The winners of the World Superyacht Awards 2024, in association with Acquera Club and The Glenrothes, have now been revealed. From the newly crowned Motor Yacht of the Year to the prestigious Voyager's Award, scroll down to find out which yachts scooped this year's coveted Neptunes...
Motor Yacht of the Year - Alchemy
Sailing Yacht of the Year - Sarissa
Refitted Yachts - Carinthia VII
Rebuilt Yachts - H3
Classic Rebuilt Yachts - Cariad
Sailing Yachts, 30m to 39.9m - Zemi
Judges' Special Award - Raven
Sailing Yachts, 40m and above - Sarissa
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 30m to 34.9m - Pesa II
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 35m to 39.9m - Seaflower
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 40m and above - Milele
Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 30m to 39.9m - Stellamar
Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 40m to 44.9m - Oreos
Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 45m and above - Baglietto T52
Displacement Motor Yachts 500GT to 999GT - Entourage
Displacement Motor Yachts 1,000GT to 1,499GT - Alchemy
Judges' Commendation - Sparta
Displacement Motor Yachts, 1,500GT and above - Infinite Jest
Voyager’s Award - Infinite Jest and Jester
Legacy Award - Paola Trifirò
MOTOR YACHT OF THE YEAR: ALCHEMY
Length 65.7m
Builder Rossinavi
Naval architect Vitruvius Yachts / Rossinavi
Exterior designer Vitruvius Yachts
Interior designer Team for Design - Enrico Gobbi
Each of the winning motor yachts from all of the World Superyacht Awards categories is considered for Motor Yacht of the Year. While the largest displacement yacht often receives the prestigious title, that isn’t always the case, nor should it be. This year, it was the winner in the second-largest category – Displacement Motor Yachts, 1,000GT to 1,499GT – that the judges deemed most worthy. “Proving biggest isn’t always best,” as one judge put it, the 66-metre Rossinavi Alchemy stood out to the judges among an exceptional list of motor yacht winners to take home the prestigious Motor Yacht of the Year trophy.
The fully custom tri-deck was conceived by Rossinavi and Philippe Briand of Vitruvius Yachts. Her pièce de résistance, the judges noted, is the suspended glass staircase, a sculptural element that opens up the main saloon and pushes boundaries of a typical general arrangement. An engineering feat, and full of classification considerations, the staircase is a work of art in its own right with white marble steps adorned in leather details floating between two glass partitions.
Besides her striking exterior, imaginative layout, flowing interiors, mesmerising staircase and efficient hull form, the judges noted the many small operational details that made Alchemy stand out. For instance, storage was an integral part of the design rather than an afterthought. A good amount of space was allocated to store watersports equipment that could be easily set up and retrieved by the crew. The experienced owners requested large pantries and dedicated spaces for serving pieces as well as plentiful luggage storage. As one of the judges perfectly surmised, “there’s nothing not to like on this boat.”
SAILING YACHT OF THE YEAR: SARISSA
Length 59.7m
Builder Royal Huisman
Naval architect Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design
Exterior designer Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design
Interior designer Liaigre
Sailing Yacht of the Year is the title bestowed upon the yacht that is considered by the judges to be the most notable of the class winners in two sailing yacht categories. Selecting the winner is not a matter of merely choosing the yacht that won its class by the greatest margin, as the judges are required to consider all the other elements that led to their being chosen as class winners. Both Zemi and Sarissa were built with performance sailing and environmental sensitivity in mind. Choosing a winner was no easy task. But it was Sarissa, with her groundbreaking propulsion system, state-of-the-art sails and rig and exquisite interiors by Liaigre, that almost unanimously won out among the judges for the honour of Sailing Yacht of the Year.
The high-performance sloop represents many firsts for her builder and the sailing superyacht fleet writ large. She has a square-top mainsail that is the largest square-top sail in the world, the largest 3Di RAW sail to the highest spec ever built by North Sails and it’s the first time this type of carbon sail has been used for in-boom furling. The yacht’s 76-metre-high modulus carbon mast with aero carbon rigging was refined through extensive aerodynamic studies in collaboration with North Sails and Southern Spars. She also has the first forward-facing retractable electric azipod propulsion system. Retractable propulsion drives allow the yacht to accelerate quickly in light air. To achieve top performance, Sarissa has both a lifting keel and a high righting moment configuration. All of this innovation, along with her clean lines, holistic design, organically flowing interior and creative layout with an abundance of exterior living spaces not usually found on a sailing boat made Sarissa a clear choice for Sailing Yacht of the Year.
