The winners of the BOAT Design & Innovation Awards have been revealed at the Superyacht Design Festival's annual ceremony, attended by the industry's most celebrated designers, naval architects and shipyards. Held in the Austrian ski town of Kitzbühel, the awards acknowledge everything from styling and naval architecture to groundbreaking innovations of today's most impressive superyachts. With an outstanding competitive lineup of finalists, here are this year's award winners, selected by an independent panel of judges.
Make sure to listen to our BOAT Briefing podcast, where we give the inside scoop on the most hotly contested categories and share our top tips for those hoping to claim victory next year.
Tender of the Year – Limousine: Tender to Pi
Tender of the Year – Limousine - Judges' Commendation: Faith Limousine Tender
Tender of the Year – Open: Impetus Open
Best New Series: Ferretti Yachts 800
Outstanding Exterior Design - Sailing Yachts: wallywind110
Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts, 24m to 39.9m: Lalabe
Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts, 40m-49.9m: RJ
Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts, 50m-69.9m: Loewe
Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts, 70m and above: Pi
Best Interior Design - Sailing Yachts: Katana
Best Interior Design - Motor Yachts, 499GT and below, 24m-39.9m: Lalabe
Best Interior Design - Motor Yachts, 1000GT and below, 40m and above: RJ
Best Interior Design - Motor Yachts, 1000GT and above: Breakthrough
Best Interior Design - Motor Yachts, 1000GT and above - Judges' Commendation:Valor
Best Naval Architecture - Sailing Yachts: Aquarius
Best Naval Architecture - Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts: Lalabe
Best Naval Architecture - Displacement Motor Yachts: Breakthrough
Best Naval Architecture - Displacement Motor Yachts - Judges' Commendation: Tremenda
Outstanding Lifestyle Feature: Majesty 100 Terrace
Eco and Innovation Award: Breakthrough
Young Designer of the Year: Finn Lortan
Lifetime Achievement Award: Andrew Winch
Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts, 24m to 39.9m: Lalabe
LOA: 35.1m
Builder: Van der Valk Shipyard
Naval architect: Diana Yacht Design / Ginton Naval Architects
Exterior designer: Guido De Groot Design
Interior designer: Guido De Groot Design
The winner in this category of the smallest motor yachts took the prize by a good margin, with the judges remarking that she presented “a lot of volume for a boat this size” with nearly 300GT in a 35-metre footprint. They also appreciated the design language and well-balanced proportions of this fully custom yacht, built by Van der Valk Shipyard in the Netherlands. Design comes from Guido de Groot, who created the exterior and interior, while the naval architecture was a collaboration between Ginton Naval Architects and Diana Yacht Design.
With Lalabe to be used by a multigenerational family, the design brief started with accentuating the outdoor lifestyle that the owners enjoy. This prompted extending the main aft deck and enlarging the outdoor areas. Her designers rose to the challenge of balancing the proportions of the voluminous superstructure with these expanded deck areas. The judges were impressed with the space planning of the outdoor areas, with one judge commenting that, “she has a spa tub, a beach club, a proper bar and seating and dining where everyone can sit together… packs in quite a punch in terms of what’s being offered for this size.”
Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts, 40m-49.9m: RJ
LOA: 46.71m
Builder: Cantiere delle Marche
Naval architect: Pierluigi Ausonio
Exterior designer: Francesco Paszkowski Design
Interior designer: Achille Salvagni Atelier
This was a close race, with the winner only coming in one point ahead of fellow Cantiere delle Marche yacht Tremenda. While many judges were taken by the architectural exterior of Tremenda, in the end it was the CdM RJ that won over the majority to take the top spot by a hair. As the yacht is part of the wider RJ line, her profile marries the essence of the explorer with the refined lines of a luxury yacht. RJ is the fourth yacht in the RJ series, following the RJ 130 Nuri and the RJ 115s Stellamar and Pazienza, and she is also the longest yacht ever built by the Italian yard.
“She has the true explorer capabilities of the CdM but with the appearance of a white ship,” remarked one judge. “She has a certain elegance.” As a group, the judges praised the logical layout of the decks, the proportional balance of the exterior and the overall high quality of the construction. They also noted the details that add to the yacht's overall appeal, such as the fashion plates that continue all the up the superstructure to the hardtop and the glass panel bulwarks.
Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts, 50m-69.9m: Loewe
LOA: 56m
Builder: Tankoa Yachts
Naval architect: inNave
Exterior designer: Luca Dini Design & Architecture
Interior designer: Luca Dini Design & Architecture
"This boat is arguably one of the more interesting ones in this category,” said a judge of the winner in this class of motor yachts. The other judges seemed to agree, as Loewe took the top prize by a wide margin. As
she is the first yacht in a new T55 Sportiva series from Tankoa Yachts, the owner was able to put
their stamp on the project, refining the design choices along the way. One of the favourite features among the judges was on the main deck, where a built-in balcony with spa tub has been integrated into the owner's suite.
As for the exterior profile, the Italian builder gave the designers a brief to create a yacht with “sporty and sexy lines” while also being able to accommodate a large nine-square-metre swimming pool. The open stern makes the yacht ideal for entertaining by day or night, with the floor of the pool rising to be flush with the deck. The curvaceous exterior by Luca Dini caught the judges’ eyes, and they appreciated details such as the bulwark cut-out and glass panels that showcase the full-height windows on the upper deck.
Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts, 70m and above: Pi
LOA: 100m
Builder: Feadship
Naval architect: Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects
Exterior designer: Jarkko Jämsén – Aivan
Interior designer: Liaigre
Two Feadships vied for top spot in this category with only five points separating them. While the judges praised Valor as being “a yacht with a lot of character,” Pi pulled slightly ahead of her Feadship brethren to take the win in the largest of the motor yacht exterior design categories. The judges liked how the glazing of the superstructure followed the shape of the bulwarks. “Everything is on a nice curvature,” said a judge about Pi’s graceful exterior lines penned by Jarkko Jämsén of Aivan.
The owner’s brief was to create the same calm and balanced spirit as their previous Pi but on a larger vessel. The judges recognised that this aim was achieved, noting the similar essence between this Pi and her predecessor. Though extending the length of the vessel, Jämsén chose to keep the beam restrained to maintain a balance that kept things on a human scale, “never imposing”. The narrow-angle bow gives the yacht a distinct look while also affording low-resistance movement through the waves. The designer points out one of Pi’s innovations was creating true floor-to-ceiling windows by moving all the cabling, pipes and systems to a central core, leaving the sides completely open.
Outstanding Exterior Design - Sailing Yachts: wallywind110
LOA: 33.42m
Builder: Wally
Naval architect: judel/vrolijk & co
Exterior designer: Wally/ Studio Santa Maria Magnolfi
Interior designer: Wally/ Studio Santa Maria Magnolfi
“The teak work is stunning,” one judge commented of the winner in the sailing yacht class. The wallywind110 sailed ahead of the other yachts in this category. Though the second hull in the 110 series, a sister to Galma who preceded her, she stood out to the judges this year thanks to her clean lines and signature Wally DNA. The design team at Santa Maria Magnolfi worked to bring the hallmarks of a Wally into a boundary-pushing design.
Beyond the aesthetics, the judges were impressed by the unique layout of the cockpit, which breaks away from the traditional side decks and coamings to create a 60-square-metre area that can be customised. The inventive layout affords a plethora of options to sit and enjoy the views while underway, including seats that face aft and outwards. The judges also liked how the yacht can convert smoothly between a cruiser and racer, with all the exterior deck furniture being removable for racing. Tables can also be converted to sunbathing areas, and she has a range of awnings to provide shade. She also features a flush deck that emphasises the yacht’s streamlined exterior lines while maximising the use of the highly convertible space.
Best Interior Design - Motor Yachts, 499GT and below, 24m-39.9m: Lalabe
LOA: 35m
Builder: Van der Valk Shipyard
Naval architect: Diana Yacht Design / Ginton Naval Architects
Interior designer: Guido De Groot Design
Exterior designer: Guido De Groot Design
“The interior of this yacht was relaxing, soft and quiet while also feeling very personal,” said one judge of the winner. “It felt good being on board.” Taking another win for Van der Valk, Lalabe was once again ahead in her class by a clear margin, this time in the realm of interior design. The calming interior features natural materials in earthy tones, stitched suede details and oak walls and flooring. Other materials were chosen with maintenance in mind, such as the feature wall in the main saloon that resembles stucco but is actually an easy-to-clean textured hard plastic laminate.
The judges also appreciated the practicality of the interior layout, and how the design team did a stellar job at squeezing in the many elements of the owner’s brief into a 35-metre yacht. With a focus on space optimisation, they were able to fit in a large beach club with a sauna, a professional galley, efficient guest and crew circulation and an upper aft deck and saloon that created “the ultimate flexibility” in indoor-outdoor living. This area opens on three sides, allowing it to be used as a veranda, winter garden or fully enclosed saloon.
