world superyacht award

The World Superyacht Awards 2024

Happening may 3 - 4, 2024.

Experience Excellence at the World Superyacht Awards 2024

The World Superyacht Awards is not just an event; it’s a weekend of opulence, elegance, and celebration of the world of superyachts. 

Now in its 19th year, the annual event honors the most impressive and innovative engineering, design, and construction of superyachts launched in the last year. It is considered one of the most acclaimed yachting events and is distinguished from all other yacht awards because the judging panel comprises current and former superyacht owners. 

The World Superyacht Awards is organized by BOAT International in association with Acquera Club, and the 2024 edition will be held on the 3rd and 4th of May in Venice, Italy.  

World Superyacht Awards 2024: A Night of Elegance

The World Superyacht Awards gala is a lavish, star-studded affair where the crème de la crème of the superyacht world converges. The event celebrates and honors the best superyachts, recognizing the outstanding achievements of the industry’s foremost designers, builders, and owners. The gala is a night of glamour, sophistication, and appreciation for the artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation that go into creating these exceptional vessels. 

Elevate Your World Superyacht Awards Experience With a Yacht Charter

Chartering a luxury yacht for the World Superyacht Awards sets the tone for a truly remarkable weekend. A luxury yacht charter offers a private and exclusive space to host intimate gatherings, hold business meetings, or simply throw an extravagant party. 

Why choose Northrop & Johnson for a World Superyacht Awards yacht charter ?

Northrop & Johnson is a leading global superyacht brokerage with access to the best World Superyacht Awards yachts for charter , including the world’s finest superyachts, including previous award winners. Our team excels at arranging incredible yacht charter experiences. Whether you wish to attend the event with friends and family or charter a yacht for a corporate event, our team of charter brokers can take care of every detail, from arranging ground transportation to securing world-class entertainment and catering services. Contact our team today or browse our luxury World Superyacht Awards charter yachts . 

Former World Superyacht Awards yachts for charter 

Fancy chartering a World Superyacht Award-winning yacht? Northrop & Johnson has access to a fleet of award-winning charter yachts. These include: 

SORVIND – 2023 Superyacht Award winner – Sailing Yachts, 30m to 49.9m

CALLISTO – 2023 Superyacht Award winner – Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 42m and above

COME TOGETHER – 2023 Superyacht Award winner – Displacement Motor Yachts, 500GT to 1,499GT 

OFFLINE – 2022 Superyacht Award winner – Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 30m to 34.9m

KOJU – 2022 Superyacht Award winner – Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 35m to 39.9m 

ASTERIA – 2020 Superyacht Award winner – Voyager’s Award

If you wish to charter any of the above award-winning yachts, contact Northrop & Johnson. 

Yachts for Charter World Superyacht Awards 2024

Charter your yacht for the yachting award of the year - the world superyacht awards 2024, know before you go, the world superyacht awards 2024 faqs, how can i attend the world superyacht awards.

The World Superyacht Awards is an invitation-only event. Invitations are typically extended to owners, industry leaders, and key figures in the superyacht world.

When and where does the World Superyacht Awards take place?

The event location and date may vary from year to year. For the most up-to-date information, it’s advisable to check the official World Superyacht Awards website.

Are there any additional activities during the World Superyacht Awards 2024 weekend?

Yes, the World Superyacht Awards weekend often includes various activities, such as social gatherings, networking events, and exclusive yacht tours.

Can I charter a yacht for the World Superyacht Awards?

Yes, Northrop & Johnson offers luxury yacht charters that can be coordinated to coincide with your attendance at the event. Contact our team for the best selection of World Superyacht Awards yachts for charter . 

Are there guided tours or events during the World Superyacht Awards 2024 weekend?

The World Superyacht Awards weekend often includes guided yacht tours and special events, providing attendees with insights into the world of superyachts and the opportunity to engage with industry experts.

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Charter yachts take honors at the World Superyacht Awards 2023

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By Nina Done   23 May 2023

The 18th edition of the World Superyacht Awards kicked off with cocktails in Turkey ’s vibrant capital, Istanbul over the weekend, and saw an impressive selection of charter yachts win a coveted Neptune trophy during the exclusive prize-giving ceremony. 

The annual black-tie gala dinner event celebrates the world’s finest superyachts of the year, recognising and rewarding ingenuity and craftsmanship in the design, engineering and construction of the luxury yachts. 

Using a secret ballot system by an independent judging panel made up of experienced superyacht owners, the World Superyacht Awards are the only peer-reviewed yachting awards in the world.

Hosted at the elegant Mandarin Oriental along the glittering shoreline of the Bosphorus, the elite of the superyacht world, owners and industry leaders gathered to celebrate this year’s event where 15 Neptunes were up for grabs, including the coveted Motor Yacht of the Year and Sailing Yacht of the Year awards. 

In an event that saw 49 nominees fight it out across 15 categories, charter yachts were awarded trophies in 7 of the categories. Here are the charter yachts that picked up a trophy at this year’s World Superyacht Awards;

Winner: Motor Yacht of the Year

Scooping the top award of the evening, the striking 75m (247ft) Admiral superyacht KENSHÕ was declared the winner by a comfortable margin, having wowed the judges with her owner-driven attributes, charter-focused amenities, high ceilings and Zen-calm interiors. She has also been lauded for her innovative engineering, harvesting power from five variable-speed generators using a diesel-electric propulsion system.

Winner: Best rebuilt Yacht

Following an extensive refit over two and a half years at the Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth, UK , the 59m (193ft) classic yacht MARALA – originally built by Camper & Nicholsons in 1931 – has been lovingly restored to her former glory. Judges were impressed by the meticulous work undertaken to preserve her period features while paying homage to her fascinating storied history, such as her time in military service. Her interiors have also been given the full treatment, with a distinct nod to the avant-garde design influences of the era that can be seen throughout her interior spaces and accommodation.

Winner: Best Refitted Yacht

Catching the judges’ eye, they felt the arresting 63-meter schooner yacht ATHOS merited this coveted accolade chiefly for the exceptionally high-quality work undertaken by Royal Huisman ’s refit yard in Amsterdam. Under the supervision of her original architect, Andre Hoek, ATHOS was given new booms, sails and lightweight carbon-fiber rigging, as well as an extended stern to accommodate a larger cockpit adjoining the new owner's cabin, and newly repositioned navigation station. 

Winner: Sailing Yachts, 30m to 49.9m

Built in Cape Town by Southern Wind Shipyard in 2022, the 35m (114ft) sailing yacht SØRVIND has already enjoyed a slew of nominations for her interior design, naval architecture and outstanding exteriors, so it might not come as a huge surprise that she scooped the Sailing Yacht gong in her category after impressing judges by her high-performance capabilities, charter-focused amenities, Scandi-cool interiors and highly practical accommodation layout. 

