WORLD SUPERYACHT AWARDS
Inside the 2026 edition in Venice
The 2026 edition of the World Superyacht Awards – held in association with Admiral, a brand of The Italian Sea Group, and Acquera Club - once again proved why it remains one of the most prestigious fixtures on the global yachting calendar. Held in Venice on 1–2 May, this year’s event brought together leading shipyards, designers, owners and industry figures for a weekend that celebrated the finest yachts launched over the past year.
The event would not have been possible without the generous support of our event partners: Admiral, brand of The Italian Sea Group; Acquera Club; Oliveri; Carla Guilhem Design; Tufan and Brothers Yachting Co; The Glenrothes; Ocean Alexander; F/YACHTING; P3 Marine; KRM Yacht; Palumbo Superyachts Refit; Camper & Nicholsons; Cantiere delle Marche; Maiora; Sirena Marine; Baglietto; CRN and Città di Venezia, Salone Nautico Venezia. Catering by Alajmo.
The Welcome Cocktail
The festivities began on Friday evening with a Welcome Cocktail inside Teatro La Fenice, one of the world’s most revered opera houses. With private access granted exclusively to World Superyacht Awards guests, attendees wandered through the gilded interiors while enjoying cocktails, canapés and live entertainment beneath ornate frescoes and velvet balconies.
The Welcome Cocktail
The festivities began on Friday evening with a Welcome Cocktail inside Teatro La Fenice, one of the world’s most revered opera houses. With private access granted exclusively to World Superyacht Awards guests, attendees wandered through the gilded interiors while enjoying cocktails, canapés and live entertainment beneath ornate frescoes and velvet balconies.
Known as “The Phoenix”, the theatre has long symbolised rebirth and resilience in Venice. Legendary composers including Giuseppe Verdi, Gioachino Rossini and Vincenzo Bellini premiered works there, while icons such as Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti and Herbert von Karajan once performed on its stage.
The judges' programme
Away from the main guest programme, the judges enjoyed an exclusive itinerary designed to showcase Venice’s artistic heritage. Beginning with a private tour of the legendary Fortuny Factory on Giudecca Island, judges were given access to one of the city’s most enigmatic creative institutions.
The judges' programme
Away from the main guest programme, the judges enjoyed an exclusive itinerary designed to showcase Venice’s artistic heritage. Beginning with a private tour of the legendary Fortuny Factory on Giudecca Island, judges were given access to one of the city’s most enigmatic creative institutions.
Set within a former convent, the factory has guarded its textile-making techniques for more than a century, in accordance with the wishes of founder Mariano Fortuny. The experience included a walk through the atmospheric gardens and a tour of the Palazzina, restored by acclaimed interior designer Chahan Minassian, featuring works from artists including Pierre Sabatier and Joana Vasconcelos. The programme concluded with a private lunch at Matsuhisa by Nobu inside the newly opened Airelles Venezia.
The Cultural Programme
Saturday’s cultural programme saw guests travel by boat to the lagoon island of Torcello. Far removed from the crowds of San Marco, the island offered a glimpse into Venice’s earliest beginnings, with guests exploring the historic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and wandering through quiet pathways lined with wild herbs and gardens. Lunch was held al fresco at Osteria al Ponte del Diavolo, where seasonal Venetian dishes were served overlooking the island’s ancient bell tower.
The Cultural Programme
Saturday’s cultural programme saw guests travel by boat to the lagoon island of Torcello. Far removed from the crowds of San Marco, the island offered a glimpse into Venice’s earliest beginnings, with guests exploring the historic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and wandering through quiet pathways lined with wild herbs and gardens. Lunch was held al fresco at Osteria al Ponte del Diavolo, where seasonal Venetian dishes were served overlooking the island’s ancient bell tower.
The Awards Ceremony
As night fell on Saturday, the industry gathered at Arsenale di Venezia for the black-tie World Superyacht Awards ceremony. Returning to the historic venue for a third consecutive year, the Gala Dinner and awards ceremony unfolded within one of Venice’s most important maritime landmarks.
Originally built in 1104, the Arsenale was once the powerhouse of Venetian naval production, capable of delivering a ship a day during the republic’s golden age. Against this extraordinary backdrop, the superyacht industry celebrated the year’s most exceptional launches and refits, with winners now officially announced across a range of highly contested categories.
The Awards Ceremony
As night fell on Saturday, the industry gathered at Arsenale di Venezia for the black-tie World Superyacht Awards ceremony. Returning to the historic venue for a third consecutive year, the Gala Dinner and awards ceremony unfolded within one of Venice’s most important maritime landmarks.
Originally built in 1104, the Arsenale was once the powerhouse of Venetian naval production, capable of delivering a ship a day during the republic’s golden age. Against this extraordinary backdrop, the superyacht industry celebrated the year’s most exceptional launches and refits, with winners now officially announced across a range of highly contested categories.
The evening opened with a champagne reception with guests gathering around a DJ set staged on board a Pershing yacht before they moved into the Gala Dinner and awards presentation, judged independently by a panel of current and former yacht owners. Later, the atmosphere shifted from formal celebration to full-scale party mode as guests danced the night away at the legendary after-party.
Adding another layer to the experience, The Glenrothes hosted a dedicated whisky bar that remained a popular focal point throughout the evening, serving rare pours and late-night drams.
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The next edition of the World Superyacht Awards will take place in Rome in May 2027, with nominations now officially open. If you have any questions, please contact the BOAT International events team.
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