REFITTED YACHTS: CARINTHIA VII
Length 97m
Original builder Lürssen
Refit shipyard / management Lürssen / RYacht Management Monaco
Naval architect Lürssen
Exterior designer Tim Heywood
Interior designer Bizzozero Cassina Architects
All of the yachts considered for their exceptional refit and rebuild projects are entered into the Refitted/Rebuilt yachts category. Then it was up to the jury to review the photographs and read the statements submitted with each entry during the judging process before deciding whether the degree of work completed constitutes a refit or rebuild.
As for the entries deemed pure refits, there were six worthy nominees. The classic Lürssen Carinthia VII won out for her ambitious refit, taking the previously private yacht to commercial code in a mere 10 months, while still remaining sensitive to the original design. Meeting commercial code required a good deal of structural changes, such as adding watertight bulkheads amidships on the tank deck and lower deck. Many technical areas were also renewed.
Meanwhile, charter-friendly attributes were introduced, such as a main- deck swimming pool and an enormous gym. The pool is a particular highlight at 11 metres, with a glass front that creates a connection between the pool and dining space. The judges commended the fact the refit team was able to do all this while still maintaining many interesting features from the original interior, such as the woven parquetry flooring. The owner noted that some features remained untouched because they were “exceptionally beautiful”, creating an interior refit that modernised the yacht while preserving its original spirit, creating a timeless classic. “The original boat was iconic, and it’s still iconic,” one of the judges commented, adding, “It’s as fresh today as when it was born.”
REBUILT YACHTS: H3
Length 105m
Original builder Oceanco
Refit shipyard / management Oceanco
Naval architect Oceanco / Lateral Naval Architects
Exterior designer Reymond Langton Design
Interior designer Reymond Langton Design
If a meaningful amount of metal has been replaced, along with significant renewal of the interior and in technical areas, this generally leads to the yacht being placed in the rebuilt class.
This year saw multiple in-depth rebuilds to be named nominees. Yet there was one that stood out and impressed the judges by the unprecedented scale and nature of the major rebuild, which showcased “a degree of change that is tough to beat”. The rebuild of H3, previously Indian Empress, was so extreme that the refit yard, Oceanco, considers her to be akin to a new build. As one judge said, “In terms of transformation, this is as good as it gets.”
The aim was for the yacht to “face the future” as a new, contemporary vessel, which included complying with IMO Tier III. She has also been brought up to 21st century standards in terms of technology, safety, capability and sustainability. H3 features a redesigned transom and a more efficient hull, and she boasts an extended cruising range. The engineering equipment was almost entirely replaced. Aesthetically, she was given not just a facelift, but also an entirely new identity. She was extended by 10 metres, with two metres added to the forward deck in addition to an eight-metre stern extension. The shipyard removed 110 tonnes of steel and added 198 tonnes during the extension.
Oceanco was able to rely on in-house knowledge, as many of the team who worked on the original build 20-plus years ago are still with the yard today. Richard Hein of The A Group, who has a long history of working with Oceanco, served as the owner’s representative. The owner sought a new build without a four-year waiting period. Oceanco estimates that thoroughly rebuilding H3 saved a year – and a considerable amount of carbon, compared to starting a new build this length from scratch.
CLASSIC REBUILT YACHTS: CARIAD
Length 36 m
Original builder Summers & Payne
Refit Shipyard / management Phithak Shipyard and Services / Des Kearns
Naval architect Paul Spooner Design
Exterior designer A. E. Payne
Interior designer Paul Spooner Design
This year, the standard of classic yacht rebuilds was so high that the judges deemed these should be considered separately in the Classic Rebuilt Yachts category. Two beauties were finalists. While the judges noted that the quality of work on the famous racing boat Moonbeam was “superb”, it was Cariad – a yacht that has been brought back to life twice – that won the overall race. The judges were blown away by the “amazing story” behind the classic sailing yacht. This, in fact, marks the second complete rebuild of the boat, which had been left to rot multiple times in her existence.
The yacht was in a state of disrepair when her own owner bought her. She had to be towed 450 nautical miles from her berth in Singapore to the Phithak Shipyard and Services, a fishing boatbuilder in Thailand where she had her last restoration 14 years ago. She was brought back to life (a second time) by a crew of shipwrights and carpenters mostly made up of local skilled craftsmen.
