The BOAT Design & Innovation Awards has announced two new additions to its judging panel: acclaimed yacht designer Andrew Winch and architect Patricia Viel.
The pair will join a jury of leading designers, architects and industry experts tasked with selecting the winners of the prestigious awards, which recognise excellence in superyacht design, naval architecture, innovation and craftsmanship.
Andrew Winch brings more than four decades of experience across yacht design, architecture and luxury interiors. His passion for yachts began during childhood sailing trips on the Solent, later leading him to train under pioneering yacht designer Jon Bannenberg before establishing Andrew Winch Designs with his wife Jane in 1986.
Since then, the studio – now known as Winch Design – has become one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary design practices, creating yachts, aircraft, residences and bespoke interiors. Its yacht portfolio includes some of the most recognisable sailing and motor yachts of recent decades, alongside projects spanning private estates, aviation and hospitality.
Following the creation of the Winch Employee Ownership Trust in 2021, Winch joined the company’s Trustee Board as Founder. He is also a Trustee of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust and Chichester Harbour.
Patricia Viel, architect and co-founder of ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, joins the panel with extensive international experience in architecture, interiors and urban design.
A graduate of Politecnico di Milano, Viel began collaborating with Antonio Citterio in 1986 before co-founding the practice in 2000. Today, ACPV ARCHITECTS is recognised for its multidisciplinary approach, combining architecture, interior design and research to create spaces focused on social, cultural and environmental value.
Beyond her work in practice, Viel has contributed to architectural discourse through institutional roles, advisory boards and international talks, advocating for architecture as a tool for collective responsibility and innovation.
The new judges join an established panel of experts, chaired by yacht designer Tim Heywood, with BOAT International's editor Caroline White as chairperson. The jury also includes:
- Cristina de Basto, vice president, De Basto Designs
- Captain Chris Gartner, of the 106.7-metre Black Pearl
- Claire German, CEO, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour
- 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, contributing editor, BOAT International
- Merfyn Owen, partner, Owen Clarke Design
- Guillaume Rolland, director, Liaigre
- James Roy, managing director, Lateral Engineering
- Sally Storey, founding director, Lighting Design International
- Giorgio Vafiadis, founder, Studio Vafiadis
To ensure a fair and transparent process, the panel operates as an autonomous jury, with members selected from across the design, architecture and yachting industries, each bringing specialist knowledge and expertise to the evaluation process.
The BOAT Design & Innovation Awards will return to the Superyacht Design Festival in 2027, with nominations now open until 15 October 2026. If you have any questions about the awards, please contact the events team.
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