Best Interior Design - Motor Yachts, 1000GT and below, 40m and above: RJ
LOA: 46.71m
Builder: Cantiere delle Marche
Naval architect: PierLuigi Ausonio Naval Architecture
Exterior designer: Francesco Paszkowski Design
Interior designer: Achille Salvagni Atelier
“It’s imaginative and it removes you from your every day yet is still consistent and lovely to spend time in,” said a judge of the winner in the mid-size motor yachts category. “It’s like putting some spice in a room that’s otherwise very neutral and calming.” While RJ is part of the wider RJ series from Cantiere delle Marche, she stands out with a spellbindingly creative interior that catches the eye at every turn.
The owners’ passion for contemporary art is apparent, and interior designer Achille Salvagni created an interior that answers their brief for “soft minimalism” that still has plenty of character. The judges praised how every element of the interior design had a thought behind it. “The furniture and sculpted lights are very original,” said one judge of the custom pieces on board, such as light fixtures that were built into the furniture, so they seem to grow straight up from countertops, and architectural lamps hang like branches on the walls. The ceiling over the dining area in the main saloon is a particular wow-factor, carved to “recall the ripple created by a stone dropped in still water”, while the sculptural staircase was a favourite element among the judges.
Best Interior Design - Motor Yachts, 1000GT and above: Breakthrough
LOA: 118.8m
Builder: Feadship
Naval architect: Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects
Exterior designer: RWD
Interior designer: RWD
In the largest motor yacht interiors category, Breakthrough took the top spot. A battle of Feadships defined this category, but Breakthrough pulled just ahead of another judges’ favourite, Valor, which they also deemed exceptional. The winner stood out for her interesting and well-executed amenities, such as an underwater Nemo lounge located down in the skeg, comfortable cinema and a cosy library off the owner’s cabin. The brief for the interior was honed by the build owners’ many years of chartering, and the layout was informed by how they live. The latter inspired an arrangement with two vertical cores, one for guests and crew and a separate route for the owners that can be closed off on every deck.
The judges also remarked on the highly detailed interior, such as the custom-made chandelier over the dining area in the bridge-deck lounge, with one judge saying, “the photos don’t do her justice.” RWD created interiors with a “barefoot luxury” appeal, featuring Navona travertine, white oak and eucalyptus with leather details on the owner’s deck. “While a similar palette appears on all the decks, the colours deepen as you go further down – it’s an extra level of design that you wouldn't usually see,” said a
judge appreciatively.
Judges' Commendation:Valor
LOA: 79.5m
Builder: Feadship
Naval architect: Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects
Exterior designer: Studio De Voogt
Interior designer: RWD
"I think the interior is first class,” said one judge of 79.5-metre Feadship Valor. The judges as a group deemed her deserving of recognition for her design excellence, bestowing her with a special Judges’ Commendation award. They particularly liked the “remarkable” staircase. The judges also praised the yacht’s interesting use of textures in the interior created by Bannenberg & Rowell Design. “It’s the type of boat that as you walk through, you want to touch the walls, touch the bulkheads,” said one of the judges. “Although a lot is going on, it doesn’t feel cluttered. There’s a varied palette of materials and colours, but she’s still wonderfully coherent.”
Best Interior Design - Sailing Yachts: Katana
LOA: 60m
Builder: Perini Navi - The Italian Sea Group
Naval architect: Perini Navi - The Italian Sea Group
Exterior designer: Perini Navi - The Italian Sea Group
Interior designer: Rémi Tessier Design
A clear winner among the sailing yachts, Katana stood out for her interior, which one judge deemed “simply beautiful”. Inspired by Japanese philosophy – which both the owner and designer Rémi Tessier greatly admire – Katana has a flowing, curvaceous and literally seamless interior that impressed the judges. Katana stands out for her organic forms that see every piece of furniture, from the beds to the sofas, seem to “float” over the natural teak floors. The tray ceiling also floats from above, helping to create an ethereal atmosphere among the “sanctuary of calm” that the designer sought to create.
Other materials employed with precision include the brushed natural cedar walls, ivory onyx sinks in the bathroom and walnut countertops. A plethora of details also caught the judges’ attention, such as the minimalist, titanium staircase with teak steps that one judge described as “a piece of art”. They also noted the bathtub carved out of a single piece of wood, and thoughtful touches, like cup holders already integrated in the bathroom’s countertop. Copper blinds that glisten at night are meant to convey the sense of a sunset shimmering across the water.