Winner: Displacement Motor Yachts 499 GT and Below, 30m to 39.9m

Benetti 's Oasis 34M yacht UNKNOWN is certainly no unsung wallflower, garnering a raft of accolades since her arrival onto the scene in 2022 that lauded her strong connection with water and nature through her extensive glazing, harmonious indoor/outdoor areas and the Italian yard's award-winning Oasis Deck®. This is precisely what inspired the judges, who admired the yacht’s open aft beach club spanning across two decks, culminating in the infinity pool that straddles two levels, and additional sense of space created by her fold-down bulwarks – deployed for guests to enjoy while at anchor. They were also impressed by the number of alfresco relaxation and entertainment areas peppered across her deck spaces, which they considered truly remarkable for her size category and worthy of a Neptune.

Judges’ Commendation: Displacement Motor Yachts 499 GT and Below, 40m to 44.9m

Deemed by the judges as “an enviable all-rounder”, the 44m (145ft) yacht ACE has certainly proved a standout contender since her launch earlier this year. Built by the up-and-coming Conrad Shipyard in Poland, the judges admired the yacht for her striking good looks, convivial crew areas and technical engineering features. Already a finalist in her category at the International Yacht and Aviation Awards 2023, superyacht ACE also wowed the WSA judges with her generous proportions, reimagined deck spaces and elegant interiors. 

Winner: Displacement Motor Yachts, 500 GT to 1,499 GT

Come together.

It was inevitable that the successful pairing of the esteemed Espen Øino and Damen Yachting would end up scooping an award for their geometrically striking yachts that turn heads wherever they cruise, with the Amels 60 Limited Edition yacht COME TOGETHER proving no exception. Renowned for their next-generation design culture, Damen have been instrumental in creating yachts that not only deliver on space and luxurious comfort but also harnessing a raft of sustainable features, which ultimately won over the judges. Notable features include the seamless blend between Winch Design’s masculine interior scheme with Espen Øino’s angular and geometric exterior styling, the yacht’s innovative sundeck layout and hybrid-propulsion technology. 

Judges’ Special Awards

Coral ocean.

Narrowly missing out on the Best Refit Award, the judges had been so impressed by her transformative upgrade that they felt the vast 73m (238ft) superyacht CORAL OCEAN deserved one of their special awards. Suitably impressed by her charter-rich amenities, the Lürssen yacht now features an entirely rebuilt sundeck, with sumptuous loungers and a glass-bottomed spa pool adjoining a central deckhouse housing an informal dining area, bar and TV lounge, with an integrated state-of-the-art sound system creating the perfect day to night party hub. Originally designed by the award-winning London-based studio Bannenberg and Rowell, the superyacht's styling now offers a neutral scheme with subtle color accents and Art Deco-inspired geometric motifs throughout.

The World Superyacht Awards will be back again next year to herald another superb selection of superyachts. 

If you would like to learn more about chartering an award-winning superyacht, please reach out to your yacht charter broker .

Instagram credits: @fraseryachts & @njordbybergman

Featured award-winning superyachts available for charter

136m Lurssen 2019

105m Oceanco 2018

95m Lurssen 2019

84m Feadship 2015 / 2020

85m SilverYachts 2019

77m Damen Yachting 2020

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MY Come Together, MY Unknown and MY Coral Ocean Win Big at the World Superyacht Awards

This year’s World Superyacht Awards, which took place in Istanbul on May 20 th , saw the 60m MY Come Together, the Benetti Oasis 34m MY Unknown and the 73m My Coral Ocean all take home prestigious awards. The former won a neptune in the prestigious category of ‘Displacement Motor Yachts, 500GT to 1499GT’, while MY Unknown won best motor yacht in the category “Displacement motor yachts 499gt and below, 30m to 39.99m” for being a “was a well-built, ground-breaking yacht that fits extraordinary features into its compact size”. As for Coral Ocean, she won the prestigious Judges’ Special Award at the ceremony.

Built at Amels shipyard, featuring interior design by Winch Design and an exterior penned by Espen Oeino, Come Together was delivered in 2022, making her debut at the 2022 Monaco Yacht Show as the first Limited Edition yacht in the Amels 60m series. Designed primarily as a boat for entertaining and relaxing with family and friends, the contemporary, beachy, tactile interior instantly evokes a peaceful sense of calm and serenity, perfectly capturing the essence of a family home on the water.

The relaxed and natural interior theme, with a subtle masculine edge blends perfectly with the yacht’s more angular and geometric exterior. Faceted and chamfered forms in the furniture echo the unique signature of the Espen Øino penned exterior design. Rather than dominant design statements, there is a deliberate harmony throughout the spaces to promote a tranquil atmosphere. This is further emphasised through the choice of finishes; light bleached oaks, open-grain veneers, foot-worn timber floors, brushed bronze metals and woven linen fabrics combined with natural animal hides and a careful selection of stones.

The pure and natural materials and warm, earthy colour palette have been used to emphasise the relaxed ‘home at the beach’ spirit of the interior. However, the beauty of many of the materials is largely in their tactility. They are not overpowering but have a surface quality that draws you in and creates a physical connection with the interior. For example, the double-height hand-carved timber wall panels that extend behind the staircase, the use of natural coconut shell in the cabinetry, hair-on-hide leathers in the master suite and the choice of brushed timbers and leathered stone surfaces all hold an intrinsic invitation to be touched and create unique, tactile finishes throughout the superyacht.

There is a strong sense of connectivity throughout the interior, not just in the choice of materials but in the architectural elements too. Creating the backbone of the entry area and spiralling through the centre of the boat, the central helix column of the staircase connects the decks. Inspired by traditional Japanese joinery techniques, each individual, hand-made section of the twisting column is unique and joined without glue. In the yacht’s main deck salon, the four tall, elegant corner storage cabinets appear to erupt from the floor and penetrate through the deck, re-appearing in the bridge deck lounge above.

Large, comfortable, custom-designed furniture in the main salon again hints towards the unique exterior styling and the cleverly designed dining table expands to host twelve guests, seated beneath a textural ceiling dome whose pattern evokes the reflections of light on the water.

Forward of the main salon and stair lobby, the vast, full-beam owners’ suite features a folding balcony on the starboard side, providing a natural transition from the exterior to the interior of the yacht, creating a private terrace and flooding the space with natural light from the almost full-height windows. Again, the asymmetrical, geometric design of the furniture nods towards the unique exterior forms and the use of textural and natural surfaces, combined with brushed bronze metals and beautifully selected stones create a refined and comfortable space.

As for MY Unknown, the judges admired the open beach sensation created in the aft deck, feeling that no other yacht could match this highly desirable deck.

