The winners of the World Superyacht Awards 2025, in association with Acquera Club, The Italian Sea Group and Maddox, have now been revealed during a ceremony in Venice, Italy. From the newly crowned Motor Yacht of the Year to the prestigious Voyager's Award, discover which yachts scooped this year's coveted Neptunes...
Motor Yacht of the Year: Kismet
Sailing Yacht of the Year: Kiboko 4
Refitted Yachts, 499GT and below: Ravenger
Refitted Yachts, 500GT and above: Alfa G
Sailing Yachts: Kiboko 4
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts - 30m to 39.9m: AB110
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts - 40m to 49.9m: San
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts - 50m and above: Santosha
Judges' Special Award: Special One
Displacement Motor Yachts - 499GT and below, 30m to 34.9m: Pazienza
Displacement Motor Yachts - 499GT and below, 35m to 39.9m: Mangusta Oceano 39
Displacement Motor Yachts - 499GT and below, 40m to 45.9m: Lt. Pete Maverick Mitchell
Displacement Motor Yachts - 499GT and below, 46m and above: M
Displacement Motor Yachts - 500GT to 1,499GT: B
Displacement Motor Yachts - 1,500GT and above: Kismet
Voyager’s Award: Asteria
Judges' Special Award: Northern Sun
Legacy Award: Jack Setton
Motor Yacht of the Year: Kismet
Length: 122m
Builder: Lürssen
Naval architect: Lürssen
Exterior designer: Nuvolari Lenard
Interior designer: Reymond Langton Design
The 122-metre superyacht crafted by Lürssen has garnered significant and well-deserved attention and acclaim, so it’s no surprise that our judges deemed her worthy of being named Motor Yacht of the Year. Kismet stands out with her exceptional design and craftsmanship and extraordinarily detailed interiors.
Kismet’s exterior, designed by Nuvolari Lenard, showcases sleek lines and a striking profile, highlighted by a leaping jaguar on the bow and a sculpted mast. Expansive side decks inspired by promenade decks afford seamless movement around the yacht. Meanwhile, Reymond Langton Design has curated spellbinding interiors where no centimetre is overlooked. A grand atrium at the entrance sets the tone for the opulence found within. The design seamlessly blends influences ranging from Versailles to Art Deco with modern elements, creating an ambiance of timeless elegance. Her spacious layout accommodates up to 12 guests across eight cabins.
Designed for her owner’s private use as well as charter, Kismet boasts outstanding lifestyle features and amenities, including a swimming pool, beach club, indoor cinema and underwater viewing room and an award-winning spa and wellness area with hammam, sauna and cryotherapy chamber. Other notable features include the “Tron” corridor, which leads guests through the engine room space. With a chrome finish and information screens, it feels like stepping into the future before hurtling back into the 1920s. Designer Pascale Reymond aptly calls it “storytelling through design”. Collectively, these attributes – meticulous design, innovative features and exceptional charter amenities – underscore Kismet’s deserving status as Motor Yacht of the Year.
Read More/On board Lürssen's 122m Kismet, the Motor Yacht of the Year 2025Sailing Yacht of the Year: Kiboko 4
Length: 35.5m
Builder: Southern Wind
Naval architect: Farr Yacht Design
Exterior designer: Nauta Design
Interior designer: Nauta Design
Kiboko 4 stands as a testament to modern sailing excellence, meriting the title of Sailing Yacht of the Year. As the second hull in Southern Wind’s SW108 series, Kiboko 4 showcases advanced design and engineering. The yacht features a lifting keel and a performance-oriented sailplan and rigging package, reflecting a commitment to both cruising comfort and competitive racing capabilities.
Commissioned by an experienced owner embarking on their first high-performance yacht, Kiboko 4 is designed for both family cruising and competitive racing. This is the owner’s fourth Southern Wind yacht, and plans include transatlantic voyages and participation in regattas, highlighting the yacht’s versatility. Kiboko 4 follows in the footsteps of her predecessor, Gelliceaux, who won the St Barths Bucket regatta in her first outing, underscoring the yacht’s potential for exceptional performance in competitive settings.