Cariad’s decks and masts were rotted, there were holes in her hull and the internal steel frame was corroded. It took an eight-man paint team and a five- man steel team nine months to bring the steel frames, floors and longitudinal stringers back to life. Meanwhile, 80 percent of the planking was replaced.
The project aimed to restore the yacht to her 19th-century glory. A true rebuild, what remains from the original boat is a small percentage, yet the judges commented that the refit project has been “tremendously faithful to her original design”. One of the original bits still on board is a table that’s said to have hosted a former king of England. The new owner’s overall plan is to race Cariad in the Mediterranean classic regattas. He seems to relish his role as a steward of history, saying, “I have always found it difficult to resist the call of history, especially when I am presented with the chance to preserve it.”
SAILING YACHTS, 30M TO 39.9M: ZEMI
Length 33.5m
Builder Baltic Yachts
Naval architect Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design
Exterior designer Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design
Interior designer Andreas Martin-Löf Arkitekter
The smaller sailing yachts category proved a judging challenge as nominees ranged from worthy series yachts to out-and-out foiling racers. The winner in the category proved to be a yacht that could do a bit of everything, combining what the judges considered to be “stunning looks” with excellent sailing performance and eco-friendly attributes. In the end, Zemi, built by Baltic Yachts, took home the Neptune. Zemi is painted in metallic bronze and sports a classic yet aggressive superstructure with curved vertical glazing giving an architectural feel to the saloon below. The interior is warm and comfortable, and Zemi also has a functional and inclusive crew area. The yacht belongs to experienced owners who are passionate about creating a low-emissions yacht and exploring ways of harnessing natural energy. In fact, the name Zemi comes from a “zero emissions” inspiration. As such, she features hybrid diesel- electric propulsion, and hydrogenation is achieved via the propeller so the yacht is virtually self-sufficient when sailing at 12 knots. In addition, she has 120 square metres of solar panels, and work is being done to add a solar cloth cockpit awning.
The owner’s brief for Zemi called for a powerful sailing yacht that was easy to sail, and she has a triple-headed furling rig comprising a J1, a J2 set further aft and a detachable storm jib stay, which provide a multitude of options at the touch of a button. Code and A sails can be tacked further forward at the stem-head and off the bowsprit respectively. Combined with her twin rudders and 28-ton keel bulb, the sailplan provides an impressive amount of controllable power.
JUDGES’ SPECIAL AWARD: RAVEN
Length 34m
Builder Baltic Yachts
Naval architect Botin Partners Naval Architecture
Exterior designer Jarkko Jämsén
Interior designer Jarkko Jämsén
It seemed to the judges almost unfair to compare this high- performance sailing machine to the rest of the nominees in the Sailing Yachts 30m to 39.9m category. It was decided that Raven was an exceedingly worthy recipient of a Judges’ Special Award, a prestigious recognition that’s bestowed on a yacht that has excelled yet doesn’t easily fit into the category norms in which she was entered. The judges contended that Raven was an “extremely innovative” and “unusual boat” that deserved an award for “pushing the boundaries” of yacht design. With her foiling capabilities, obsession with weight savings and unique interior styling, Baltic Yachts calls Raven “the most extreme yacht” it has ever built.
The owner, who has a background in engineering, wanted to build a yacht capable of fast, thrilling sailing. Or, as one of the judges put it, “they wanted to build the fastest thing on the water.” Naval architects Botin Partners utilised its existing knowledge of America’s Cup foil technology and worked closely with Baltic, Pure Engineering and Southern Spars to define the parameters of how foils could work on a superyacht of this scope. The final design would restrict the amount of vertical lift and dynamic righting moment generated by the leeward foil and keep the boat in skimming mode while fast cruising.
Every detail was questioned to minimise her weight, resulting in a yacht weighing about half of a more conventional equivalent, and flying at twice the speed. Notably, Raven isn’t a stripped-out racer masquerading as a superyacht. Her Jarkko Jämsén interior is fully fitted out. The yacht’s advanced composite structure becomes part of the interior decor, revealing some of the engineering. There are rattan deckheads and bamboo-like furniture made from carbon. She also has “proper” refrigerators and plentiful accommodation.
