Design and Innovation Awards showcase strength of yachting industry

Boat International’s annual awards saw numerous different builders being recognised across the 15 different categories.

Eleven different builders took home awards as the Boat International Design and Innovation Awards showcased the strength of the industry despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

An online panel of 15 judges, all designers and industry professionals studied supporting material including photos, videos, statements and specifications before engaging in two days of discussions and voting to decide on the winners in 15 different categories. 

Some of the key winners included:

Outstanding Exterior Design, Motor Yachts 40m to 59.9m: Blue II

Turquoise Yachts Blue II on water with tenders in foreground

The judging panel picked the 56m (183.7ft) Turquoise Yachts explorer yacht Blue II as the winner in this category. The “charm and nostalgia of the design, its color scheme and its well-considered open deck spaces” were all praised, as were the cleanness of lines and consistency of details.

Outstanding Exterior Design, Motor Yachts 60m and above: LANA

Benetti superyacht LANA at twilight

Benetti’s superyacht LANA drew plaudits from the panel for several features of its exterior design including the 8m (26ft) pool structure, which the judges noted was an “interesting twist on typical placement and helps divide various functions of the sundeck”. The judging panel were clear that the sleek proportion of the 107m (351ft) superyacht belied its huge size.

Best Interior Design, Motor Yachts 500GT and above: ARTEFACT

Nobiskrug superyacht ARTEFACT with coast in background

Nobiskrug’s 80m (262.5ft) superyacht ARTEFACT was “a clear winner in this category” according to the judging panel. A number of elements of the Reymond Langton styled interior design were referred to,including the “outstanding owners’ office”, “the perfect integration of artwork” and the custom furniture.

Outstanding Lifestyle Feature: LUMINOSITY Beach Club

Beach club in Benetti superyacht LUMINOSITY

Benetti’s 107.6m (353ft) superyacht LUMINOSITY was the largest yacht entered in the competition by gross tonnage. It’s vast beach club, featuring an enormous pool alongside a plunge pool, hammam, sauna, gym and dining area, grabbed the attention of the judging panel and took home the award, with it being called “the ultimate indulgence”.

Best New Series: Riva 88’ Folgore

Riva's 88 Folgore moving at speed on water

Judges were impressed by “the beauty of the boat’s fleeting lines and a highly developed interior package” in Riva’s new 88’ Folgore. It was also noted that the design of 26.9m (88ft) motor yacht “does not break with tradition but rather reinterprets the Riva brand for modern times.”

Amongst the other categories Sanlorenzo’s SX112 model took home the award for Outstanding Exterior Design in motor yachts from 24m to 39.9m, the Pershing superyacht ‘Touch Me’ picked up the Best Naval Architecture, Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts award and British designer Tim Heywood was given a lifetime achievement award.

The Boat International Design and Innovation Awards recognise a number of design elements including innovation and engineering, exterior design, deck and interior layout, tenders and naval architecture and styling.

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