The keys to the success of this 34-metre yacht are the style, elegant lines and innovative solutions that architecture firms RWD, one of the most highly reputed international yacht designers, and New York based Bonetti & Kozerski have created to convey a sense of freedom and conviviality and to define a lifestyle. The star of this innovative revolution is without doubt the Oasis Deck®, an extraordinary beach area that redefines the human relationship with the sea and nature thanks to the special configuration that turns it into an open terrace on the water’s edge. The available deck space close to the water but safe from the waves is extended by opening the wings or swing-down bulwarks. The infinity pool is a must, of course, adding an exclusive and glamorous touch to this incredibly liveable platform.

Benetti’s Unkown is another confirmation of the company’s international leadership and testifies to the resources invested in technology and innovation. A highly innovative concept that with the Oasis Deck® fully meets the needs of owners looking for a more intimate relationship with the sea and was the driving force behind the Oasis 34M’s triumph in this category at the BOAT International World Superyacht Awards 2023. 

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February 22 2022

22 Feb 2022

WORLD SUPERYACHT AWARDS: THE INSIDE STORY OF THE YACHTING INDUSTRY'S OSCARS

In the run up to the 2022  World Superyacht Awards  in London,  BOAT  reveals what really goes into winning a World Superyacht Award, long recognised as yachting's most sought after prize.

What if there was a superyacht awards programme where  superyacht owners  themselves judged the latest and greatest projects to hit the water? When the idea was posed more than 17 years ago, it was a novel one.

Yachting awards at the time were mostly judged by the organisations or publications arranging them – and not much has changed since. But BOAT International Media envisioned a peer-reviewed process, by putting the decision-making in the hands of experienced yacht owners. With that guiding philosophy, the World Superyacht Awards were created in 2005.

“We wanted to have a judging system that was completely transparent and judged by the end user of the boat,” says Roger Lean-Vercoe, who helped create the WSAs and was a longtime Chairman of the Judges. “We sought out owners who had built yachts and understood the process.”

The first WSA prize-giving was held in Venice, Italy in 2006, but organising the awards started early in 2005 by writing the rules and recruiting judges, which Lean-Vercoe admits was tough in the beginning. “We didn’t get enough owners, so we topped up the panel with a few unbiased industry professionals, like the owner of Merrill Stevens shipyard,” he says. However, the buzz of the awards soon attracted enthusiastic owners, and after a few years the judging panel was entirely made up of superyacht owners.

Nowadays, an average of 20 owners make up the judging panel each year, and all but a few exceptions are current superyacht owners. The Chairman of the Judges – a position rotated between the judges – heads the Judges’ Meeting, the vital day when the awards scoring takes place. It’s a key part of an entire awards weekend, which has an accompanying social programme. In recent years, the judging has taken place in London, Trieste and Abu Dhabi.

As judges serve a minimum of three years and average a six-year term on the panel, there is a huge amount of experience to tap in to. “If they are an effective judge, they can stay as long as they like,” Lean-Vercoe says. Anyone who signs on as a WSA judge has to be truly passionate about the undertaking. Judges agree to visit at least five of the nominated yachts – and attend the judging weekend.

“We try to get judges onto as many boats as possible so there is always someone at the Judges’ Meeting who has physically experienced the boat we are talking about,” says Lean-Vercoe. While most of the yachts are seen at the major boat shows, such as  Monaco  and Fort Lauderdale, some owners go to great lengths to see nominated yachts. When Lord Laidlaw was a judge, he diverted his private jet to the Maldives just to see a boat.

Getting on board the yachts is not always a straightforward process, according to Paola Trifiró owner of 33 metre  Vitters  sailing yacht  Ribelle , who has been a judge since 2012. But more commonly yacht owners and yards will make sure the judges get the full experience. “One of my favourite memories of visiting a yacht was test sailing  Bill Duker’s  70 metre  Sybaris  (now  Badis ) in Monaco in 2016,” Trifiró recalls. She also lists going on board  Adastra ,  Madame Gu  and  Dilbar  as some of her most memorable judging experiences.

“We all do this with a lot of investment of time, passion and dedication,” says Thomas Haffa, who has been a judge since his former yacht  4H  won a WSA in 2008 and has owned six yachts during his tenure. “I’m often asked how much the awards are influenced by the amount of advertising spend from shipyards with  BOAT International , but the judging process is completely independent. It is a very professional group of objective people.”

Very passionate people, too, according to  Alan Dabbiere , who has been a judge since 2009. “I love boats – I love the engineering, the way they move in the water, the fact they are more than a mode of transportation, but a lifestyle,” he says. “Even though I lived on my past two boats (a 35 metre  Benetti  and 60 metre  CRN Constance ) for long periods, seeing other points of view has broadened my ideas about what makes a great build.”

The desire to see and experience the latest yachts to hit the water is a huge part of the attraction for the judges, allowing them to access yachts that would otherwise be off-limits. “I enjoy judging because the task allows me to enlarge my knowledge of innovations in yachting,” says Trifiró.

As the only awards programme in the yachting industry judged by owners, the WSAs have earned an unmatched level of credibility and gravitas. “Because it’s given by real owners who have been committed to designing and building boats, and who are experienced in judging value and quality of the boats, it increases the value of the Awards,” says designer  Philippe Briand , whose boats have won many of the coveted Neptune trophies over the years.

Briand says that an uptick in business can be traced back directly to the awards – even beyond the superyacht industry. After receiving an award for 73 metre  Grace E  (now  Nautilus ) , Briand was hired for a building project in Hong Kong.

“Winning gives exposure and brand awareness,” says Farouk Nefzi, chief marketing officer of  Feadship . “The WSAs can absolutely raise awareness to the greater audience outside of our industry as well.”

Dutch yard  Heesen , one of the most successful yards in WSA history, says that winning a WSA is certainly something clients pay attention to. “Brokers have asked us for the list of most recent Awards won by our boats because it was requested by a client,” says Sara Gianola, PR and press office manager at Heesen. “It definitely has value.”

From the beginning, says Lean-Vercoe, the WSA ceremony hit the mark as a high-end event where yards were happy to take their clients. Over the years, the ceremonies have been held in Venice, London, Istanbul, Amsterdam and Florence.

“The aim was always to have the prize-giving not in a hotel ballroom, but to find a venue where having a dinner there was a privilege in itself,” says Lean-Vercoe. “Florence was the epitome of that – to have a cocktail in the Uffizi Gallery and a dinner in the Medici Hall is significant and different. And, of course, the awards itself is not just the prize giving – it’s always an entire weekend of exciting things to do.” The venues have grown along with the awards ceremony. The edition in Venice, attended by around 400 guests, was quickly outgrown; more than 600 guests attended the 2018 edition in Florence.

Trifiró fondly remembers when the awards was held in Istanbul, and also enjoyed Florence, “where guests enjoyed conversing in front of Botticelli's  Primavera , and tasted the magnificent dinner in the splendid frame of the Salone dei Cinquecento”.