SAILING YACHTS, 40M AND ABOVE: SARISSA
Length 59.7m
Builder Royal Huisman
Naval architect Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design
Exterior designer Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design
Interior designer Liaigre
Three sailing yachts, including one inventive catamaran and two monohulls built by Royal Huisman, were named nominees in this category. The cat ArtExplorer was lauded for its intended use as a museum on the water, and both Royal Huisman builds were deemed “superb boats” by the judges – but Sarissa stood out for being “more exciting” and was described by the judges as an “astonishing boat”.
Naval architect Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design was contacted to develop a performance sloop for experienced owners who were looking for a successor to their previous yacht by the same name. Sarissa had to be fast and fun to sail, and manual steering was a must so the power could be felt when manning the helm. Sarissa’s 76-metre-tall modulus carbon mast features aero carbon rigging and flies the largest square-top sail in the world. With a focus on weight savings and corrosion prevention, carbon fibre was used for the superstructure, hull doors, deck furniture, hatches, mainsheet arch, sail storage drums, steering consoles and captive winches. All the stanchions are titanium and lifelines are lightweight Dyneema.
A multi-faceted approach to eco-friendly cruising includes wind-driven propulsion, hydro generators, waste heat recovery and wastewater treatment. Most notably, she has an advanced hybrid propulsion system, and Royal Huisman installed the first forward-facing retractable electric azipod propulsion for redundancy, efficiency and improved performance under sail.
Inside is a chic, flowing interior by Liaigre. Each cabin is unique, corridors gently curve, stairs are set off the centreline, and the hull shape is visible so you truly feel you’re on a sailing boat. As one of the judges said, “Guillaume Rolland from Liaigre is not just a designer, but also a sailor, so he understands sailboats.”
SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHTS, 30M - 34.9M: PESA II
Length 34.9m
Builder Maiora - Next Yacht Group
Naval architect Maiora Engineering Department - Next Yacht Group
Exterior designer Maiora Centro Stile - Next Yacht Group
Interior designer Maiora Centro Stile - Next Yacht Group / Owner
"This boat impressed all of us,” said the judges of the winner in the Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 30m-34.9m category. Pesa II from Maiora, part of the NEXT Yacht Group in Italy, pulled ahead of the pack. The judges were particularly fond of Pesa II’s “surprising and different” general arrangement. “It makes you scratch your head in a good way and wonder why you don’t see more of it,” one judge commented.
Key to the irreverent layout was the owner’s request to place the pilothouse forward on the main deck, with direct and exclusive access to the captain’s quarters on the lower deck. The judges noted that the small bridge forward was very interesting and clever. Another helm station is found in a second pilothouse on the upper deck should the owner wish to drive the yacht themself. On the upper deck, a moon roof above the bridge can slide open and the windows can be lowered on the side, giving a traditional flybridge feel to the space.
Pesa II features a holistic design whereby the lines between interior and exterior spaces are blurred. The boat is full of light and feels open to the sea thanks to an extensive use of glass, such as the floor-to-ceiling glazed surfaces in the saloons, fully opening aft glass doors in the main saloon and huge windows in the master suite and lower-deck guest cabins.
The judges also noted Pesa II’s propulsion system; powered by three water- jets she’s able to reach a top speed of almost 35 knots. Water-jet propulsion also affords efficient operation and allows for a small draught of 1.3 metres so she can easily get into shallow harbours.
SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHTS, 35M - 39.9M: SEAFLOWER
Length 36m
Builder Mulder Shipyard
Naval architect Van Oossanen Naval Architects
Exterior designer Claydon Reeves Design / Mulder Shipyard
Interior designer Vickers Studio / Mulder Shipyard
The judges found a clear winner among this category’s nominees in Seaflower, built by Dutch shipyard Mulder, calling her a “truly impressive little boat”. The judges noted the high quality build of the yacht, the tasteful custom interiors and overall excellent value she presents for her size.
Started on spec, Seaflower might be the sixth hull in the popular Mulder ThirtySix semi-custom series, but she features multiple customisations to meet the requests of her incredibly experienced owners. While Seaflower’s interiors were already partially finished in walnut wood at the time of the contract being signed, the owner requested a light-oak interior instead. Mulder worked alongside British design house Vickers Studio to update the joinery choice and make the interior bespoke for the owners. Another customisation can be seen on the sundeck, where the owners opted to forgo a spa tub in order to leave the space open for entertaining and unwinding. Seaflower also boasts standout living spaces, such as a well-thought-out galley and a full-beam owner’s cabin, which feels connected to the sea thanks to large windows and low bulwarks.