Kiboko 4 stands out in the looks department as well. Her exterior and interior design, crafted by Nauta Design, exudes a dynamic and bold aesthetic. The dark hull and mast enhance her visual appeal, and her clean deck layout is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. An innovative opening transom reveals a tender garage accommodating a five-metre tender. This design also transforms the stern into a beach club, enhancing the onboard leisure experience. The interior is contemporary and nautical-inspired, with light oak pairing with subtle touches of walnut, along with upholstery crafted from handwoven Mallorcan fabrics.
Collectively, these innovations position Kiboko 4 as a significant evolution in Southern Wind’s yacht offerings, blending enhanced performance with modern design and functionality.
Refitted Yachts - 499GT and below: Ravenger
Length: 53.9m
Original builder: Baltic Yachts
Refit yard/management: Baltic Yachts
Naval architect: judel/vrolijk & co
Exterior designer: Aivan
Interior designer: Design Unlimited
When considering the smaller set of refit yachts, one boat sailed beyond the rest. The judges noted the extensive work done to transform Ravenger, with one judge saying, “It’s much more than a cosmetic refit.” The world’s largest full carbon sloop has become, in essence, a new boat, with her capabilities optimised from a pure cruiser to an able racer-cruiser. The refit has given Ravenger more sail power, facilitated by extending the bowsprit by 1.5 metres, updating the rig, updating the sailplan from a pinhead to a square top configuration and flying larger sails. To further add to her racing capabilities, new winches provide faster line speeds and save three tonnes of weight and the furlers were moved below deck.
Working with designer Jarkko Jämsén, who has designed other yachts for this owner, Ravenger now sports a new streamlined cockpit bimini, a new helm bimini and custom helm pedestals. The cockpit itself was resurfaced in teak, and the social area forward of the helm was also redesigned. Aesthetic exterior updates included giving the boom a two-toned colour scheme to create a sense of visual lightness.
Design Unlimited, the design team that created the yacht’s original dramatic, detailed-rich interior (when she was Pink Gin) returned to the boat to bring an entirely different atmosphere to Ravenger. While the GA was maintained inside, the interior decor has seen a complete overhaul with a minimalist and serene Scandinavian-style aesthetic. Oak timbers, natural stones and supple leathers were all chosen for their timeless appeal. The split-level saloon was revised to replace a piano with a breakfast bar. Ravenger also benefits from noise reduction technologies that Baltic Yachts has developed since the yacht’s original launch in 2017.
Refitted Yachts - 500GT and above: Alfa G
Length: 60m
Original builder: Oceanco
Refit yard/management: G&K Yachting
Naval architect: Oceanco
Exterior designer: Oceanco / The A Group
Rebuild interior designer: Alexandre Thiriat
Along with applauding the results of the refit itself, the judges were taken by the story behind this winner. “The current owners built the boat originally and came back to it years later, and they have given another decade – at least – of life back to this boat,” noted one judge with admiration. They also noted the exceptionally high quality of the interiors and the fact that the refit was completed in nine months.
The yacht’s original builder was also back, with the exterior refit overseen by Oceanco at G&K Yachting in Greece. Oceanco was tasked with providing technical and naval architecture support, which involved researching and upgrading the yacht’s stability, enhancing engineering systems, creating a new mast design and advising on the design of the propellers. Oceanco also assisted with the lightship survey and in refitting the rescue crane. G&K Yachting had the challenge of retrofitting state-of-the-art navigation, A/V and propulsion systems into the yacht’s older framework. The refit also included the installation of new Caterpillar generators with a UREA after-treatment system, a new sewage treatment plant, new security systems and a full bridge upgrade.
Alfa G shows off a cool new black paint job, which complements her new monochrome, art deco-inspired interiors by Alexandre Thiriat. The judges were impressed by the quality of Alfa G’s new interiors and custom furnishings, noting, “You can see where the money went on this refit.” Modern art and intricate textures add to a sense of restrained richness. The yacht's interior structures were maintained, while the layout was redesigned to suit the owners’ current needs.