In 2020, things were a little different. With COVID-19 causing disruption to global travel and events, the World Superyacht Awards were hosted virtually for the first time. Key winners of the evening included the 77.3 metre Feadship superyacht  Pi , which won two awards, including the coveted Motor Yacht of the Year award. Elsewhere, the Baltic sailing yacht  Canova  was named Sailing Yacht of the Year while  Hodor  triumphed in the support vessel category. The virtual ceremony included video messages from Prince Albert II of Monaco and  Sir Ben Ainslie , who updated viewers on the progress of the UK’s America’s Cup team INEOS Team UK.

By 2021, a sense of normality had returned as did an in-person award ceremony. The most recent edition of the World Superyacht Awards was held in Europe's yachting capital of Monaco with 80 metre  Artefact  taking home the award for Motor Yacht of the Year and 33.9 metre  Geist  winning Sailing Yacht of the Year.

Nefzi calls the WSAs the “best organised award ceremony in this industry – there’s a good balance between entertainment, social and programming”.

Since its inception, the WSA has only been tweaked slightly, says Lean-Vercoe. Gone are the days of judges receiving photocopied dossiers and CD-ROMS as now everything can go onto a 8GB memory stick. The biggest change, instead, has been to the yachts themselves. “The WSA haven’t changed much, but every year we visit more innovative boats,” says Trifiró.

Haffa agrees, and says that “as the industry has developed and yachts have gotten bigger, it has made them more complex to judge”. This has only motivated the judges, who have been known to engage in passionate debate during the Judges’ Meeting. During the day-long meeting, the judges examine every nominated boat before submitting their score via a secret ballot. “This is a group that has strong opinions about what makes a great boat,” says Dabbiere. “It creates a really lively discussion.”

Though scoring takes place during the judging weekend, the results are obviously sealed until the big black-tie Gala Evening. This anticipation makes it an exciting night for all involved. “It’s a super exciting moment where you feel the knot in your stomach and the chills on your back – then there’s a moment when they announce the winner when everyone holds their breath in the room,” says Heesen’s Gianola.

But perhaps it’s Briand who best sums up what it means to win a World Superyacht Award: “It is like being inducted into the yachting hall of fame.”

©️ By Risa Merl / Boat International

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Three tww yachts nominated for the 2024 world superyacht awards.

We are delighted to announce that three TWW superyachts have been nominated for a Neptune at the 2024 BOAT International Superyacht Awards: ALUNYA, JIMMY (ex. GREY), and EMERALD.

All three yachts were launched last year, among the seven successful TWW Yachts-managed deliveries for 2022. ALUNYA is a fantastic new build by Benetti, which features the innovative Oasis Deck; JIMMY, another Italian new build, is an evolution of Tankoa’s successful S501 series; while EMERALD is a stunning reimagination of a 1990s Feadship, refitted at Balk Shipyard.

The Boat International Superyacht Awards recognise the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the most remarkable superyachts from across the globe. This marks the 19th edition of the globally acclaimed event, which will be held in Venice, Italy, between 3 to 4 May 2024.

ALUNYA | Nominated for Displacement Motor Yachts below 500GT, 45m and above

ALUNYA, the sixth hull from the revered Benetti B.NOW 50m series, and the second to feature Benetti’s patented Oasis Deck, was launched in May 2023 and showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show.

This innovative deck is a key highlight of ALUNYA. Twin hydraulic winged terraces, port and starboard, extend the width of the aft deck to an impressive 36-square-metre beach club and outdoor living area. From this generous al fresco social space, owners and guests can enjoy unobstructed 270-degree sweeping vistas.

Beyond the aft deck, ALUNYA is just as impressive. Accommodation is for 10 guests, across five well-appointed staterooms. The owner’s suite, located on the main deck forward, is complete with a study area, a large ensuite, and a private terrace. The remaining guest accommodations are found on the lower deck.

When ALUNYA rejoined the market mid-construction, TWW Yachts swiftly sold the project to a long-standing client. We then managed ALUNYA throughout her construction and we have since welcomed her into the TWW Yacht Management Fleet.

JIMMY | Nominated for Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 40m and above

JIMMY (ex. GREY) may be the fifth hull from the Tankoa S501 series, featuring the distinctive sleek and sporty exterior styling, but once onboard, you’re enveloped by a completely different superyacht experience.

The general arrangement sets JIMMY apart from the rest of the series, resulting in a more spacious feel. Large expanses of glass enhance this further, offering panoramic vistas from most areas onboard.

Another significant departure from her sister ships is the foredeck. JIMMY features a stunning glass-sided swimming pool and a 144-inch retractable C-seed outdoor cinema, that converts this traditionally less-used space into an al fresco paradise. Integrated speakers around the pool deliver an exceptional audio experience.

TWW Yachts oversaw the construction of JIMMY and was engaged for both charter and yacht management services before assisting in finding her new owner when she returned to the market.

EMERALD | Nominated for Refitted Yacht

EMERALD is a classic 1990s Feadship brimming with modern charm. Although she exudes a regal and antiquated exterior, the onboard experience tells a different story. This refit was a labour of love, and the results speak for themselves.

Balk Shipyard was contracted for this extensive sixteen-month refit, during which EMERALD underwent a thorough overhaul. The interiors were completely stripped out, the general layout was reconfigured, and the stern was extended. The objective was to create a yacht perfect for extended trips with the whole family.

EMERALD offers something for everyone onboard: ample al fresco space for lounging and dining, comfortable seating and social areas, a garage filled with water toys, and a spacious aft deck capable of carrying a tender. Accommodations cater to 14 guests and 10 crew members, with twin Detroit engines delivering a top speed of 14 knots.

TWW Yachts worked with the owner from procurement, throughout the refit and is now representing EMERALD on the charter market.

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The World Superyacht Awards 2024 @ Venice

The 19th annual edition of the BOAT International World Superyacht Awards (WSA) will take place in Venice on Friday 3 May 2024.

The WSA recognise the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the most remarkable luxury yachts from across the world. The globally acclaimed event, known for its credibility, prestige and glamour, is distinguished from all other yacht awards thanks to a judging panel comprising current and former superyacht owners.

Feadship is proud to announce that Firebird has been nominated in the category Refitted Yachts this year.

For more information visit the event’s homepage .

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Sailing yacht nominees for the 2024 World Superyacht Awards

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Written by Rachel Kelly

The World Superyacht Awards are only two weeks away, and our final list of nominees are in the sailing yacht categories. A yacht in full sail is a thing of beauty and the yachts nominated are from world renowned shipyards specialising in the design and construction of high-performance sailing yachts.

