Celebrating 12 years of the World Superyacht Awards

The 2015 awards were held at Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam with the great and good of yachting turning out to toast the industry's achievements. The big winners in 2015 included Arctic P - which took home the Voyager Award for completing the furthest voyage south ever undertaken - Sailing Yacht of the Year WinWin, Motor Yacht of the Year Grace E and Legacy award winner Lord Irvine Laidlaw.

In 2014 the ceremony took place at Amsterdam's stunning Het Scheepvaartmuseum (National Maritime Museum) with support from Dutch superyacht builders Amels, Feadship, Heesen Yachts, Holland Jachtbouw and Royal Huisman.

Andrew Winch Designs (pictured above) took home four coveted Neptune trophies in 2014. These included Motor Yacht of the Year for Madame Gu, a judge's special award for sailing yacht Inou__ï and a category win for motor yacht Sea Owl.

In 2013 Istanbul was chosen as the host city for the World Superyacht Awards, with the ceremony taking place at Çırağan Palace Kempinski, a former Ottoman palace bordering the Bosphorus.

Tako van Ineveld, commercial director at Holland Jachtbouw, Jeroen de Vos from Dykstra Naval Architects, Michiel de Vos from DeVosDeVries Design and the yacht's owner are presented with a Neptune trophy for J Class sailing yacht Rainbow.

The World Superyacht Awards moved to the Çırağan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul for the first time in 2012. The 5* resort was chosen for its huge capacity, allowing up to 700 yacht owners and industry professionals to attend the awards, along with its incredible scenery, cultural heritage and proximity to Istanbul's bustling harbour.

Every year the World Superyacht Awards is attended by the cream of the yachting industry, including owners, builders, designers and naval architects, all hoping to take home a coveted trophy. Of course, for the 'Oscars' of the superyacht world, everyone makes sure they are looking their best.

It says something about the calibre of an awards ceremony when the same presenter agrees to come back year after year. International broadcaster and television personality Natasha Kaplinsky has presented the awards for many years.

What would a starry event like the World Superyacht Awards be without a little entertainment? Whether it's a dance show from the Fires of Anatolia, a traditional British marching band or Bond, the original electric string quartet, these unusual acts are always a highlight of the evening.

There are 21 World Superyacht Awards handed out each year across six categories, plus special judge's commendations where they feel it is necessary. Competition is fierce, with up to six yachts shortlisted for each award, so to win - as _Arkley, Blind Date _and Hanuman did in 2010 - is a huge achievement.