The 21st edition of the BOAT International World Superyacht Awards, held in association with The Italian Sea Group and Acquera Club, will return to Venice, Italy, on 1-2 May 2026.
The annual BOAT International World Superyacht Awards recognise the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the most remarkable luxury yachts in the world. The globally acclaimed event, known for its credibility and prestige, is distinguished from all other yacht awards thanks to a judging panel comprising current and former superyacht owners.
Tables for the World Superyacht Awards have now sold out, with a limited number of single tickets remaining, and this year’s nominations have been announced. If you have any questions, please contact the events team.
When and where are the World Superyacht Awards?
A number of cities have played host to the event in its impressive history, including Amsterdam, Monaco, Florence, London and Istanbul. The 21st edition will once again be staged in Venice, Italy, marking the third consecutive year the event returns to this beautiful city and a homecoming to where the inaugural World Superyacht Awards were held in 2006.
What is the event programme?
The festivities will commence with welcome drinks and canapés, leading into the black-tie awards ceremony and gala dinner the following evening. During the ceremony, the award-winning superyachts are revealed, and the triumphant owners, designers and builders are presented with their coveted Neptune trophies. The celebrations will then continue late into the night at the World Superyacht Awards after-party.
/ The categories
What are the categories for the World Superyacht Awards?
All yachts nominated for the 2026 awards must be at least 30 metres LOA. Yachts entered for the ‘new yacht’ classes must have been completed and delivered to their owners between 1 January and 31 December 2025.
The categories have been established in consultation with yacht builders and naval architects to allow yachts to be fairly judged against other vessels of a similar size and type. There are categories for displacement motor yachts, semi-displacement and planing motor yachts and sailing yachts. This distinction is made because these various types of yachts call for very different design and construction philosophies.
Three further categories are reserved for yachts that have undergone major refits or rebuilds within the qualifying year. With the agreement of the chairman, class boundaries may be redefined and classes may be amalgamated depending on the number of entries in those classes.
Categories 2026:
Displacement Motor Yachts
We define a displacement yacht as a vessel that always displaces its own weight of water when under power at full speed. Gross tonnage is the deciding entry qualification in the displacement classes. Because of this, the yacht’s gross tonnage as well as length overall must be given. This category will be divided into sub-categories once nominations have been received.
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts
We define semi-displacement and planing motor yachts as vessels that displace less than their own weight of water when under power at full speed. This category will be divided into sub-categories once nominations have been received.
Sailing Yachts
We define sailing yachts as vessels primarily powered by their sails. This category will be divided into sub-categories once nominations have been received.
Refitted/Rebuilt/Converted Yachts
This class is open to all yachts - motor or sail - over 30 metres that have undergone refits or rebuilds in the qualifying year. Commercial or other vessels that have been converted into yachts and re-entered service can also be nominated. With the agreement of the chairman, class boundaries may be redefined and classes may be amalgamated depending on the number of entries in each class.
Voyager's Award
The Voyager’s Award is presented to the yacht that, in the opinion of the judges, completed the most inspirational cruise in 2025. Cruises that began in 2024 can also be nominated. The owner or a person nominated by the owner (for instance the principal of a charter party but NOT a member of the crew) must have been aboard for a significant proportion of the cruise. The Voyager’s Award will be judged not only on the voyage but also on the way it is described in text, photos and other media.
Additional Awards
Motor Yacht of the Year
The Motor Yacht of the Year is presented to a class winner in the motor yacht categories that is considered by the judges to be the most notable yacht of the qualifying year. No entry is required, or is possible, other than by entering the respective yacht category.
Sailing Yacht of the Year
The Sailing Yacht of the Year award is presented to a class winner in the sailing yacht categories that is considered by the judges to be the most notable yacht of the qualifying year. No entry is required, or is possible, other than by entering the respective yacht category.
Legacy Award
The legacy award is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the superyacht industry over many years. Any individual who knows the nominee on a personal level is permitted to make a nomination. The required documentation should include a CV of the nominee which, while touching upon his business activities, should give particular emphasis to his yachting career and achievements.
/ Organise your stay
Extend your stay in Venice
The "City of Canals" captivates with its rich maritime history, extraordinary art and architecture, and labyrinthine streets and bridges. Built across 118 islands, Venice and its lagoon form one of the world's most unique cities - a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
Acquera Club offers an invitation-only travel and concierge service with dedicated personal advisors in premier destinations, including Venice. Members receive personalised support year-round, while Elite Membership clients enjoy advisors dedicated to a maximum of three members, providing 24/7 assistance for every need. Here are select Acquera Club recommendations for your Venetian stay.