Best Naval Architecture - Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts: Lalabe
LOA: 35m
Builder: Van der Valk Shipyard
Naval architect: Diana Yacht Design / Ginton Naval Architects
Exterior designer: Guido de Groot Design
Interior designer: Guido de Groot Design
This yacht takes her third win of the night, this time in the technical category of naval architecture for semi-displacement or planing motor yachts. Lalabe stood out as a clear winner, scoring six points ahead of the next in the pack. Conceived as a fast-displacement yacht, Lalabe required a lightweight yet strong aluminium structure to balance her voluminous 299GT interior and large aft decks that were part of the owner’s brief. The forward weight distribution, combined with expansive glazing, demanded precise attention to balance and stiffness. The upper saloon, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass panels and doors opening on three sides, added complexity, supported by just two aft columns.
With a top speed of 17 knots, she offers superior fuel economy and excels in hydrodynamic performance, deemed the judges. The design team optimised the hull for seaworthiness and efficiency. CFD studies were used to inform the precise placement of rudders, which were moved outboard, allowing the propellers to move aft and the shaft angle to be reduced. This setup affords higher efficiency and manoeuvrability. The round bilge hull, with a semi-tunnel design, further enhances performance.
Best Naval Architecture - Displacement Motor Yachts: Breakthrough
LOA: 118.8m
Builder: Feadship
Naval architect: Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects
Exterior designer: RWD
Interior designer: RWD
The naval architecture specialists among the judges thoroughly analysed each nominated yacht in this category, and two stood out above the rest – Breakthrough and Tremenda. It was Breakthrough, a yacht that showcases a bounty of innovation, that took the prize. De Voogt Naval Architects worked to balance Breakthrough’s immense volume with stability and performance. Technical complexity was seen in the structural engineering of details including the underwater Nemo lounge, sliding balconies and large hull openings.
While the design features a relatively classic displacement hull, there is nothing classic about her engine room. The first yacht to use cryogenic hydrogen to power fuel cells for propulsion, Breakthrough represents a groundbreaking application of hydrogen technology in yachting, as a diesel-electric hybrid capable of running entirely on hydrogen. The project required the development of new marine energy systems, safety frameworks and regulations in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register and the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry. The hydrogen system occupies three per cent of the yacht’s volume but significantly affected layout and sequencing, requiring innovative engineering. Sustainability features include heat recovery systems, intelligent energy management and advanced exhaust treatment.
Judges' Commendation: Tremenda
LOA: 45.7m
Builder: Cantiere delle Marche
Naval architect: Hydro Tec
Exterior designer: Cassetta Yacht Designers
Interior designer: Owner / CdM
Vying for top spot in this hotly contested category, Tremenda was a deserved recipient of a Judges’ Commendation. Her high-strength steel displacement hull and lightweight alloy superstructure ensure stability and cruising comfort. Designed for optimal seakeeping during ocean passages and challenging conditions, her hull was developed using CFD analysis to reduce hydrodynamic resistance while maintaining a pure displacement form. The near-vertical bow with a bulbous profile enhances wave-piercing and interior volume and reduces spray. The judges appreciated how attention was paid to the distribution of the fuel and freshwater tanks and the placement of technical systems to maintain “neutral dynamic behaviour” in all conditions.
Best Naval Architecture - Sailing Yachts: Aquarius
LOA: 65m
Builder: Royal Huisman
Naval architect: Dykstra Naval Architects
Exterior designer: Dykstra Naval Architects
Interior designer: Mark Whiteley Design
A clear winner raced ahead in this category. Aquarius stood out to the judges with her impressive performance numbers. The owner’s brief was to create a vessel that would sail at least as well as his previous boat, while providing more volume. “She’s very much a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” one judge remarked, alluding to the classic exterior and cruising boat interior that belie Aquarius’s serious sailing performance.
The design underwent significant refinements to enhance functionality, performance and comfort. Volume distribution was assessed, resulting in larger owner and guest cabins, expanded crew and galley spaces and improved system serviceability. High-strength aluminium was used in the internal structure to minimise weight while maximising volume. To offset any unavoidable weight increase, the sail area was expanded, with the main mast air draught extended to 67.5 metres, purposefully forgoing Panamax limitations. A lifting keel with a 4.8- to 7.6-metre draught was chosen to improve stability and reduce displacement increase. Sailing systems were redefined with full roach mainsails, removable inner headstay and Code sails for flexibility. These features maximise efficiency and ensure excellent performance with reduced crew during ocean crossings.