Judges' Commendation: Samadhi
Length: 61m
Original builder: Feadship
Shipyard: Feadship/Luxury Projects
Naval architect: Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects
Exterior designer: Studio de Voogt
Interior designer: Laura Pomponi - Luxury Projects
The judges chose to bestow a Judges’ Commendation for Samadhi’s refit. “They took a classic Feadship and restored it immaculately so she looks new,” said one judge. The refit focused on converting a formerly traditional and conservative Feadship into a modern, sporty vessel optimised for charter. The owner sought to modernise the yacht with new features such as a swimming pool, spa with an ice bath and a DJ area. The former lazarette was transformed into a multifunctional space that serves as both a beach club and toy stowage with bike racks and dedicated surfboard storage.
It was important to the owner that Feadship complete the refit. Impressive, the judges noted, was the refit team’s ability to complete the project in a tight timeframe of six months. Beyond cosmetic and functional changes, Samadhi underwent a full electrical survey to optimise the yacht’s electrical usage and see where power was being wasted. This resulted in lowering fuel consumption and requiring fewer generators to be online at once.
Sailing Yachts: Kiboko 4
Length: 35.5m
Builder: Southern Wind
Naval architect: Farr Yacht Design
Exterior designer: Nauta Design
Interior designer: Nauta Design
The judges lauded the winner as a “true bluewater boat – that you can race as well!” Kiboko 4’s predecessor, the first hull in the Southern Wind 108 series, proved this point by winning the St Barths Bucket Regatta in 2024. For the second hull in the series, Kiboko 4, Farr Yacht Design further refined the platform with a focus on weight optimisation, performance and an increased sailplan. Built with a full carbon hull, deck and bulkheads – along with a high-modulus carbon mast and boom and titanium deck fittings – Kiboko 4 has a light displacement of 76 tonnes.
The performance envelope was optimised for typical Mediterranean conditions and occasional racing under the ORCsy measurement and handicapping system. She has a generous sail area, flying 607 square metres of sail upwind and 1,288 square metres downwind. A lifting keel that moves between four and 6.2 metres of draught and a twin-rudder configuration aid the winner’s speed and agility. The twin rudder arrangement means Kiboko 4 can be pushed to a high heel angle when racing, yet the sailplan is flexible so she can reduce power when cruising. This suits her owners well, as she will primarily be a family boat for summers in the Mediterranean before making a transatlantic crossing to explore the Caribbean.
The yacht’s sleek and modern coachroof is covered in wood, while natural wood from sustainable forestry is used on deck. The judges noted Kiboko 4’s unique twin-fold transom, which can transform into a beach club when at anchor. Inside, the saloon windows and furniture were optimised to let in natural light, which casts a warm glow over the welcoming Mediterranean-inspired interior.
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts - 30m to 39.9m: AB110
Length: 33.7m
Builder: AB Yachts
Naval architect: AB Yachts
Exterior designer: Archea Associati
Interior designer: Archea Associati
The top yacht in this category took the win by a wide margin, with the speedy AB110 zooming ahead of the pack. The judges who stepped on board the yacht prior to the judges’ meeting noted its good quality, impressive performance and the overall elegance and comfort of the interiors. “It’s stylish, sexy and it has great speed,” said one judge. Indeed, the AB110 reaches a top speed of 45 knots, while two next-generation Seakeeper gyrostabilisers afford a smooth ride.
The first yacht in AB’s sportfly series, the AB110 has an extended flybridge that’s accessible via two carbon-fibre external staircases. Volume has been doubled from other models in the pilothouse. Ultra-light glass with thermal resistance that reduces heat inside was chosen to lower the air-conditioning power consumption and aid in sustainability. Carbon fibre has been used liberally inside and out, chosen for its looks as well as its light weight. At night, the yacht’s well-considered lighting plan makes her stand out from other yachts at anchor. A 1.3-metre draught means she can access shallow bays with ease.