Fortuny Showroom and Factory
Founded in 1921 by Spanish artist and inventor Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo, Fortuny epitomises Italian craftsmanship. On Giudecca island, visitors can explore the brand's collections and collaborations in exclusive showrooms, wander through one of Venice's most captivating private gardens, and glimpse the historic factory - still operational yet closed to the public - where century-old secrets endure.
These spaces reveal a world where art intertwines with daily life, inviting immersion in the enchanting Venetian style. Every detail speaks to passion, innovation and inimitable craftsmanship.
By appointment only.
KENAN KITCHEN FOR UNSPLASH Burano
KENAN KITCHEN FOR UNSPLASH Burano
Micromega Ottica
Roberto Carlon has forged his own path in eyewear design, departing from traditional conventions. Each pair of Micromega glasses is handcrafted in his Venice laboratory, where artisans pursue extravagant shapes, innovative materials and distinctive styles. The result is essential, lightweight, resistant eyewear born from meticulous craftsmanship.
The brand has global recognition and an elite Italian and international clientele, including Elton John, Yoko Ono, Norman Foster and Emma Thompson.
Harry's Bar
A legendary institution near St. Mark's Square, Harry's Bar has been a Venetian landmark since 1931. Founded by Arrigo Cipriani, it became an instant magnet for artists, writers and celebrities.
World-renowned for the iconic Bellini and original Carpaccio, Harry's Bar offers expertly crafted cocktails, exquisite small plates and refined Venetian specialties. For nearly a century, it has embodied sophisticated living.
Henrique Ferreira for Unsplash
Henrique Ferreira for Unsplash
Circolo di Golf degli Alberoni
Among Italy's oldest golf clubs, this Venetian institution traces its origins to 1928, officially opening in 1930 with a week of competitions hosted by 25 founding members from Venetian aristocratic families.
The 18-hole, PAR 72 course measures 6,039 metres from standard tees and 6,199 metres from championship tees.
Gondola Tour with live music
Glide through Venice's most enchanting canals as a live singer fills the air with romantic melodies. Watch the city unfold - colourful boats bobbing along waterways, neighbours conversing from balconies, shimmering reflections dancing on the water.
This intimate journey captures Venice's romance, history and beauty in an unforgettable experience.
ANDY HOLMES FOR UNSPLASH Gondolas lined up in Venice
ANDY HOLMES FOR UNSPLASH Gondolas lined up in Venice
Travel information
Acquera Club is on hand to assist with all travel arrangements. May 2026 is an extremely busy period, so we encourage you to book hotels and transfers early to avoid disappointment.
Accommodation
Acquera Club has secured preferential rates at a range of hotels in Venice.
Transportation
Venice’s main international airport is Marco Polo. It is also possible to get to the city from Treviso Airport, which is situated to the north approximately an hour away. For information on the various travel choices from Marco Polo to the city, click here.
The most convenient way to reach the city centre is by water taxi, available in both public and private options, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes to San Marco. The rates are as follows:
Private deluxe water taxi - from €290 for six people
Private standard water taxi - from €210 for six people
Public water bus (Alilaguna) - from €15
To secure your accommodation or transportation, please call +393318095482 or email contact@acqueraclub.com.
/ The sponsors
The 2026 edition will welcome Admiral, a brand of The Italian Sea Group and Acquera Club as headline sponsors.
The Italian shipyard will also be joined by event partners Oliveri, Carla Guilhem Design, Tufan and Brothers, The Glenrothes, Ocean Alexander, F/YACHTING, P3 Marine, KRM Yacht, Palumbo, Camper & Nicholsons, Cantiere delle Marche, Next Yacht Group, Sirena Marine, Baglietto and CRN, plus supporting partner and location host VELA, City of Venice.
A cornerstone of The Italian Sea Group, Admiral has been synonymous with elegance, timeless design, and innovation since its founding in 1966. Acquired by The Italian Sea Group in 2011, the Admiral brand is renowned for its fully custom superyachts, built in steel and aluminium and ranging to beyond 100 metres. These vessels, available in planing, semi-displacement and displacement hull configurations.