Sailing Yachts 40m+

S/Y ARTEXPLORER | 46.5m (152’5”) | Peri Navi | 2023

Sailing yacht ARTEXPLORER – image Max Malth

Naval Architecture: Peri Navi Exterior Design: Axel de Beaufort Interior Design: Axel de Beaufort

S/Y NILAYA | 46.82m (153’6”) | Royal Huisman | 2023

Sailing yacht NILAYA image by MartinezStudio

Naval Architecture: Reichel-Pugh Yacht Design Exterior Design: Nauta Design Interior Design: Nauta Design

S/Y SARISSA | 59.7m (195’8”) | Royal Huisman | 2023

Sailing yacht SARISSA

Naval Architecture: Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design Exterior Design: Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design Interior Design: Liaigre

Sailing Yachts 30m to 39.9m

S/Y FANCY | 35m (114’8”) | Nautor Swan | 2023

Sailing yacht FANCY

Naval Architecture: German Frers Exterior Design: German Frers Interior Design: Misa Poggi

S/Y GELLICEAUX | 35.41m (116’2”) | Southern Wind | 2023

Sailing yacht GELLICEAUX

Naval Architecture: Farr Yacht Design Exterior Design: Nauta Design Interior Design: Nauta Design

S/Y RAVEN | 33.83m (110’11”) | Baltic Yachts | 2023

Sailing yacht RAVEN

Naval Architecture: Botin & Partners Exterior Design: Jarkko Jämsen Interior Design: Jarkko Jämsen

S/Y WHITE ISLAND | 39.23m (128’7”) | Aegean Yacht | 2023

Sailing yacht WHITE ISLAND

Naval Architecture: Aegean Yacht and Utku Ozgen Exterior Design: Aegean Yacht Interior Design: Mehmet Kaya and Sinan Ozer

S/Y ZEMI | 33.5m (109’9”) | Baltic Yachts | 2023

Sailing yacht ZEMI

Naval Architecture: Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design Exterior Design: Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design Interior Design: Andreas Martin-Löf Arkitekter

We will bring information about the winners who will be announced during an exclusive ceremony held in Venice, Italy on 3-4 May 2024.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Sailing yacht nominees for the 2024 World Superyacht Awards".

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The Winners of the World Superyacht Awards 2020 Announced

The winners of the 2020 World Superyacht Awards have been revealed. From the newly crowned Motor Yacht of the Year to the prestigious Voyager's Award, find out which yachts scooped this year's coveted Neptunes and watch all the highlights from our virtual ceremony...

Motor Yacht of the Year - PI Sailing Yacht of the Year - CANOVA

Refitted Yachts - OASIS

Rebuilt Yachts - VAGRANT

Support Vessels - HODOR

Sailing Yachts - CANOVA

Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts Below 500GT 30m to 34.9m - IV DREAMS Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts Below 500GT 35m and Above - MANGUSTA GRANSPORT 45

Displacement Motor Yachts Below 499GT 30m to 39.9m - THE BEAST

Displacement Motor Yachts Below 499GT 40m and Above - BINTADOR

Displacement Motor Yachts Between 500GT and 999GT - NAJIBA

Displacement Motor Yachts Between 1,000GT and 1,499GT - METIS

Displacement Motor Yachts Between 1,500GT and 1,999GT - PI

Displacement Motor Yachts Between 2,000GT and 4,999GT - LADY S

Displacement Motor Yachts 5,000GT and Above - FLYING FOX

Voyager’s Award - DOROTHEA III

Judges' Commendation Winners

Rebuilt Yachts - MAGNA GRECIA

Displacement Motor Yachts Between 2,000GT and 4,999GT - MADSUMMER

Voyager’s Award - PRESSURE DROP

Motor Yacht of the Year: Pi

Length: 77.3m Builder: Feadship Naval architect: Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects Exterior design: Jarkko Jämsén Interior design: Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design

The 10 winners of the individual motor yacht classes compete for the highly coveted title of Motor Yacht of the Year. When deciding this award, the judges acknowledge the difficulty of comparing such diverse yachts, while being aware that they are seeking the “very best of the best” – a vessel that is considered exceptional by any and every measure.

Understandably, a larger, fully customised yacht often wins this prize in view of the much larger budget that is usually available to its builder and designers, and often this has led to the Neptune being won by the very largest yacht. But this was a year of excellence in which many entries approached a standard that could be considered “exceptional”, and judges were unable to immediately direct their gaze towards an obvious winner. Discussion eventually concentrated on three yachts but when the result of the secret ballot was announced it became clear that Pi built by Feadship’s Royal Van Lent shipyard with exterior design by Jarkko Jämsén and interiors by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design, had taken this title by a significant margin.

The judges admired this yacht’s harmonious exterior lines, and the sophistication of her Zen-like interior, while approving of the extreme connectivity between interior and exterior brought about by her floor-to-ceiling glazing on the main deck and large lower deck portlights. Technically, this had been difficult to engineer, and this aspect, as well as the overall perfection of her construction, had influenced the judges’ views. Such excellence made her a worthy winner of this prestigious title.

Watch the moment Pi emerged from the sheds at Feadship

Sailing Yacht of the Year: Canova

Length: 43.3m Builder: Baltic Yachts Naval architect: Farr Yacht Design Exterior design: Lucio Micheletti Interior design: Lucio Micheletti

With just one sailing yacht class in this year’s World Superyacht Awards, the only question for the judges to answer was whether the class winner, the 43.3-metre Baltic Canova , was also a worthy winner of the Sailing Yacht of the Year title, an award presented only to truly exceptional vessels. The unanimous response from the judges reiterated their earlier enthusiasm and confirmed that this enviable trophy was hers. The groundbreaking DSS and environmental technology built into this yacht has already been documented in the class winners text, but the judges’ passion extended much further than this.

The calm practicality of her interior design by the Milan-based Lucio Micheletti, and a general arrangement plan that placed the crew aft in excellent quarters at the epicentre of the yacht’s sailing and mechanical aspects, was also admired. The amidships master suite was another positive, as was the combination of owner’s study and an adjacent secluded area for guests to retreat to with a book, that can be converted into a third guest cabin.

Sailing and navigational functions, as well as operational practicalities, were also not overlooked. Twin fully instrumented helm stations set well outboard give the helmsman a choice of standing behind the wheel or steering from a sitting position on the gunwale, with the display screen able to rotate to suit both choices as well as fold away when out of use. The staysail is self-tacking, and two tenders are stowed beneath the decks – a seven-metre with 45-knot performance below the foredeck, and a five-metre below the aft deck.

The list goes on, but one thing is certain – this yacht is a design leader.

Find out how Canova became an award-winning sailing yacht

Refitted Yachts: Oasis

Length: 59.4m Builder: Lürssen Refit interior design: FM Architettura d'Interni

Five yachts contended for the Refit category, which is defined as: “Repairs and modifications carried out to a yacht necessitated by the number of years the yacht has been in service.” After full consideration and intense discussion among the judges, the secret ballot revealed a near unanimous decision to present the Neptune to Oasis , a 59.4 metre originally built by Lürssen in 2006. Designed and project managed by FM Architettura d’Interni, based in Ancona, Italy, with the collaboration of the captain and crew but without the involvement of a shipyard, the project took place in two relatively short phases.

