Meet the winners of the World Superyacht Awards 2023

KENSHŌ - Motor Yacht Of The Year & Displacement Motor Yachts 1,500GT and above

Winner of two awards, KENSHO was chosen from among the eight winners of all the Semi-Displacement and Displacement Motor Yacht categories, with judges depicting that her unique attributes, inspired by landmarks around the world, tipped the odds in her favor. With other factors also taken into consideration, the final decision also took into account the possibilities to build on the groundwork set for the superyacht in future developments.

Naval architecture has been created by Azure Naval Architects, while exterior designs were handled by the Azure Yacht Design faction, along with Jouin Manku for the interiors. Needless to say her collaboration of designers has worked to perfection, with a vast beach club and lowered bulwarks setting the scene for incredible onboard views and experiences.

With all levels connected by an elevator, KENSHO is powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system and can accommodate up to 16 overnight guests.

LOA - 75.18m (246.6ft)

Builder - Admiral Yachts

Max Speed - 15.9kts

Cabins - 8

Blue Jeans - Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts 30m - 34.9m

A custom motor yacht built in 2022, Blue Jeans has a captivating aesthetic that is true to the vision of wearing a pair of blue jeans. In addition to her eye-catching looks, judges were also drawn to her spacious engine room, her space-optimizing layout and, of course, her performance.

Naval architecture was penned by Diana Yacht Design, with designs closely aligned with the owner's requirements. Large propellers were drawn into tunnels in order to minimize draft, a particular need that has been executed in a stylish and efficient way.

Interiors by Guido de Groot Design are of a classic feel, with the layout making the most of the fixtures, and the master cabin being situated aft on the lower deck. In short, the judges reportedly felt that Blue Jeans was a great all-rounder that was built intrinsically with the owner's requests. 

LOA - 33.74m (110.69ft)

Builder - Van Der Valk

Max Speed - 28kts

Cabins - 4

UNKNOWN - Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT And Below 30m - 39.9m

Another motor yacht that launched in 2022, Benetti struck gold with 34.36m (112.72ft) UNKNOWN.

Custom built to meet the owner's needs and requirements, she boasts exterior design by well-known UK-based firm RWD and interiors penned by the New York architectural firm Bonetti/Kozerski.

Blowing the competition out of the water, UNKNOWN won the judges over with her extensive connectivity to the sea with an impressive beach club environment and a glass-backed pool, which spreads over two levels.

Adorned with generous deck space and sun lounging opportunities, the sporty but tranquil personality of the superyacht has made her an easy winner in this category. 

LOA - 34.36m (112.72ft)

Builder - Benetti

Max Speed - 16kts

Cabins - 5

Come Together - Displacement Motor Yachts 500GT to 1,499GT

The first hull from the Amels 60 semi-custom series, Come Together features collaborative designs with exteriors by Espen Øino and interior designs penned by Winch Design.

With Øino on the cards for design, it comes as expected that Come Together is a striking superyacht with unusual yet captivating features, with the angular windows dominating the exterior penmanship.

Fighting a tough battle, judges narrowed down the selection of nominees in this award category with Damen Yachting leaving a great impression aimed at the spacious and versatile sundeck with sliding glass doors.

Hybrid-propulsion is always a winner with green technology progressing all the time, and with minimal impact on the natural environment, Come Together seized the day at the World Superyacht Awards.

LOA - 60m (196.1ft)

Builder - Amels

Max Speed - 15.5kts

Cabins - 6

SHINKAI - Judges' Special Award

Constructed in 2021, SHINKAI was commissioned by an experienced owner who worked alongside Feadship to create an explorer-style yacht that really could go anywhere.

Featuring naval architecture by Vitruvius and de Voogt, she is the ultimate superyacht for exploration thanks to her ice-class hull, her exclusive U-Boat Worx submarine, an impressive collection of water toys and even a six-person SUV stowed in a waterproof garage.

Interiors for SHINKAI have been designed by Boutsen Design to reflect the seamless connection to the world outside, and with accommodation for up to 10 guests, there's plenty of opportunities to entertain guests throughout an extended voyage. 

Teaming up these qualities with multiple innovations to reduce her carbon footprint and impact on the terrains she visits, judges felt this award was well deserved.

LOA - 54.9m (180.1ft)

Builder - Feadship

Max Speed - 14.5kts

Cabins - 5

Complete list of World Superyacht Awards 2023 winners