Acclaimed yacht designer Andrew Winch has been named the recipient of this year's Lifetime Achievement Award at the BOAT Design & Innovation Awards 2026. The award was presented during a ceremony at the Superyacht Design Festival in Kitzbühel, Austria.
As the founder of Winch Design, Winch's career has been defined by a passion for the sea, a dedication to craftsmanship and an ability to create extraordinary designs that have shaped the industry for 40 years.
Andrew Winch’s love of the ocean was ignited early in life and has remained a defining force throughout his career. A lifelong sailor, the water has been both his inspiration and his classroom. After completing a foundation degree at Central Saint Martins, he went on to study 3D Design at Kingston School of Art. He then swapped studio life for life at sea, skippering yachts in the Caribbean, before undertaking an apprenticeship with renowned yacht designer Jon Bannenberg.
In 1986, Winch founded Winch Design, which has since evolved into one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary design studios, renowned for its work across yachts, aviation and architecture.
His portfolio includes some of the most iconic yachts of the modern era. These include the interior design of the 156-metre Dilbar, which featured rare materials, and the 111-metre Tis (now Alaiya) designed inside and out at Winch, with interiors inspired by grand European palaces. The 43-metre sailing yacht Hertairos (now Asgard), built in cold-moulded mahogany, is a testament to his ability to combine classic aesthetics with cutting-edge performance, while the 99-metre Madame Gu exemplifies his bold approach to design.
Beyond custom superyachts, Winch’s versatility is reflected in his work on production yachts, including a successful collaboration with Jeanneau that brought his design philosophy to a broader audience. His ability to move effortlessly between highly bespoke projects and large-scale production highlights both his range and his influence on the industry.
Winch has also expanded his creative reach into private aviation and luxury residential architecture, crafting bespoke interiors for private jets and homes. Across all disciplines, his work is defined by a deeply personal approach, ensuring each project reflects the individual vision, lifestyle and aspirations of its owner.
A mentor and inspiration to generations of designers, Winch has fostered a culture of creativity and excellence within his studio. In 2021, he transitioned Winch Design to employee ownership and joined the Trustee Board, securing the firm’s future and ensuring his legacy endures beyond his tenure at the helm.
Andrew Winch’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and design integrity has set a benchmark for the industry. The Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting tribute to a remarkable career that has helped shape the evolution of yacht design and continues to influence its future.