The first, just three months in length, remodelled and redecorated the sundeck, master suite and the yacht’s public saloons to make them suitable for contemporary lifestyles, creating multi-purpose, flexible living areas in preparation for the yacht’s first summer season with the new owners and their large family. It was a tough task in both scope and duration. The second period took place from the following January until April 2019, when the cabins and remaining areas were completed.

The judges felt that this project was remarkable not only for its detailed planning and execution, which allowed so much to be achieved in such a short time, but also for the excellence of the result. The skilled team from FM Architettura d’Interni remodelled and transformed a tired interior – using lots of Italian leather and sanding down glossy maple burr to leave a more contemporary matt finish – and redesigned the sundeck to suit the lifestyle of the new owners. The judges were truly impressed by this remarkable achievement.

Rebuilt Yachts: Vagrant

Length : 40m Builder : Herreshoff Refit yard : Huisfit (by Royal Huisman) Refit naval architect : Herreshoff (rig update by Dykstra Naval Architects & Rondal) Refit exterior design : Herreshoff Refit interior design : Huisfit (by Royal Huisman)

Entries for this class are made under the general heading of “Refitted and Rebuilt Yachts” and the decision regarding the specific class into which a yacht falls – Refitted or Rebuilt – is made by the jury after having reviewed the entries in detail. This year the jury decided that of the three yachts that warranted entry into the Rebuilt class, one stood out, not only for the painstaking manner in which the rebuild was undertaken, but also for the magnificent result.

Rebuilt by the Royal Huisman shipyard over a 22-month period, this yacht was Vagrant , designed by the legendary Nathanael G Herreshoff and launched from the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company shipyard in Bristol, Rhode Island, in 1913 for Harold S Vanderbilt. Vagrant was shipped to Royal Huisman in such poor condition that it was unsafe for her to make the journey on her own bottom, and on arrival she was completely stripped out, with her interior and deck woodwork carefully taken apart for preservation. Her hull was sandblasted, thin plates replaced and all her rivets welded in place to avoid potential future leakage.

All engine room equipment, wiring and piping was completely replaced at the Dutch yard, while her woodwork was repaired and restored. A new sailplan and rig were also created to simplify sail handling so that the yacht can cruise with a limited crew.

The judges were highly impressed with the detailed work undertaken that has undoubtedly helped preserve this magnificent yacht for another 100 years at least.

Support Vessels: Hodor

Length: 66.2m Builder : Astilleros Armon Naval architect : Incat Crowther Exterior design : Incat Crowther Interior design : Oliver Design

Increasing numbers of support vessels are being built so the awards now include a specific class for such craft. Of the two entries, the judges felt that Hodor , designed by the Australian naval architect Incat Crowther and built in Spain by Astilleros Armon, was the outstanding vessel.

Built on a catamaran platform, Hodor ’s 22.5-knot top speed is sufficient to outrun her mothership, making her able to prepare tenders and toys for immediate use when the mothership arrives and, on departure, pack up, overtake, and repeat the process. She carries five tenders, the largest of which has a 17-metre overall length, and a whole host of toys. There are nine jet skis, four quad bikes, two all-terrain vehicles, two trail motorcycles, two Laser dinghies and a Hobie Cat. In addition, there is a submarine that is housed in a garage on the main deck. This is launched using twin beam-cranes, which also serve the other tenders and toys. The launch and recovery of tenders can also be made using a hydraulic platform that is set between the hulls and which rises to the aft part of the main deck, while two knuckle-boom cranes on the bridge deck serve the larger craft.

There are also facilities for guests arriving by helicopter, thus keeping the mothership disruption-free. In this respect, located aft on the bridge deck is a fully certified six-tonne landing pad that takes craft up to the size of an Airbus H145. Arriving guests walk forward to a plush waiting room behind the bridge, from which they descend to a room on the lower deck and directly board a waiting tender through a shell door. The judges thought this well-conceived vessel a worthy winner.

Delve into the world's largest floating toybox

Sailing Yachts: Canova

In this age of environmental awareness it is extraordinary that so few large sailing yachts are being commissioned and built. Just four yachts qualified for this category, but even so it contained some interesting and innovative yachts. The judges soon focused on the 43.3-metre Canova , built by Baltic Yachts as a fast cruising yacht without concession to racing. They admired her high-quality build, attractive lines and excellent general arrangement plan, and were blown away by the yacht’s concept and systems, including the innovative technology requested by her owner. A secret ballot confirmed her as the winner by a huge margin.

Her green credentials – always important to the judges – were as good as you can get on a vessel of this size, where the crew will always need mechanical assistance for sail handling. While under power, Canova is propelled by a highly efficient, 340-degree- rotating, electrical Azipod driven by two medium-sized 224kW generators, with any excess power generation used to charge her large bank of lithium-ion batteries. Under sail in a reasonable breeze, the Azipod can be put into use as a hydrogenerator, charging batteries and delivering sufficient power to run the yacht’s sailing and household systems, with the batteries contributing in times of peak demand. Canova also boasts groundbreaking innovation with her Dynamic Stability Systems foil, whose proven ability to reduce heel, increase speed and improve ride comfort might just persuade more owners to build large sailing boats. This, the judges considered, is a vessel that should influence the future of sailing superyachts.

Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts Below 500GT 30m to 34.9m -  IV Dreams

Length: 32.8m Builder: Custom Line – Ferretti Group Naval architect: Custom Line – Ferretti Group Exterior design: Francesco Paszkowski Design Interior design: Francesco Paszkowski Design/Margherita Casprini

This class presented the judges with an impressive line-up of equally sized yachts, all of which showed an abundance of admirable qualities. Assessing the combination of features, such as exterior styling, the layout of decks and interior, technical innovation and build quality that come together to create the most well-rounded vessel is never an easy task, but after thorough discussion the secret ballot revealed the winner as IV Dreams .

The first of a new series from Custom Line, a member of the Ferretti Group, impressed the judges with its modern exterior styling, whose flowing lines incorporated large outdoor areas on the sundeck and foredeck. They also noted a spacious, well-lit interior that offers good connectivity with the outside surroundings through three wide, sliding doors in the saloon and a balcony opening from the master cabin. Four further en-suite cabins – two doubles, and two twins each equipped with a Pullman berth – provide high-quality accommodation for guests.

Additionally, the judges were impressed by the beach club that doubles as a tender garage – a unique system patented by the yard – and the well-designed crew quarters. Mechanically, the Custom Line 106 was found to be very well equipped. A pair of MTU diesels, each developing 1,939kW, drive it to a top speed of 26 knots, while at her 22-knot continuous cruising speed she delivers a 400-nautical-mile range – a fuel burn of 780 litres per hour. Range is increased to 1,050 nautical miles when cruising in displacement mode at 12 knots. This winning yacht, the judges concluded, provides a well-balanced blend of good design, quality build and desirable facilities.

Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts Below 500GT 35m and Above - Mangusta GranSport 45

Length: 45.3m Builder: Overmarine Naval architect: Studio PLANA Exterior design: Alberto Mancini Interior design: Overmarine

This category consisted of five yachts: three with traditional semi-displacement hull forms and two with fast displacement hull forms, which, because of their similar performance/engine- power relationship and comparable size, are judged in the same class.

Four yachts drew the judges’ particular attention but the secret ballot revealed the first of the new Mangusta GranSport 45 designs to be launched as the winner by a narrow margin. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of this 26-knot craft was that at its 11-knot “economical delivery” speed it provides excellent seagoing comfort combined with an extremely long range of 4,200 nautical miles, burning just 10.9 litres of fuel per mile. Such performance, perhaps a key issue in today’s environmentally aware society and certainly one that drew the judges’ attention, could not be matched by the more traditional planing and semi-displacement hull forms in this class. 

But this was not the only factor that attracted the judges’ interest towards the Mangusta. Her extensive deck areas were admired for the good use made of every square metre, while the beach club stern, with its three openings to the sea, was seen as most desirable. Large windows in the main saloon, some opening to the side decks, made for another light and airy space. This feature is repeated in the master suite, while the three guest cabins offered comfort and natural light through well-sized windows. The yacht, the judges felt, satisfied all the features that an owner with a “need for speed” might demand.

Find out more about the latest edition to Mangusta's GranSport line

Displacement Motor Yachts Below 499GT 30m to 39.9m - The Beast

Length: 39m Builder: Profab Central Engineering Naval architect: LOMOcean Design Exterior design: LOMOcean Design/ Owner Interior design: Oceania Interiors/Owner

Probably the most diverse of the new-build categories, this five-strong class comprised three explorers, a composite production yacht and a hybrid diesel-powered yacht. All have similar maximum speeds and long-range performance so, apart from their future use, it was a good and even contest. After a thorough review of the entries the judges homed in on The Beast . At first glance, the grey camouflage paintwork of this vessel suggests a small warship, perhaps a patrol boat, but this disguise – handy in the remote areas that a long-range explorer such as this might visit – was just one element of the owner’s detailed specification.

As an enthusiastic sport fisherman, his key requirement called for the ability to carry, and safely launch, a 13-metre, 19-tonne sport fishing vessel, while the mothership remained below 500GT and 40 metres LOA to avoid local restrictions in New Zealand, its home waters. He also wanted a commercial finish to the hull, in keeping with its explorer role. With construction in his home country another priority, the contract was given to Profab Central Engineering, an experienced builder of custom-designed aluminium fishing boats and yachts in Palmerston North.

The Beast boasts deck spaces tailored for leisurely outdoor living, while concealing a luxurious fully- featured interior. The judges were also impressed with the launching system for the sport fishing boat, with a safe two-point lift provided by a pair of large knuckle-cranes. The way the vessel met the long list of detailed fishing and leisure requirements set out by its owner made this a very attractive yacht.

The Beast is, by the admission of her owner Sir Michael Hill, “a little bit different”. Here's how she came to be...

Displacement Motor Yachts Below 499GT 40m and Above -  Bintador

Length: 49.9m Builder: Tankoa Yachts Naval architect: Studio Francesco Rogantin Exterior design: Francesco Paszkowski Design Interior design: Francesco Paszkowski Design/Margherita Casprini

After the photographs were screened and each yacht discussed in detail by the judges, it became apparent that their interest was being focused upon three yachts, but the secret ballot eventually revealed a clear winner – the 49.9-metre Bintador , built by Tankoa Yachts. The judges saw much to like in this sleek three-decker: its modern exterior styling appealed to them; they liked the practical layout of its decks and interior; and the manner in which its interior volume was equitably shared between guest and crew areas, both of which are divided into comfortably proportioned spaces.

They also admired Bintador ’s fuel economy – a result of a refined hull shape and her being fitted with two 895kW diesels that are significantly smaller than those of her competitors. She is, nevertheless, able to reach 18 knots – a higher speed than her competitors by a clear two knots – because of her 300kW electric motors, one driving each shaft, which are powered by a pair of 250kW generators. Various combinations of main engine and electric motor provide hybrid flexibility as well as fuel economy, while running purely in diesel-electric mode (propelled by alternators powering the shaft motors) she can reach 10.5 knots and has a range of 4,900 nautical miles.

The owner wanted both a technologically advanced vessel and one that could give his guests a high standard of comfort and services. In awarding Bintador the Neptune for this class, the judges thought he had achieved this aim.

Step inside Tankoa's award-winning hybrid superyacht Bintador

Displacement Motor Yachts Between 500GT and 999GT -  Najiba

Length: 58m Builder: Feadship Naval architect: Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects/ Philippe Briand Exterior design: Vitruvius Yachts Interior design: Claudio Cicconetti Architetto/Liaigre

It was a tough field in this class, which pitted three exquisite yachts from some of northern Europe’s most distinguished yards against one another. The dimensions, power packs and propulsion of all three yachts displayed close similarity, but the detail, such as beam and gross tonnage, showed greater divergence. So did the performance figures, which first drew the judges’ attention to the Feadship Najiba .

Built at the De Vries yard, with naval architecture and styling from Philippe Briand and his Vitruvius Yachts brand, Najiba ’s numbers are phenomenal for a 58-metre yacht. Her top speed of 17 knots surpassed her rivals, while her fuel burn at her 12-knot economical cruise speed was just 137 litres/hour – around half that of her competitors despite her greater beam, clearly demonstrating an efficient hull design.

Added to this, the judges were impressed by her clean, harmonious exterior lines that cradled practical deck areas bordered by solid bulwarks and a glass rail that disappears from view when seen from a distance. Her interior layout, planned by Claudio Cicconetti, was considered fresh and innovative, particularly the yacht’s main entrance from the stern platform that rises up a central stairway from a reception area to the main deck aft. From here, arriving guests pass directly into the main saloon, a room that provides their first introduction to the much admired work of the yacht’s Paris-based interior designer, Studio Liaigre.

On top of all this, the judges’ final accolade went to the extremely high quality of construction seen throughout the yacht. She is, they were certain, a worthy winner of this highly competitive class.

Displacement Motor Yachts Between 1,000GT and 1,499GT -  Metis

Length: 63m Builder: Benetti Naval architect: Benetti Exterior design: Giorgio M Cassetta Interior design: Bannenberg & Rowell

Three yachts were in contention in this class and it was immediately obvious that the exterior lines of Metis were attracting the close attention of the judges. As discussions progressed it became clear that this custom-built yacht was also the frontrunner in many other areas. This was proved by the results of the secret ballot, which gave her a clear lead over her rivals who, unusually, drew for second place.