Seaflower is the first yacht in the Mulder ThirtySix line-up to be built to IMO Tier III emissions requirements. Additionally, she rides on a high- performance Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) from Van Oossanen Naval Architects. She boasts high efficiency, burning as little as 100 litres per hour when cruising at 10 knots, while still offering a transatlantic range. At economical delivery speed, she has a range of up to 3,680 nautical miles. Seaflower also carries a large tender for her size, stowing a 6.3-metre Williams DieselJet 625 on board.
SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHTS, 40M AND ABOVE: MILELE
Length 45.2m
Builder Royal Hakvoort Shipyard
Naval architect Van Oossanen Naval Architects
Exterior designer Omega Architects
Interior designer Martin Hanff / Owner
A sleek explorer yacht built by Hakvoort in the Netherlands, Milele won the judges’ approval thanks to her “incredible build quality” and surprising spaces on board. Most notable of these is the innovative foredeck garage, which stores a submarine and crane, and has a full entertainment suite with a large television screen built into its hatch. “You’d never expect to find a submarine in that space,” said one of the judges. The two-person submarine from U-Boat Worx was custom-designed for the owner to fit on board Milele. Lighter and more streamlined than previous models, this submarine has now been made into a series by U-Boat Worx.
Somewhat unusually, the design of Milele began with the naval architecture, with Van Oossanen Naval Architects called upon to create a fast, efficient and comfortable sub-500GT motor yacht. Milele utilises the naval architect’s proven Fast Displacement Hull Form and Hull Vane. But in order to reduce weight, the Hull Vane was conceived in carbon fibre – a world’s first – instead of the typical steel.
To reduce emissions, Milele has been fitted with a hybrid propulsion system with electric motors and a generator dry exhaust system that runs up her mast, the latter of which is unusual for a yacht of this size. A dynamic positioning system allows the yacht to be positioned around sensitive areas, like coral reefs, without having to drop anchor.
The judges pointed out the owner’s background in carpentry and design. The owner worked hand-in-hand with designer Martin Hanff to customise the interior, which is highly detailed yet easy on the eye and very liveable. The judges said the yacht shows “an understanding of what will age well”, meeting her brief for timelessness.
DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS 499GT AND BELOW, 30M TO 39.9M: STELLAMAR
Length 35m
Builder Cantiere delle Marche
Naval architect Hydro Tec
Exterior designer Francesco Paszkowski Design
Interior designer Francesco Paszkowski Design
Of the four nominees in the smallest displacement yachts category, it was the explorer yacht Stellamar that went the distance for the judges. Italian builder Cantiere delle Marche is known for its rugged and seaworthy expedition yachts, of which Stellamar fits nicely into the line-up. But she combines her hardiness with a modern exterior that the judges appreciated. “The profile moves away from a typical explorer and has more of a Mediterranean look,” one judge said.
That’s no surprise as Stellamar is part of a range of yachts that designer Francesco Paszkowski developed for Cantiere delle Marche that was meant to blend luxury, comfort and long-distance capabilities in any sea condition. Marrying a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, Stellamar also uses an extensive amount of glass in the bulwarks. Meanwhile, an open stern enhances the yacht’s connection with the sea.
The judging panel was also a fan of Stellamar’s bridge, tender stowage, engine room and 5,500-nautical mile range. The yard built a hidden crane for the tender, discreetly nested in a compartment within the sundeck overhang. From a naval architecture standpoint, Hydro Tec created a round bilge hull with concave sections aft. A flared bow design, chosen to satisfy the owners’ wish for a classic aesthetic, also helps to keep the deck dry in any sea state.
Both of the owners, one of whom is an architect, were highly involved in the build. The use of bright oak flooring, cream-coloured leather wall panelling and other materials derived from nature create the soothing and harmonious atmosphere that the owners were seeking. Paszkowski designed all of the fixed furniture and helped the owners select most of the loose furniture and accessories that come from renowned Italian brands.
DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS 499GT AND BELOW, 40M TO 44.9M: OREOS
Length 40.8m
Builder Benetti
Naval architect Benetti
Exterior designer RWD
Interior designer Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture
The judges called the winner in this class “a lovely boat” and lauded its well-conceived general arrangement, “very attractive” profile by RWD and good build quality. Oreos might be the 11th hull in Benetti’s 40m Oasis series, but she turned the judges’ heads thanks to all this and the possibilities that the series boat presents for customisations inside and out. Case in point, Oreos is the first Oasis 40m to have an enclosed sundeck, protected by a full windshield. Yet the space can still transform thanks to glass doors that open for indoor/outdoor living when desired.