The judges noted the light and bright “loft-like” interiors and excellent space planning inside. To enhance the holistic nature of the design, teak flooring flows from the beach area to the cockpit and into the interiors of the main saloon, wheelhouse and staircase leading to the lower deck accommodations. Below deck, the yacht benefits from a full-beam amidships owner’s cabin with a walk-in wardrobe, a full-beam VIP forward and two further twin guest rooms.
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 40m to 49.9m: San
Length: 45m
Builder: Alia Yachts
Naval architect: Lateral Naval Architects
Exterior designer: Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design
Interior designer: Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design
The clear winner in this size category of Semi-Displacement and Planing yachts, San dazzled the judges with her creative layout, sleek lines and striking interior details. “This is so wonderfully different. It changes your thinking about what is possible in a yacht layout,” said one judge of the unique main deck arrangement. With one large open-plan room and no forward bulwark in the main saloon, San presents completely uninterrupted sightlines from the aft cockpit to the bow lounge forward, meeting the owner’s brief for unobstructed, panoramic views from the main deck saloon.
San’s designers were challenged by creating this expansive interior space while keeping the yacht's exterior as low profile as possible. To achieve this, a portion of the ceiling was lowered to accommodate the pilothouse, and the seating area was recessed into the floor a few steps lower than the main deck – a trick that provided 2.3-metre ceiling heights in the main saloon. The low-slung sunken living room further enhances the open feel of the glass-enclosed main saloon, with light flowing in through the floor-to-ceiling glazing supported by narrow mullions. Cut-outs in the bulwarks allow the guests to enjoy the views even when seated.
The judges also praised the design of the “gorgeous” staircase, which curves its way down from the main deck into the lower deck guest accommodation. “And the joinery is lovely,” said another judge of the combination of teak, stained oak and eucalyptus found on board. The woods are complemented by tan leather, with all the interior materials painstakingly chosen for their blend of aesthetic appeal, durability and low maintenance.
Read More/An open mind: On board Alia Yachts' dayboat-inspired superyacht SANSemi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts - 50m and above: Santosha
Length: 56.7m
Builder: Heesen Yachts
Naval architect: Heesen Yachts / Van Oossanen Naval Architects
Exterior designer: Omega Architects
Interior designer: Harrison Eidsgaard
"It’s a prime boat,” said a judge of the winner in the largest Semi-Displacement and Planing yachts category. Impressed by her 22.7-knot top speed, well-thought-out general arrangement and excellent build quality, the judges crowned Santosha the winner in her class. Santosha is the first yacht in Heesen’s new 57-metre aluminium class, known as Project Akira. She is built on the Fast Displacement Hull Form by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and is IMO Tier-III compliant. Optimised for efficiency, Santosha’s power demands and fuel consumption is reduced by up to 50 per cent compared to a conventional steel yacht.
Despite her nearly 800GT volume, Santosha appears sleek and elegant. Omega Architects achieved her elongated looks by shaping a low-profile superstructure and extending the length of the raked bow. A concave transom makes Santosha stand out visually and allows for additional space on the swim platform for guest use. Inside, the scallop shape of the steps on the main staircase – which encircle the stainless steel and glass elevator that reaches three decks – are inspired by the unique shape of Santosha’s stern.
Santosha is the first custom build for owners who had previously chartered for more than 20 years, and the judges noted how the owners were able to take what they learned from their charter experience and make a yacht that perfectly suited their needs. “She does exactly what the owners wanted,” one judge remarked. The owners sought a soothing, uncluttered interior that is as comfortable and livable as it is good-looking. Heesen’s interior department created the custom cabinetry, which is complemented by bespoke pieces, such as the walnut dining table by Parkway England and modern chandeliers from Czech glassmaker Lasvit.
Read More/Santosha: On board the 57m Heesen making her world debut at Palm Beach International Boat ShowJudges' Special Award: Special One
Length: 52m
Builder: Royal Huisman
Naval architect: Vripack
Exterior designer: Vripack
Interior designer: Vripack
In the hotly contested Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 50m and above category, the judges deemed there was a yacht so spectacularly different from the others that she was deserving of a Judges’ Special Award. It is certainly a fitting award for a yacht with the name Special One, with one judge exclaiming, “She is truly special! This yacht is so unusual, so different and so successfully done.”