Acquera Club delivers an invitation-only travel and concierge experience with dedicated, personal advisors to members in premier destinations, including Venice, offering personalised concierge support throughout the year to high-net-worth individuals.
“We are delighted to be returning to the beautiful city of Venice, where the inaugural World Superyacht Awards were hosted in 2006,” said BOAT International's managing director, Stewart Campbell. “We are thrilled to partner again with Admiral, a brand of The Italian Sea Group, and Acquera Club and are looking forward to welcoming owners, leading designers and builders for a spectacular weekend of celebrations.”
Gianmaria Costantino, COO of The Italian Sea Group, said: “We are delighted to renew our partnership with the World Superyacht Awards in 2026. Venice, a symbol of an extraordinary nautical tradition, is the ideal setting to share our passion for excellence, innovation and craftsmanship in the world of yachting."
Stefano Tositti, CEO and co-founder of Acquera Club, added: “Venice represents the very soul of maritime culture, where heritage, beauty and innovation naturally converge, and it is also the home of Acquera Club. As a travel and lifestyle management service dedicated to yacht owners and charterers, we exist to seamlessly connect the world of yachting with exceptional, highly personalised experiences. Now in our third year of supporting the World Superyacht Awards, it remains a privilege to contribute our expertise to a celebration of excellence and craftsmanship at the highest level of international yachting.”
"It is an honour to celebrate our shared passion for craftsmanship, innovation and excellence in such a remarkable setting"
Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group
"It remains a privilege to contribute our expertise to a celebration of excellence and craftsmanship at the highest level of international yachting”
Stefano Tositti, CEO and co-founder of Acquera Club
“We are thrilled to partner again with Admiral, a brand of The Italian Sea Group, and Acquera Club and are looking forward to welcoming owners, leading designers and builders for a spectacular weekend of celebrations”
Stewart Campbell, managing director of BOAT International
If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact Luca Vasile.
/ The judges
What sets the BOAT International World Superyacht Awards apart from every other boating awards event is the panel of judges. The panel comprises current and former yacht owners, bringing collectively hundreds of years of experience owning, operating and managing superyachts.
The judges are not just yacht owners, but knowledgeable, serial owners who have taken a keen interest in the design and build of their own vessels. Their personal interest drives the judging process and we owe them an enormous debt for their enthusiasm and generosity.
Chairman of the judges Dick Raper discusses the detailed judging process and tips on how to impress the judges in the BOAT Briefing podcast with BOAT International Media's managing director, Stewart Campbell.
Chairman of the judges
Dick Raper, owner of a 38.8m sailing yacht
Judges
Carlos Ancira, owner of a 45m motor yacht
Tim Ciasulli, former owner of a 40m motor yacht
Alan Dabbiere, owner of a 60m motor yacht
Bill Duker, former owner of a 52m motor yacht and 70m sailing yacht
West Duker, former owner of a 52m motor yacht and 70m sailing yacht
Joaquín Folch-Rusinol, owner of a 37.3m motor yacht
Barry Houghton, former owner of a 43m motor yacht
Steve Ladas, owner of a 37m motor yacht
Roger Lean-Vercoe, former chairman of the judges
Victor Muller, former owner of a 35.4m motor yacht
Ilia Rigas, owner of a 50m sailing yacht
Steve Rigby, owner of a 26m motor yacht
Kim Schindelhauer, owner of a 33m sailing yacht
Anil Thadani, owner of a 45m motor yacht
Paola Trifiró, owner of a 24m motor yacht
Harry Vafias, owner of a 46m motor yacht
Kim Vibe-Petersen, owner of a 54m sailing yacht and a 52m sailing yacht
Sebastian Vibe-Petersen, owner of a 54m sailing yacht and a 52m sailing yacht
Marco Vögele, owner of a 33.4m sailing yacht
Matthew Voorhees, owner of a 56m motor yacht
Steve Watson, owner of a 59m motor yacht and a 51m motor yacht
Peter Wilson, founding partner of yacht project management company MCM
Jörg Wolle, owner of a 38.8m sailing yacht
/ Previous editions
Previous editions
The World Superyacht Awards 2025, in association with Acquera Club, Admiral and Maddox, took place in Venice.
The World Superyacht Awards 2024, in association with Acquera Club and The Glenrothes, was also hosted in Venice.
The 2023 World Superyacht Awards, in association with Akyacht, took place in Istanbul.
The 2022 edition, in association with Akyacht, took place in London with a welcome reception at Westminster Abbey.
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