The owners were drawn to the yacht’s profile by RWD and Oasis Deck beach area, which the judges called “a wonderful design that’s rejuvenated the yard”. The Oasis Deck showcases an infinity pool set just steps from the water, while lateral platforms open out to form a large lounge area-cum-sea terrace. RWD enhanced the indoor/outdoor living concept on Oreos with a meticulously designed layout with big vistas and free-flowing interior spaces. The Oasis 40m also has an open, welcoming wheelhouse that’s intended to be a departure from traditional closed-off helm areas. The wheelhouse on Oreos has comfortable seating areas meant to serve as a gathering point for owners and guests to join the yacht’s captain in taking in the forward views through full-height windows.
The interior makes the most of the natural light that streams in to play upon the reflective white surfaces cladding the walls in the main and upper deck saloons. Framed by rosewood trim, these panels reflect the sea and sky and give off shades of blue and green. Further driving home the indoor/ outdoor approach, exterior teak decks continue from the outside all the way in to the bathrooms.
DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS 499GT AND BELOW, 45M AND ABOVE: BAGLIETTO T52
Length 52m
Builder Baglietto
Naval architect Baglietto
Exterior designer Francesco Paszkowski Design
Interior designer Francesco Paszkowski Design in collaboration with Margherita Casprini
The first hull in Italian builder Baglietto’s new T52 series proved a winner among the largest sub-500GT displacement yachts. The judges noted the yacht’s expansive 135-square-metre sundeck, which they called “one of the best spaces on board”, and they also appreciated the yacht’s “unusual” aft deck design. The aft deck has a beach club that spreads out over three levels and includes a large 3.7-metre-long pool with a retractable floor, which can extend the main aft deck area when the pool is not in use.
The judges also recognised that the T52 is Baglietto’s first yacht to have a hybrid propulsion system, which allows the captain to opt for the more efficient cruising mode to curb fuel consumption and reduce environmental impact. When cruising in electric-diesel mode, the T52 boasts a range of up to 7,600 nautical miles and has the ability to remain at anchor up to 10 hours quietly relying on batteries alone. Hybrid propulsion was a must for the owner, who wanted to be able to safely and cleanly navigate in protected waters. Yet they wanted the yacht to have a modicum of high performance as well, and when running in a traditional diesel mode, she can achieve a top speed of 17 knots.
The original design of the T52 checked off many items on the owner’s wish list. They also requested spacious external areas that were easily accessible and interconnected, which included connecting the sundeck with the forward lounge area on the upper deck. Designer Francesco Paszkowski created a solution with a retractable staircase that cleverly joins up these two outdoor spaces. This offers a fresh and innovative connection to onboard outdoor living, which the judges commended.
DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS, 500GT TO 999GT: ENTOURAGE
Length 60m
Builder Amels
Naval architect Damen Yachting
Exterior designer Espen Øino
Interior designer Burdifilek
While a trifecta of nominees made it into this category, the clear W winner was Entourage, which the judges described as “a fantastic evolution of the Amels 60”. They were impressed by the yacht’s high-quality build, technical excellence and elegant lines provided by designer Espen Øino as well as the degree of customisation done to the exterior. As one judge pointed out, “This is a boat designed for having fun.” Indeed, Entourage’s owners put a premium on expanding the outdoor spaces on board for entertaining and enjoying time outside.
Though part of the Amels 60 Limited Editions series, Entourage stands out thanks to an owner request to elongate the geometrical windows and extend the sundeck and bridge deck, resulting in an entirely different look for the exterior compared to other 60s. Changing such fundamental exterior features is a more unusual request when building a semi-custom yacht, and it was no easy task structurally or engineering-wise for the yard, a fact that the judges also found commendable. While extending these two aft decks by 1.5 metres might seem subtle, it not only provides larger living spaces but also gives the yacht an illusion of being a longer vessel. A clever use of space also sets Entourage apart, and this includes the optimisation of storing large tenders and toys on the foredeck.
The owners called on Burdifilek’s Diego Burdi for the interiors, marking the first superyacht for the designer. The owners asked him for immaculately appointed spaces that provide an oasis of calm and sophistication. Basking in natural light and decorated in neutral colours, Entourage’s interiors are imbued with a sense of serenity. An eye-catching aspect of the interiors is the choice to reverse the flow of the central staircase, which Burdifilek suggested.
DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS, 1,000GT TO 1,499GT: ALCHEMY
Length 65.7m
Builder Rossinavi
Naval architect Vitruvius Yachts / Rossinavi
Exterior designer Vitruvius Yachts
Interior designer Team for Design - Enrico Gobbi
With three worthy nominees, the displacement motor yachts 1,000GT W to 1,499GT category wound up being one of the toughest to judge – and certainly the most hotly contested by the jury. “They could all easily be class winners,” said one judge. Nominee Pink Shadow was praised for her “beautiful use of a tender garage, exceptional finish and incredible range”. Meanwhile, the judges commended nominee Sparta’s “amazing attention to detail”. It wasn’t apparent who would win this category until the final judging scores were tallied up. The scores were very close, but the ultimate winner was Alchemy, which the judges called “stunning” and “a near-perfect boat”.
A collaboration between Italian builder Rossinavi and designer Philippe Briand, founder of Vitruvius Yachts, resulted in this impressive fully custom tri-deck vessel that was commissioned for a client who was involved in every aspect of the design. Calling on their past charter experiences helped Alchemy’s owners shape what they wanted in their yacht. One request was for an open, flowing interior, and Alchemy has an unusual layout with an open-glass staircase at the centreline in order to open up the interior flow and sight lines. Suspended between two glass partitions, the sculptural staircase is a focal point of the main deck, and, as judges noted, no mean feat from a classification point of view.
Alchemy is Rossinavi’s largest superyacht to have diesel-electric propulsion and is propelled by pods to reduce the loss of energy between the engines and navigation speed. The hallmark of a Vitruvius Yachts hull shape is a long waterline designed to slice through the water to lessen drag and fuel consumption, and in this vein Alchemy is no exception.
JUDGES’ COMMENDATION: SPARTA
Length 67m
Builder Heesen Yachts
Naval architect Van Oossanen Naval Architects / Heesen Yachts
Exterior designer Winch Design
Interior designer Winch Design
There were judges who considered Sparta to be their top choice in the displacement motor yachts 1,000GT to 1,499GT category. One of them said it was the “best Heesen I’ve ever seen”. While Alchemy ultimately received the highest score, the judges wanted to make sure to recognise Sparta’s exemplary fit and finish and overall excellence.
Borne from a collaboration between Heesen Yachts and Winch Design, Sparta is the largest steel yacht to emerge from the Dutch builder. She boasts what one judge called “extraordinary features” including a DNA helix-inspired staircase, a 6.5-metre infinity pool and the intimate lower deck spa. Also of note was the placement of all the guest cabins on the main deck, while the owners enjoy a fully private deck of their own.
A reverse bow inspired by a blade gives Sparta a dynamic profile. This bow shape also helped to boost volume on board this 1,200GT yacht and reduce drag. Winch Design created the exterior and interiors with a holistic design ethos. The main saloon flows out to the aft deck with pool, which is framed by twin staircases leading down to the beach club with dramatic flair.
DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS, 1,500GT AND ABOVE: INFINITE JEST
Length 74.9m
Builder Turquoise Yachts
Naval architect Turquoise Yachts
Exterior designer A. Vallicelli & C. Yacht Design
Interior designer Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design / Julie Hillman Design
The largest of the displacement yacht categories held two nominees, both of which the judges saluted, but it was Infinite Jest that proved most popular among the committee. Conceived in a collaboration between Turquoise Yachts, Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, A Vallicelli & C Yacht Design and Fraser, the 75-metre yacht had long-range travel as part of her brief from the outset. In fact, shortly after delivery she cruised down to Antarctica.
The yacht’s ambitious design brief – and her planned world-girdling usage – pushed Turquoise Yachts to expand its capabilities to enhance its project management, meet a high level of specification and find new engineering solutions. One example is seen in the yacht’s AV and IT systems, which are among the most advanced in her class. The judges noted the overall improved build quality and enhanced offerings to come from this yard.
Infinite Jest is slightly wider than her predecessor, Roe, yet the hull has been optimised after CFD analysis. She has a new bulb form and showcases a reduction in the resistance of appendages, which included re-designing rudder and shaft brackets. She also sports a few exterior customisations, such as the addition of wing station balconies on the upper deck forward, which work to extend the private exterior space outside of the owner’s apartment. Four large vertical windows in the forward portion of the hull bring light into the forward guests cabins and affect the profile as well. With comfort and quiet operation in mind, a detailed FEA analysis resulted in structural fine tuning and the use of advanced insulation materials, ensuring the owner and guest cabins are less than 39 decibels and virtually vibration free.