The largest true sportfishing yacht of her kind at 52 metres, she has the lines of a traditional sportfish, complete with a 45-degree flared bow. Performance and fishability were key to the brief, with 30-knot top speed as the goal. Vripack, which designed the yacht inside and out along with completing the naval architecture, had to balance this with the fact that the yacht would be used simultaneously by multiple generations who were not all there to fish. As such, multiple mezzanine decks overlook the 30-square-metre fishing cockpit below, which is outfitted with a custom fighting chair, two 1,000-litre live bait wells and a pair of two-metre-long insulated catch boxes – all the trappings of a sportfish, but super-sized.
Beyond her fishing abilities, Special One is every bit a superyacht, with a main deck master cabin, luxuriously finished interior and foredeck lounge with a cinema screen, DJ setup and disco lights. Special One’s Focal & Naim sound system with more than 150 speakers suits her music-loving owner. The yacht also presents a wealth of innovations, from having the first-ever pneumatic lift on a yacht to the custom air intake system that Vripack designed for the engine room.
Read More/Special One: Going full throttle on the world's largest sportfisherDisplacement Motor Yachts - 499GT and below, 30m to 34.9m: Pazienza
Length: 34.8m
Builder: Cantiere delle Marche
Naval architect: Hydro Tec
Exterior designer: Francesco Paszkowski Design
Interior designer: Francesco Paszkowski Design in collaboration with Margherita Casprini
The winner in this category of the smallest displacement yachts pulled ahead by a good margin, impressing the judges with her excellent build quality and ability to blur the lines between superyacht and explorer. As the third hull in Cantiere delle Marche’s RJ class, Pazienza combines sporty lines and an aluminium superstructure with a rugged and highly capable steel hull. This is what drew the owner, who was seeking adventure and comfort in equal measure, to Pazienza. The yacht has an impressive range of more than 7,000 nautical miles when cruising at 10 knots.
The judges were fans of the yacht’s dynamic profile and fluidity between indoor and outdoor living. Glass is employed extensively to flood the interior with natural light, even in the bulwarks to further open up views from inside, while the open stern design gives a sense of visual continuity with the seascapes beyond. Per the owner’s request, the interior has an elegant yet soothing ambience adorned in a purposefully limited number of materials in a neutral palette. The floor is covered in bleached oak in a satin finish while custom furniture is in a stained oak juxtaposed by dark gloss finishes and detailing.
Pazienza’s tender storage has been customised to her owner’s needs. Setting her apart from fellow RJ115 model Stellamar, Pazienza has space for two tenders – one that can be stowed on the upper deck aft during long journeys and another that takes refuge in a dedicated tender garage at the stern, accessed with a hatch on the starboard side. This garage is also home to a wide array of water toys.
Displacement Motor Yachts - 499GT and below, 35m to 39.9m: Mangusta Oceano 39
Length: 39.2m
Builder: Mangusta - Overmarine Group
Naval architect: Overmarine Group
Exterior designer: Alberto Mancini / Overmarine Group
Interior designer: Overmarine Group
"This company has done an amazing job in pivoting from go-fast boats to cruisers,” said one judge of Mangusta, the builder of the Oceano 39, which took the top spot in her class of displacement yachts. The build quality, layout, volume and value of the Oceano 39 were elements that led the judges to award her the win. The entry-level offering in Mangusta’s Oceano long-range displacement line, the tri-deck yacht has a volume of 330GT. Powered by twin 1,700-horsepower MTU 12V 2000 M86 engines, she has a top speed of 15 knots, cruises at 12 knots and has a range of 2,250 nautical miles at an economical speed of 10 knots.
The judges also praised the harmonious interior styling, which showed consistency in material choices, such as the teak that’s found on the ceilings inside the yacht as well as on the exterior decks. Copious amounts of floor-to-ceiling glazing are used on the superstructure, which allows light to flow inside and also literally opens up the interiors to the outside world with partially opening sections in the glass.
