In a dazzling ceremony held at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul, Turkey, the 18th edition of the World Superyacht Awards, hosted by Boat International together with the yachting brand Akyacht, showcased the crème de la crème of the superyacht industry. On May 20, esteemed judges, comprising 23 current and former yacht owners, honoured the most remarkable superyachts across 19 categories. They acknowledged their unparalleled design, innovation, and craftsmanship. Among the 40 exceptional yachts shortlisted, several emerged as the coveted winners.
Kensho by Admiral: a masterpiece of design and innovation
Taking home the title of Motor Yacht of the Year, the 74.8-metre Kensho by Admiral showcased unparalleled excellence. This exceptional superyacht, built in Italy, stands out among the crowd but also represents the culmination of meticulous craftsmanship and visionary design. Before its construction, the client embarked on a voyage, visiting over 100 private vessels to discern the crucial elements.
Alea by Vitters: setting sail to new horizons
Sailing Yacht of the Year and the finest among sailing yachts measuring 50 metres and above, the 56-metre Alea by Vitters epitomises precision and elegance. Created by one of the world's foremost shipyards in the realm of sailing vessels, this exceptional yacht fulfils the owner's desire for speed, comfort, and the ability to circumnavigate the globe.
A dazzling Feadship fleet
The World Superyacht Awards recognised the excellence of Dutch shipbuilding with multiple winners from the Netherlands. The 42.5-metre Callisto, designed by Vitruvius Yachts and Philippe Briand, emerged as the best semi-displacement or planning yacht of 42 metres and above. Another Feadship, Shinkai, boasting a length of 54.9 metres, received a special award for its design tailored for true ocean exploration. Additionally, the 71-metre Feadship Juice captured the Neptune trophy with its breathtaking exterior design and sleek lines.
Italian mastery is unveiled
Apart from the aforementioned winner Kensho, Italian shipyards made their mark at the World Superyacht Awards. The winners included the 41.8-metre Rush by Baglietto, the epitome of style and craftsmanship, and a remarkable hull from the Benetti Oasis 34 series christened Unknown. Cantiere delle Marche's Acala further highlighted Italian yacht builders' prowess.
Excellence knows no boundaries
The winners' circle extended beyond traditional shipbuilding countries, showcasing superyacht excellence's global reach.The 34-metre Sorvind, constructed by the South African shipyard Southern Wind and designed by Nauta and Farr, was crowned the finest among sailing vessels measuring 30 to 49.9 metres. With its Nordic-inspired style, this yacht perfectly caters to its passionate sailing owner's preferences.
A melody from Estonia
Breaking boundaries in yacht construction, the 41.5-metre sailing yacht Melody received Judges' commendation. Built by Ridas Yacht & Composites in Estonia, renowned for its expertise in smaller composite vessels, this exceptional yacht triumphed over the challenge of constructing a large aluminium ketch.
Recognizing revitalised classics
The World Superyacht Awards celebrated not only newly launched vessels. The 92-year-old motor yacht Marala, skillfully rebuilt in the United Kingdom by Pendennis, secured the top spot in the rebuilt category. Meanwhile, the 63-metre sailing yacht Athos, after a meticulous refit by Huisfit, dazzled the judges with its beauty.
Honouring legends and innovators
The judges bestowed a special award upon the legendary 72.5-metre Lurssen Coral Ocean, originally designed by Jon Bannenberg. The yacht's complete reimagination, with the support of the renowned studio H2 Yacht Design, breathed new life into this timeless masterpiece.
Beyond monohulls: the catamaran Nebula
Breaking conventions, the 68.2-metre catamaran Nebula, built in Spain, received the Judges' Special Award. Celebrated for its unique craftsmanship and considered an excellent support vessel, Nebula demonstrated the versatility of the superyacht industry.
Celebrating remarkable journeys
The World Superyacht Awards not only honoured the vessels but also recognised their extraordinary journeys. The New Zealand-built vessel V6, a 48.5-metre yacht from 2006, clinched Voyager's award for her cruise from Seattle to Alaska. The cruise turned into a visual spectacle with awe-inspiring photography.
An industry of excellence
While these exceptional yachts claimed the spotlight, the absence of Neptune trophies for renowned shipyards and brands like Sanlorenzo, Riva, Azimut Yachts, Overmarine Group, Custom Line, and CRN is a testament to the fiercely competitive nature of the World Superyacht Awards. It underscores the exceptional standards upheld by the winners and the high bar set by the judges.