VOYAGER’S AWARD WINNER: INFINITE JEST AND JESTER
Infinite Jest:
Length 74.9m
Builder Turquoise Yachts
Naval architect Turquoise Yachts
Exterior designer Vallicelli Design
Interior designer Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design / Julie Hillman Design
Jester:
Length 68.9m
Original builder OY Laivateollisuus
Refit shipyard / management Pendennis / RWD
Naval architect OY Laivateollisuus
Exterior designer Pendennis / RWD
Interior designer Pendennis / RWD
The Voyager’s Award recognises yachts that have completed a significant cruise to far-flung locales. This year it was two yachts – Infinite Jest and Jester – that took the prize. The pair ran in tandem from Europe to Antarctica mere months after each was delivered. Jester was launched in March 2023 after a refit at Pendennis while Infinite Jest was delivered as a new build out of Turquoise Yachts in July 2023. By December 2023, both yachts were leaving South America in their wake as they steamed across the infamous Drake Passage to the icy continent. It was, as the judges recognised, an “ambitious maiden voyage to come straight out of the yard and head down to Antarctica”.
Despite its increased popularity in recent years, Antarctica represents the pinnacle of voyage challenges. The weather is highly unpredictable; there are no hospitals, and the cold temperatures can be unforgiving so a vessel must be almost totally self-sufficient. Years of planning, surveys, shipyard modifications and procurement of specialist equipment made this trip a reality for Infinite Jest and Jester. EYOS was hired as expedition guide, helping them prepare as well.
The owners explored penguin colonies, encountered huge pods of orcas and even went skiing ashore. “There can be few better experiences for guests than skinning up a mountain from the waterside and looking back on your own yachts in the bay, before skiing back down to the beach and feeding humpback whales in the tender ride home for dinner on board, while elephant seals look on nonchalantly from the shore” – a sentiment from the owners that sums up this amazing adventure. Since then, the fleet has undertaken another long passage before heading to the Caribbean. They’ve nearly completed a circumnavigation in terms of nautical miles travelled – all in less than six months since launch. “And we’re just getting started...”
LEGACY AWARD: PAOLA TRIFIRÒ
There are few yacht owners who have displayed more passion, knowledge and interest in yachting than Paola Trifirò has over the years. She fell in love with boats during her university days when she sailed on Lake Como. This sparked a decades-long fascination with yachting, which resulted in some of the most beautiful sailing yachts ever built. From her first yacht, the seven-metre Calife, to the Dubois-designed Kokomo that introduced Paola to superyacht racing, her yachts have been as varied as they are impressive. Some of the exceptional yachts that she and her husband, Salvatore, have built over the years include the head-turning Zefira, a 50-metre Dubois design that won Sailing Yacht of the Year in 2011 for her lightness, elegance, speed and modernity, and 33-metre Ribelle, whose sinuous lines contain a sumptuous interior by Rémi Tessier.
As a legendary cook and host, Paola’s passion for food has had an undeniable impact on her yachts’ designs. Working closely with design studios and shipyards, Paola has always paid special attention to creating exceptional galley spaces, even on a sailing yacht. What unites all of Paola’s yachts is that they have been intelligently conceived based on her many years of experience.
Paola truly uses her boats for what they were made for. Fond of adventurous sailing to far distant seas, she has cruised the oceans from the South Pacific to the high-latitude fjords of Norway. Paola is also an avid racer, having competed at the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous, Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta in Porto Cervo, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez and the Dubois Cup, where her sailing boats turned heads and garnered admiring reviews.
A committed member of the World Superyacht Awards judging panel, Paola has given her time and energy to the awards since 2012. As her fellow judges attested: “Paola has built and sailed a number of spectacular superyachts and is well known and respected in the industry. She is a great personality, and through her long-term work as a judge, she has supported the industry in many ways. She is an icon, instantly recognisable and highly knowledgeable.”
Tonight, we celebrate Paola Trifirò’s remarkable life in boats with the presentation of a well-deserved Legacy Award.
Nominations for the World Superyacht Awards 2025 are now open. For more information, please contact the events team.
NOMINATE A YACHT