forward over the yacht’s bows and through the glazed bulwarks, while the glass deckhead, overlaid by solar panels, adds both light and power. The aft deck, set out as a lounge, and the extensive sun deck were also praised for their design and functionality as social areas.

The Judges are highly aware of a yacht’s environmental impact and took note of RJ ’s abundance of solar panels that can feed between 4kW and 4.5kW into the yacht’s power system, as well as her modestly-sized engines that reduce emissions and provide long range, albeit at the expense of high speed. The secret ballot revealed her to be a clear winner.

Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts 33m to 39.9m: Brigadoon

Length : 36.3m

Builder : Moonen Yachts

Naval architect : René van der Velden / Diana Yacht Design

Exterior design : René van der Velden

Interior design : Nauta Design / Studio Indigo

This class was contended by five yachts built by some of the world’s most distinguished yards – a fact that certainly put pressure on the judging panel. The first detailed examination of the entries seemed to focus the Judges' spotlight on four yachts, but after more discussion, a secret ballot revealed the Judges' preference to be Brigadoon , built by Moonen Shipyards.

The owner, in his statement submitted as part of the Judges’ Dossier, said he was seeking a yacht with a ‘classic timeless look, embracing quality and reliability’, and the Judges who had visited the yacht confirmed that he had received exactly this. These Judges also praised the sense of brightness and external views from an interior that was sophisticated, comfortable and welcoming. They also showed special admiration for the pleasant crew quarters, a highly practical galley, large laundry for a yacht of this size, and the spacious layout of the engine room.

Another plus was that her Fast Displacement Hull Form only requires moderately sized 1,417kW diesels to take her to a top speed of 16.5-knots, but at the same time, these deliver an enviable range of 5,000nm at 10-knots. In the Judges’ view, this is a well-constructed, attractive and sophisticated yacht that deserved to win her class.

Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts 40m and Above:Utopia IV

Length : 63m

Builder : Rossinavi

Naval architect : Arrabito Naval Architects

Exterior design : Enrico Gobbi – Team For Design

Interior design : Enrico Gobbi – Team For Design

This class contained an enviable selection of six large and fast semi-displacement vessels, some of them very fast indeed. All featured MTU main engines of roughly comparable power, with half the class favouring twin engine installations, while one entry opted for triple units, and the two largest and fastest yachts squeezed in four engines. Needless to say, the Judges scrutinised the power, performance and economy figures very closely, but every other aspect was also examined, from exterior styling to the general arrangement plans, mechanical installation, and the quality of construction for the hull, deck areas and interior furniture. When the secret ballot was counted it became clear that one yacht had almost unanimously attracted the Judges’ interest.

This was the 63-metre, Utopia IV from Rossinavi. She was, by a small margin, the fastest yacht in the class thanks to her four MTUs that deliver a total of 7,756kW to four Kamewa waterjets, but despite their immaculate installation and accessibility, this was by no means the determining factor in the Judges’ eyes while making their decision. They were also impressed by her sleek and modern lines, her understated interior design and the well-conceived general arrangement plan in which almost every facility found on a displacement yacht of this size – from superb beach club to large tender garage, spacious deck areas and excellent crew quarters – was incorporated. If owners of displacement yachts are tempted to commission such a thrilling vessel, they should be aware that at her 33-knot top speed she consumes just over 2,000-litres of fuel per hour.

Displacement Motor Yachts Below 299GT:Mimi La Sardine

Length : 33.5m

Builder : Cantiere delle Marche

Naval architect : Cantiere delle Marche/ Hydro Tec

Exterior design : Nauta Design

Interior design : Nauta Design

After the photographs were screened and the Judges had discussed the yachts in this class, it was becoming clear that one yacht stood out from the crowd. That impression was confirmed by the secret ballot in which the Judges almost unanimously selected the explorer yacht Mimi La Sardine as the winner.

Not only does she possess the attractively rugged exterior lines of an explorer, but her 5,000nm range, seaworthiness and long autonomy means that she also had the other necessary attributes of this type. Other features that the Judges particularly liked were her very distinctive interior, and a quality of build that was beyond reproach.

In particular, it was considered that the yacht’s general arrangement clearly allocated onboard activities to suitable areas, with the bridge deck being used as a ‘dining deck’ rather than a second saloon. Incorporating a beach club may be too much to ask in a yacht of this size but this design has, nevertheless, created such an area with a wide flight of stairs descending from the main deck aft to the bathing platform. These two areas are divided by a removable rail, rather than the fixed bulwark found on most yachts, so that there is a sense of connectivity and easy communication between them. The Judges also admired the ‘beach house’ style of the whole yacht that successfully makes use of a wide range of organic materials and unfinished wood to create an immediate ‘holiday atmosphere’ that at the same time is also sophisticated and luxurious. This, the Judges concluded, is a great family yacht where everyone will feel at ease.

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