The judges were also taken by the yacht’s outdoor living areas. “This is a very enjoyable yacht,” one judge commented, referring to the beach club as well as the foredeck lounge, which features loose furnishings, fixed sunbeds and an alluring pool forward. The pool is finished with a glass bottom so sunlight from above can be filtered through the water to illuminate the master cabin on the main deck below. The beach area on this hull also includes a garage to stow a Williams DieselJet 505 tender, which is launched and recovered with a davit system.
Displacement Motor Yachts - 499GT and below, 40m to 45.9m: Lt. Pete Maverick Mitchell
Length: 44.3m
Builder: Cantiere delle Marche
Naval architect: Hydro Tec
Exterior designer: Hydro Tec
Interior designer: Francesco Paszkowski in collaboration with Margherita Casprini
The winner of the Displacement Motor Yachts - 499GT and below, 40m to 45.9m category, Lt. Pete Maverick Mitchell caught the judges’ attention for the immense customisation found on board this Cantiere delle Marche Flexplorer 146. “This boat is highly customised for a Cantiere delle Marche yacht – it’s geared towards the owners’ absolute requirements,” said one judge. “And the owners knew exactly what they wanted.”
Built for a multi-year around-the-world journey, the yacht will serve as the family’s home as they traverse the Northern Hemisphere, including the challenging Northwest Passage, and down to the Southern Hemisphere, requiring that she be capable of long-range voyages and be well suited for both polar and tropical conditions. She has a 12-millimetre steel-plate belt wrapped around the waterline to enhance her abilities in ice conditions, and both active and passive stabilisation systems to ensure comfort at sea. The A-frame crane on the aft deck has a high load capacity of four tonnes, enough to handle a very large tender and a raft of water toys. The aft placement of the crane prevents obstruction below deck, which helps to optimise space planning.
The yacht’s exterior was created to give the angular lines typical of the Flexplorer series some softer curves and playful design elements, with inspiration drawn from the aerodynamic tail fins of iconic Grumman F-14 Tomcat fighter jets, like the ones depicted in the Top Gun film that inspired the yacht’s name. Inside, the yacht has a novel layout proposed by the owners, which includes an owners’ apartment with a panoramic master cabin and cabins specially designed for the needs of their children.
Read More/Top Gun: On board CdM's first Flexplorer 146 with a self-service themeJudges' Commendation: Seawolf X
Length: 42.8m
Builder: Rossinavi
Naval architect: Rossi Engineering Design & Services
Exterior designer: Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design
Interior designer: Meyer Davis
No expense was spared in creating this daring catamaran concept, which stands out in the power multihull market. The judges felt Seawolf X deserving of recognition for her creativity, attention to detail and innovations found on board and have rewarded her with a Judges’ Commendation. “She’s unique, innovative and pushes the boundaries of its class,” said one judge of the first hybrid-electric multihull from Italian builder Rossinavi. Another judge praised the unique design solutions found on board, such as the retractable cover that rises to reveal a recessed foredeck lounge with a spa pool and ample seating.
The state-of-the-art all-aluminium yacht blends cutting-edge technology with a creative layout and design. Engineered with an advanced AI-driven system, Seawolf X is designed to optimise energy consumption while enhancing onboard comfort. Part of Rossinavi’s BluE philosophy initiative, Seawolf X can operate entirely on electric power for day excursions and can sustain up to 80 per cent electric propulsion during transatlantic crossings, significantly reducing its ecological footprint, which is bolstered by the use of custom solar panels covering 150 square metres. The yacht’s interior designers were inspired by “the luxury of sustainability”, and the interiors include wool rugs made from recycled sources and natural materials procured close to the shipyard.
Read More/Seawolf X: On board the 43m Rossinavi catamaran that defies expectationsDisplacement Motor Yachts - 499GT and below, 46m and above: M
Length: 47m
Builder: Sanlorenzo
Naval architect: Sanlorenzo
Exterior designer: Francesco Paszkowski Design
Interior designer: Studio Indigo
The judges gave this Sanlorenzo motor yacht high scores and praised its interiors by Studio Indigo along with her well-planned and customised layout. This includes “a very nice master”, as one judge remarked, of the main-deck cabin that has a fold-down balcony.