Best New Series: Ferretti Yachts 800
LOA: 24.47m
Builder: Ferretti Yachts
Naval architect: Ferretti Group Engineering Department
Exterior designer: Filippo Salvetti Design
Interior designer: IdeaeItalia
Measuring in at an LOA just under 25 metres, the smallest yacht in the category wound up scoring the most points among the judges, with the win for Best New Series going to the Ferretti Yachts 800. According to the builder, this model completes the renewal of the Ferretti Yachts range that began in 2018. “There is a lot of boat for this size and price,” remarked one judge. “It’s a great starter boat.”
The judges had much to praise about this pocket superyacht, from the layout to the good-sized galley and user-friendly operation. “This is a semi-production boat that has been well conceived and well executed,” said another judge, who also commended the automotive influences seen in the design. Filippo Salvetti’s exterior and IdeaeItalia’s interior showcase a versatile approach, allowing the yacht design to be tailored to the diverse preferences of various markets and owners. Multiple layout options give owners choices on the main deck, while the lower deck has four cabins, and room for three crew at the stern. Standard power with twin 1,550-horsepower MAN V12 engines provides a top speed of 27 knots, while upgraded engines can get her up to 31 knots.
Eco and Innovation Award: Breakthrough
LOA: 118.8m
Innovation feature: Hydrogen fuel
Builder: Feadship
Naval architect: Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects
Exterior designer: RWD
“It is truly a breakthrough,” said one judge of the innovative propulsion package seen on this winner. Breakthrough is the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell yacht, and the innovations of her propulsion system will have ripples throughout the yachting world, the judges remarked. The owner’s brief was to create “the world’s most advanced and environmentally conscious superyacht”. Notably, the owner funded this experiment to help move the needle on alternative fuel sources, which was matched by Feadship’s desire to push boundaries in research and design. Feadship developed a groundbreaking marine energy system using hydrogen power, despite no existing regulations or precedents for maritime hydrogen storage and fuel cells.
Designed to operate at zero emissions when powered by hydrogen, Breakthrough boasts a pioneering hybrid propulsion system capable of operating entirely on hydrogen or diesel-electric power. At the core of the yacht is a 3.2MW fuel cell system running on cryogenic liquid hydrogen stored at -253°C. This system generates electricity for hotel load and coastal cruising – emission-free, with water as the only byproduct. Breakthrough dramatically reduces emissions during the hotel load phase, which accounts for 70 to 78 per cent of annual energy use.
Outstanding Lifestyle Feature: Majesty 100 Terrace
LOA: 32.2m
Lifestyle feature: Private forward deck
Builder: Majesty Yachts - Gulf Craft
Exterior designer: Majesty Yachts / Phathom Studio
Interior designer: Majesty Yachts / Phathom Studio
“The private terrace convinced us – it offers the privacy we wanted while keeping the sea always within reach,” the owner of the Majesty 100 Terrace said of their decision to buy this yacht. The terrace won over most of the judges as well. While it’s not the first time they had seen a sheltered bow terrace, they noted that this was a welcome new application of the feature, which extended the living space from the owner’s suite. Integrating the full-beam terrace into the GRP hull and superstructure required advanced engineering to ensure structural integrity and safety. Majesty’s R&D and design teams worked closely with Phathom Studio and naval architect Andrew Wolstenholme to achieve this through advanced composite lamination techniques, weight-optimised reinforcements and meticulous load analysis.
With the terrace set forward of the main-deck master cabin and accessed via sliding glass doors, the owners are afforded seamless access between their bedroom and the outdoors. Recessed into the bow and tucked under the shade of the deck above, with sofa seating and a dining table, the space provides protection and privacy while being outside. Another access point leads down from the sundeck, so crew can service the area without disrupting the owners who can head straight out onto the terrace for their morning coffee, a thought that pleased the judges.
Tender of the Year – Limousine: Tender to Pi
LOA: 12m
Exterior designer: Jarkko Jämsén - Aivan
Interior designer: Jarkko Jämsén - Aivan
Naval architect: Patrick Banfield - Allseas Design
Builder: Compass Tenders
In a very tight race, our limo tender of the year winner crossed the finish line just one point ahead of the rest of the pack. While many of the finalists impressed the judges with their functionality and performance, the limousine tender to Pi, built by Compass Tenders, rose above the rest for her styling. “This one stood out with her refreshing interior,” said one judge of the bright cabin that they found to be more welcoming than the typical limo tender – often darker and confining.