Apart from their admiration of her contemporary appearance, the judges also voiced approval of the manner in which the designers put every available external area to good use, even creating a gymnasium and observation area aloft – perfectly blended with the existing lines – while the vessel was in an advanced state of construction. The novel interior layout, meanwhile, was designed to exactly meet the needs of her owner, and the judges felt it achieves this while meeting all the modern design trends, including interiors with such good external visibility that they are at one with the surrounding seascapes.

The beach club also achieves this connection, with its comfortable lounge and bar opening directly to the sea through three huge fold-down hull openings – a design unhindered by any need to store tenders in the same area. Instead, the tenders are kept in a garage forward on the main deck between the helipad above and crew quarters beneath.

The judges considered that this was a well-constructed yacht that defied convention but, in doing so, fulfilled her owner’s needs in an elegant and stylish manner. They had no doubts that she was the clear winner of her class.

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Displacement Motor Yachts Between 1,500GT and 1,999GT -  Pi

It was immediately apparent to the judges that all four yachts in this class were outstanding vessels built to extremely high standards and demanding owner requirements. Nevertheless, one of these so clearly stood out for its combination of remarkable build quality combined with superb design and innovation that it proved to be the unanimous winner.

This yacht was Pi , built by Feadship’s Royal Van Lent Shipyard. This, the judges decided, was a yacht that bordered on perfection with its harmonious Zen minimalism, seen in both its interior and exterior. They also admired the manner in which Feadship surmounted the many obstacles in its path, the best example of which is possibly the incorporation of floor-to-ceiling windows without mullions, to create the owners’ dream of a main saloon that is truly at one with the exterior.

Engine room air-shafts were located unusually far forward to remove a visual block seen in most contemporary vessels, while the glazing itself – huge panes mounted in a novel manner – was extremely complex in view of the bi-directional curvature that reduces internal and external reflectivity.

For the judges, the icing on the cake was the detail and harmony of every interior element and Feadship’s perfect quality of construction. The original brief had been for an “iconic, innovative, elegant and timeless” vessel, and the means by which this was achieved, with the owner, designer and builder working closely together, is perhaps reflected in her original name, Syzygy 818 – an term for the perfect alignment of three celestial bodies.

Displacement Motor Yachts Between 2,000GT and 4,999GT -  Lady S

Length: 93m Builder: Feadship Naval architect: Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects Exterior design: Michael Leach Design Interior design: Reymond Langton Design

Selecting a winner from among the world’s largest and most luxurious yachts is always a notoriously difficult duty for the judges, given that they do not consider the individual tastes of owners, but focus their deliberations on quality, practicality, functionality and innovation. This year’s task was no exception. This class contained some exceptional yachts and while the ballot revealed extremely close scores, it showed Lady S , built by Feadship’s Royal Van Lent yard, with its elegant exterior design by Michael Leach and interiors by Reymond Langton, as the clear winner.

First, it was the elegance and harmony of her exterior lines that attracted the judges, whose gaze was then drawn past the decks’ practical features and luxurious furniture to the innovative layout that featured fire-pits on two levels, the largest sliding glass doors seen on any yacht, and a fully-certified helipad deck isolated from the bridge deck by a walkway. This, according to her builders, was the most detailed and complex exterior they had built to date in view of its radical shapes and complex engineering.

In the interior, the judges admired the huge windows and cool elegance of the owner and guest areas, and were fascinated by the boat’s many special features. These included a large gym on the bridge deck with expansive 180-degree views and a stunning beach club, as well as the only Dolby 3D IMAX cinema ever installed on a superyacht. This, the judges agreed, was a very special yacht.

Displacement Motor Yachts 5,000GT and Above -  Flying Fox

Length: 136m Builder: Lürssen Naval architect: Lürssen Exterior design: Espen Øino Interior design: Mark Berryman

The rules of the event dictate that should a class have only one entry, and its amalgamation into another class is inappropriate, judges are required to assess whether this vessel would be a worthy winner when compared to past yachts of her size. Lürssen’s Flying Fox was the sole vessel to qualify for the Displacement Yachts of 5,000GT and Above class.

With her interior volume three times greater than the largest yacht in the next class, fair comparison was deemed impossible, so the judges applied the “comparison” rule outlined above. It was clear from the outset of these deliberations, however, that the judges considered her to be an exceptional vessel, not only in technical achievement, but also for her owner and guest facilities, interior layout, and extremely high quality of construction. It was clear that Lürssen had striven for perfection, and a particularly impressive example involved the 12-metre-long pool set athwartships on the main deck aft. Concerned that the yacht’s slightest roll might initiate wave motion within the pool that would quickly empty it, Lürssen set up a program of computer modelling that resulted in several design modifications. Subsequently, the pool was successfully bench-tested and found to behave perfectly.

Add to this a beautiful interior featuring dining tables for 22, a plant-filled double-height saloon, a winter garden observation saloon and a world-beating spa and watersports centre incorporating the first cryo-sauna seen on a yacht, there was absolutely no doubt in the judges’ minds that she thoroughly deserved a Neptune.

Step on board the most talked about yacht of the year

Voyager’s Award -  Dorothea III

Length: 45m Builder: Cheoy Lee Owners: Dorothea and Steven Green

The judges congratulated all the owners and crews of the four outstanding entries to this year’s Voyager’s Award, whose cruises were well beyond the ordinary. As discussions progressed, it became clear that the judges favoured the cruise made by Dorothea III , a 45-metre Cheoy Lee motor yacht designed by Ron Holland, owned by Steven and Dorothea Green and captained by John Crupi.

This 34,965-mile voyage, taking in the North and South Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean, was, the judges felt, particularly notable not only for its huge range but also for acts of philanthropy that raised $28,000 for humanitarian causes on the way. Dorothea III was also accompanied by a Hatteras 63GT sportfishing boat, Post One, which travelled much of the cruise under its own power.

Starting in Fort Lauderdale in January 2018, the two vessels spent their first few months in Central America, fishing, cruising and perfecting their ship-to-ship refuelling, while passing through the Panama Canal to Costa Rica and returning to the Caribbean. From here they travelled on to Bermuda before crossing the North Atlantic to Portugal.

Their onward path took them to the Canary, Cape Verde and Ascension Islands before a South Atlantic crossing to Brazil. Post One was shipped to Panama, while Dorothea III continued south to Chilean Patagonia. Cruising north through the Chilean canals, Dorothea III was reunited with Post One in the Galápagos and the two sailed on through the Marquesas, Tuamotus, Tahiti, Tonga, Fiji and Vanuatu, to finish their cruise in Cairns, Australia. The judges thought this outstanding adventure well worthy of a Neptune.

Steven Green and Captain John Crupi map out their epic journey

Nominations for the 2021 World Superyacht Awards close on December 11, 2020. Find out how to enter .

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