The BOAT Design & Innovation Awards returned to the Superyacht Design Festival 2026 in the Austrian ski town of Kitzbühel. The awards celebrate the design teams behind aspects of the most impressive yachts launched in the preceding calendar year by a judging panel of design experts. The winners for the 2026 awards have now been revealed.
VIEW THE WINNERSWhile the World Superyacht Awards recognise superyachts in their entirety, the Design & Innovation Awards focus directly on the fundamental aspects of superyacht design, such as naval architecture, exterior design, deck and interior layout and aesthetics, lifestyle features and tenders, bringing the specialist design skills of the industry’s most talented teams into the spotlight.
The Design & Innovation Awards are split into various categories based on the size and type of yacht entering, which are outlined below.
- Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts / Sailing Yachts
- Best Interior Design — Motor Yachts below/above 500GT
- Best Interior Design - Sailing Yachts
- Best Naval Architecture — Semi-Displacement or Sailing Motor Yachts / Displacement Motor Yachts / Sailing Yachts
- Best New Series
- Outstanding Lifestyle Feature
- Eco and Innovation Award
- Tender of the Year
The ceremony also includes a Lifetime Achievement Award, which honours someone who has made an indelible impression on the industry.