World Superyacht Awards by numbers: The stats behind yachting’s ‘Oscars’

Since its launch in 2005, the World Superyacht Awards has grown into one of the most anticipated nights in the global yachting calendar. Each spring, the industry gathers for a glamorous event often dubbed the “Oscars of the superyacht industry”. The ceremony honours the most spectacular yachts launched in the previous 12 months, recognising excellence in design, engineering, craftsmanship and innovation.

For its 21st edition, the awards return to the romantic canals of Venice from 1–2 May 2026. From thousands of yacht entries to hundreds of attendees and a judging panel made up entirely of experienced owners, here are the key numbers that capture World Superyacht Awards enduring legacy .

1,000+ yachts nominated

Over the past two decades, more than 1,000 yachts have been nominated for a World Superyacht Award. To qualify, yachts must be at least 30 metres in length overall (LOA) and have been delivered within the eligibility period before the awards. The rigorous nomination process ensures that every yacht is fairly assessed against others launched in the same timeframe.

Entries span a diverse mix of categories, reflecting the scope of today’s superyacht fleet. From high-performance sailing yachts to globe-trotting explorer vessels, the nominations highlight the remarkable range of projects emerging from shipyards around the world each year.

43 judges

Behind every winning yacht lies one of the most respected judging panels in the industry. Since the awards began, 43 judges – all experienced superyacht owners and former owners – have served on the panel, bringing first-hand knowledge of the technical nuances of yacht ownership.

Today, the judging panel includes 23 current judges, led by chairman Dick Raper, owner of a 38.8-metre sailing yacht. Among the newest additions is  Tim Ciasulli, owner of an in-build 42-metre and a previous 40-metre motor yacht owner, who joins the panel for the 2026 awards. Other judges include prominent owners such as Alan Dabbiere, owner of a 60-metre motor yacht, and Ilia Rigas, owner of a 50-metre sailing yacht.

500+ attendees on average each year

While the awards celebrate extraordinary yachts, the World Superyacht Awards weekend has also become one of the most important networking events in the superyacht calendar. The programme typically unfolds over two days, beginning with a welcome cocktail reception on the first evening, followed by a glamorous gala dinner, awards ceremony and after-party on the second.

Each year, the guest list reads like a who’s who of the industry, bringing together yacht owners, shipyard executives, designers, brokers, naval architects and captains.

288 winning yachts (and counting)

Winning a Neptune – the iconic sculpture presented to winners – is one of the highest honours in yachting. Across the awards’ history, 288 yachts have claimed victory across various categories, joining an exclusive club of vessels recognised for exceptional design and craftsmanship.

Among them are some of the most famous yachts ever built. The 162.5-metre Eclipse took home Motor Yacht of the Year in 2011, and at the time was the largest yacht in the world by LOA (until the title was later surpassed by 180.6-metre Azzam in 2013). Another standout winner is 156-metre Dilbar, which claimed Motor Yacht of the Year in 2017. With a staggering 15,917GT, Dilbar remains the largest yacht in the world by gross tonnage. 

Sailing yachts have also made their mark on the awards’ history. The 54-metre Parsifal III – as seen on the series Below Deck Sailing Yacht – was crowned the first Sailing Yacht of the Year in 2006.

More recently, the striking 106-metre Black Pearl captured the Sailing Yacht of the Year title in 2019, thanks to her revolutionary DynaRig sailing system and cutting-edge hybrid technology. With another fleet of remarkable yachts competing this year, who will join this elite list in 2026?

6 host cities

Over the past 20 years, the World Superyacht Awards has travelled to some of Europe’s most beautiful cultural capitals. The 2026 ceremony will return to Venice, Italy, where it all began in 2006.

After three consecutive years in the city, this will be the final edition held in Venice before the event relocates to a new destination – yet to be revealed. Previous host cities have included London, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Florence and Monaco.

7 Legacy Awards

While the awards celebrate yachts, they also honour the individuals who have shaped the superyacht industry itself. The Legacy Award, introduced in 2018, recognises those who have made a lasting contribution to yachting over the course of their career.

To date, seven Legacy Awards have been presented. The honour was not awarded during the Covid-19 years when the ceremony was held virtually.

Previous recipients include the late Aga Khan IV, His Highness Prince Karim, an influential yacht owner and passionate sailor who played a major role in promoting sailing and maritime culture through initiatives such as the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. Another recipient is Italian maritime lawyer Paola Trifirò, whose decades-long career helped shape legal frameworks and best practices within the global superyacht sector.

The countdown to Venice 2026

The World Superyacht Awards 2026 will return to Venice from 1–2 May 2026, bringing together the brightest minds and most spectacular yachts in the industry. With another extraordinary fleet of nominees and one final celebration in Venice before the event moves to a new destination, the 21st edition promises to be a spectacular occasion.

Tickets for the sell-out event are still available. If you have any questions, please contact the BOAT International events team.