Designed to match the mothership, the windows, coachroof lines and bow shape all mimic the styling of the Feadship Pi . The wood-panelled interior was inspired by Scandinavian commuter boats and replicates details of the mothership’s beach club. The judges also commented that the details on board – from the armrests that retract into the seating to the high-quality craftsmanship of her woodwork and leather upholstery – set her apart from the style of other limos. She also delivers in terms of performance and safety. “She runs beautifully as well, very balanced in the way she was sailing, sitting in the water nice and straight,” said a judge. “This one ticked all the boxes between boarding safety, aesthetics, refinement
and being a bit different.”
Judges' Commendation: Faith Limousine Tender
LOA: 16.5m
Builder: Tenderworks
Naval architect: Allseas Design
Exterior designer: RWD
Interior designer: RWD
Next in line for the judges’ favour in the limousine tender category was a boat that stands out in a class of her own. Indeed, the Faith chase tender offers something above and beyond a typical tender. In daily operations, she nearly replaces the use of the mothership’s two tenders and enhances Faith’s overall programme, providing more flexibility, speed, comfort and protection from the elements than
the tenders. “The boat has done 700 hours this past season, so is very well used,” said one judge. They also praised the chase boat’s quiet running and her detailed interior styling. “The interior is exquisite, with the blue carbon and stainless details,” another judge noted.
Tender of the Year – Open: Impetus Open
LOA: 11.5m
Builder: Yachtwerft Meyer
Naval architect: Yachtwerft Meyer
Designer: Yachtwerft Meyer
The winner among the open tenders appealed to the judges for its successful blend of design and function. “It’s a pretty masculine design, quite edgy, but extremely functional with multiple levels of service and very easy to board,” said one judge of the Impetus Open tender. The exterior design draws its inspiration from automotive styling as well as Nordic design. As it was the first in a new series from Yachtwerft Meyer, the client was able to work closely with the semi-custom builder to create a boat that fulfilled their needs.
Beyond the Impetus’s dynamic looks, the judges complimented the tender’s versatile functionality. They praised the stern design, which can transform for diving and also has space to store dive tanks. “And you can make the platform the level of whatever dock you’re landing on stern-to, a first seen on a boat this size,” said a judge. They also like that the hydraulically operated T-top – which enables the tender to be stowed on the mothership – has a removable glass roof so crew can operate from the console even when the T-top is in the lowered position. “And there’s a dayhead, a rarity for a tender this size!” was one last word of praise from the judges on this winner.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Andrew Winch, Founder and Trustee, Winch Design
The BOAT Design & Innovation Awards 2026 pays tribute to one of the most influential figures in yacht design, presenting Andrew Winch with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. As the founder of Winch Design, his 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.
Winch’s passion for the sea began at an early age. As a lifelong sailor, his love of the water has been a constant source of inspiration. After completing a foundation degree at Central Saint Martins, he studied 3D Design at Kingston College of Art. He then turned his attention from the classroom to the cockpit, skippering yachts in the Caribbean, before taking on an apprenticeship for yacht designer Jon Bannenberg. In 1986, he founded Winch Design, which has since grown into one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary design studios, specialising in yachts, aviation and architecture.
Winch’s portfolio includes iconic vessels such as 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.
In addition to these bespoke creations, Winch’s versatility as a designer is evident in his work on production yachts, collaborating with Jeanneau on a range of sailing yachts that brought his design philosophy to a wider audience. This ability to design across the spectrum, from custom superyachts to accessible production models, highlights his unique talent and broad influence on the industry.
Beyond yachts, Winch has expanded his expertise into private aviation and luxury architecture, creating bespoke interiors for private jets and residences. His approach to design ensures that every project reflects the particular vision and lifestyle of its owner, delivering unparalleled levels of personalisation and craftsmanship.
Winch has also been a mentor and inspiration to countless designers, fostering a culture of creativity. Moving Winch Design to employee ownership in 2021, at which time he joined the Trustee Board, has ensured his mark on the design world will live on well beyond his time at the helm of the company. His commitment to excellence has set an industry benchmark, ensuring his legacy will continue to shape the future of yacht design. The Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting recognition of Andrew Winch’s remarkable career and his contributions to the evolution of yacht design.
The BOAT Design & Innovation Awards will return to Kitzbühel in 2027 as part of the Superyacht Design Festival. For more information, please email the events team.