World Superyacht Awards

THE OSCARS OF THE SUPERYACHT WORLD

Each May, the superyacht industry’s finest gather in the magnificent surroundings of London’s Guildhall for the glamorous World Superyacht Awards, which honour the finest new superyacht builds delivered to their owners in the past twelve months.

Combining a glittering awards ceremony with a gala dinner and dance, the Awards – dubbed the Oscars of the superyacht world – are attended by an elite guest list of international superyacht owners and the most influential players in the superyacht industry.

Each winner is presented with a coveted Neptune trophy, which has become synonymous with excellence in superyacht build and design. The concept was simple; the god of the sea in Roman mythology should be centre stage in an event that will reflect the beauty and power of the sea. These prestigious awards are now displayed on magnificent vessels all over the globe, a badge of distinction proudly worn by their owners.

Fourteen Neptune Awards, each one individually custom made, are presented in the various yacht categories.

The gala dinner in the Guildhall | photo by Bugsy Gedlek

YACHT AWARD CATEGORIES
The yacht award categories have been established in consultation with yacht builders and naval architects, so that yachts can be judged against other vessels of a similar size and type.

There are three awards for displacement motor yachts (those vessels that always displace their own weight of water), and two awards for semi-displacement motor yachts that at higher speeds displace less than their weight of water, operating in ‘planing’ mode. This distinction is made because these two types of yachts call for very different construction philosophies, the latter type being much more lightly-built.

Two further awards are reserved for sailing yachts, and one award for yachts that have been given major refits that finished in the qualifying year.

Finally, there are two awards for the motor yacht and sailing yacht that are considered by the judges to be the most notable in the qualifying year.

Voyagers Award
This award recognises an owner who has made extensive use of his or her yacht in long distance voyaging and exploration over the past few years.

Legacy Award
This award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the superyacht industry over many years.

RECENT WINNERS

The big winners at the sixth annual World Superyacht Awards in 2011 included the 162.50 metre Eclipse, by Blohm and Voss and styled by Terence Disdale Design, and the 50 metre Exuma, built by Pichiotti/Perini Navi and designed by Philippe Briand, which jointly won Motor Yacht of the Year, sponsored by Camper & Nicholsons International.

Sailing Yacht of the Year, sponsored by Dream Ship Victory, went to the 49.70 metre Zefira, built by Fitzroy Yachts and designed by Dubois Naval Architects.

The Voyager’s Award, sponsored by Porto Montenegro, was awarded to the owners of the 46 metre expedition yacht Dione Sky, whose route drew a figure of eight around both North and South America and crossed both the Arctic and Antarctic Circles.

The Legacy Award was presented to Elizabeth E Meyer for her instrumental role in the restoration of the J Class Yachts, beginning with her own 130 foot sloop Endeavour in 1983, and the founding of the International Yacht Restoration School in 1993.

For more information visit www.worldsuperyachtawards.com

Events News Announcing the Winners of the World Superyacht Awards 2011 A gala dinner at London's Guildhall saw the winners of the Neptunes, Special Awards and Judges' Commendations presented with their awards on the night of 7 May 2011

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