International Superyacht Society (ISS) Awards

The International Superyacht Society (ISS) Awards recognize outstanding achievements in the design and construction of large yachts. Traditionally, the award ceremony is held in conjunction with the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

About the International Superyacht Society (ISS) Awards

Established in 1990, the International Superyacht Society Awards annually present a range of awards for superyachts and creative individuals within the nautical industry.

With a nominated selection of yachts competing for awards in eight categories, a panel of esteemed judges decides the winning nominations in each category.

Although on multiple awards it is down to the yachting industry to nominate models initially, only models that have been completed and delivered in the previous year are eligible to be considered.

Eligibility for nominations are; custom built sailing yachts 24m (79ft) and upwards, custom built motor yachts 24m (79ft) and upwards.

Line of International Superyacht Society Award winners with their trophies posing for photo.

International Superyacht Society (ISS) Awards accolades

Once yachts have been nominated, the judges will analyze the entrants and decide which ones are truly deserving of the coveted awards. For the yachts themselves, there are eight awards up for grabs which include;

  • Best in Sail <500 GT (above 24m)
  • Best in Sail 500 + GT
  • Best in Motor <500 GT (above 24m)
  • Best in Motor 500 <1500 GT
  • Best in Motor 1500<3000 GT
  • Best in Motor 3000<5000 GT
  • Best in Motor 5000 + GT
  • Yacht of the Year

Winners at the International Superyacht Society (ISS) Awards include 60m (196ft) COME TOGETHER for Best in Motor 500 <1500 GT at the 2023 award ceremony, and 77.7m (254.11ft) superyacht MALIA for Best in Motor >1500 GT.

Superyacht COME TOGETHER at sea
Superyacht MALIA at anchor

As well as the yachting awards, there are also six other awards now included within the ceremony that are all sponsored by third parties. Each award has different criteria in regard to nominations and voting but they all bring equally important commendations to the established event.

  1. Artisan Award - Sponsored by Quantum
  2. Business Person of the Year - Sponsored by Robert Allen Law
  3. Distinguished Crew Award - Sponsored by West Rec Marinas
  4. Excellence in Improving Yachting - Sponsored by Oceanco
  5. Leadership Award - Sponsored by Robb Report
  6. Excellence in Technology Award - Sponsored by Naiad Dynamics

To find out more about some of the models nominated for the current edition of the International Superyacht Society (ISS) Awards, take a closer look at their specifications by viewing all yachts for sale.

Recent winners of the International Superyacht Society Awards

Best Sail 24m - 40m 2024

Southern Wind

Gelliceaux

35.41m SW108

Best in Motor 1500+ GT 2024

Golden Yachts

Malia

77.7m Custom

Best in Motor <500 GT 2024

Best in Motor 500<1500 GT 2024

Heesen

Sparta

67m Custom

Yacht of the Year 2024

Royal Huisman

Sarissa

59.7m Custom

Best Interior Motor 2024

Heesen

Sparta

67m Custom