To decide the BOAT Design & Innovation Awards winners most fairly, BOAT International has adopted the same transparent judging as the World Superyacht Awards.
In this respect, the panel is a fully independent jury of esteemed designers and stylists from both within and beyond the yachting industry, each bringing expert knowledge in their respective fields.
The judges
Cristina de Basto - vice president, De Basto Designs
Jozeph Forakis - founder and president, jozeph forakis ... Design
Captain Chris Gartner - 106.7-metre Black Pearl
Claire German - CEO, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour
Fabrizio Giugiaro - president and creative director, Giugiaro Architettura
Tim Gosling - director, Gosling Limited
Stuart King - director, Technical Marine UK
Hans Konings - director, Konings Yacht Consultancy
Cyril Le Sourd - co-founder, SPARK Marine
Sabrina Monteleone - owner, Sabrina Monte-Carlo
Marilyn Mower - former chairman of the awards; contributor and editor-at-large, BOAT International; editor, Life Under Sail
Merfyn Owen - partner, Owen Clarke Design
Guillaume Rolland - director of yacht design, Liaigre
James Roy - managing director, Lateral Engineering
Sally Storey - owner and design director, Lighting Design International
Giorgio Vafiadis - founder, Studio Vafiadis
Chairman
Tim Heywood - yacht designer, Tim Heywood Designs Ltd.
Vice co-chairpersons
Cecile Gauert - executive editor, BOAT International and BOAT International US
Caroline White - deputy editor, BOAT International
We would like to thank the panel of judges for their dedication, commitment and support.
The BOAT Design & Innovation Awards will return to the Superyacht Design Festival in Kitzbühel on 1-3 February 2026 with limited early-bird tickets available. Nominations for the awards are now open, with all submission materials required by 15 October 2025. For more information, please email the events team.
SUBMIT A NOMINATIONBUY TICKETS