Best Exterior Styling: Sailing Yachts, Boat International Design & Innovation Awards 2019

Winner

The yacht Vijonara was the winner of the Best Exterior Styling: Sailing Yachts in 2019 at the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards.

Bloemsma Van Breemen

Vijonara

Exterior Design by: Hoek Design

Due to the marked difference in styles and scale of the projects from largest to smallest, this category presented the most difficult evaluation of the competition. To reach an objective conclusion, the judges scored the entries in five equally weighted categories from visual impact to practicality of decks to innovative design features and all with regard to the clarity of the vessel’s stated mission and owner objectives. The tally, by secret ballot, placed Vijonara on top thanks to the sweetness of her lines, consistency of detail and the owner’s carefully considered revamping of the original deck layout to support extended cruising and a little racing. With the helm situated in the centre of the boat, the aft deckhouse and its cockpit are the owner’s domain, and link directly to a unique two-level owner’s suite. His insistence on a sloop rig and a bowsprit enhances both the traditional look and the boat’s required performance by allowing a furling Code Zero, while raising the toe rail disguises the height of the deck houses and fixed bimini while adding a safety factor for blue water sailing.

Judges Comment