The interior design team helped the owners re-configure the layout to suit their needs. One example is in the owners’ suite, where a wall was removed to move the bedroom closer to the window, freeing up space for a cosy seating area with a balcony view. The master en suite was transformed as well, with an angled wall used to expand the size of the shower. On the lower deck, a guest lobby was added, and the beds in the cabins were oriented in a different way to face the direction of travel for enhanced comfort when running overnight. The calming interior design features a Scandinavian motif, with light eucalyptus wood panelling, which gives a bright, warm and contemporary feel.
Part of Sanlorenzo’s 500EXP series, M combines stylish design and excellent functionality, including a heli-deck aft. The owners were drawn to this yacht for its long range and the fact that it could carry all the tenders, toys and equipment they wished to bring along for the journey. The owners like to entertain and wanted outdoor spaces to be able to seamlessly transform, whether for intimate gatherings or parties with DJ setups. They also placed importance on hidden, intuitive technology, working with Vision and Sound to integrate bespoke speakers as well as hidden televisions that disappear when not in use.
Displacement Motor Yachts - 500GT to 1,499GT: B
Length: 59.5m
Builder: Feadship
Naval architect: Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture
Exterior designer: Studio De Voogt
Interior designer: Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design
The judges chose the “extremely well executed” Feadship B as the winner in the second-largest displacement yachts category. B’s owner was very hands-on, visiting the shipyard every month during the build. The owner’s brief called for a focus on privacy, sustainability and wellness amenities. The layout was conceived to suit the need for privacy with a dedicated owner’s apartment found on the upper deck – with a cabin, massage room, cinema lounge and aft deck living area – creating a private sanctuary.
B is the first Feadship to have solar panels, which are integrated into the design, blending with the blue-grey paint job to make them nearly imperceptible. B also features an electric propulsion system that provides noiseless navigation in addition to optimising power demands. The system combines traditional diesel engines with electric drive technology, providing enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and a quieter, smoother cruising experience. A waste heat recovery system further reduces the yacht’s overall energy consumption.
The yacht’s exterior shows an appreciation for sober, clean lines in the glass-filled superstructure. Tucked on top of the bridge deck is a small observation deck, which is cleverly designed to be unobtrusive when the yacht is viewed in profile. The observation deck provides privacy as well as uninterrupted views. Another priority for the owner was to have distinct dining areas so it felt like eating in a different restaurant every night. There are five dining areas found on the yacht, both inside and out, including one with a teppanyaki grill.
Displacement Motor Yachts - 1,500GT and above: Kismet
Length: 122m
Builder: Lürssen
Naval architect: Lürssen
Exterior designer: Nuvolari Lenard
Interior designer: Reymond Langton Design
All of the judges were impressed with the level of execution they saw when they had a chance to step on board Kismet, making her an easy choice for the winner of the largest displacement yachts category tonight. “The design density on that boat is amazing; every single detail was considered,” said one judge of the owner’s third vessel with Lürssen and the third designed by Reymond Langton.
The detail-rich interiors are designed to give a sense of enchantment, featuring pieces from companies like Based Upon. Every single centimetre is considered, with inspiration spanning from Versailles to 1920s Art Deco and old Hollywood glamour. Kismet’s grand staircase, which holds a six-metre Venetian Murano glass chandelier, reflects light beautifully. A full-beam owners’ suite spanning two decks is adorned in gold finishes. Four fireplaces, which run on bioethanol, are framed in ornate gold finishes, and there are two external fire pits.
Built with charter in mind, Kismet has a palatial spa and well-equipped gym. The judges praised the “fantastic” spa and the comfortable cinema/underwater Nemo room. This “seven-star” wellness suite has a hammam, sauna, cryotherapy chamber, chromotherapy bathtub and a state-of-the-art gym and yoga studio. Furthermore, transforming the helipad on the foredeck creates sports courts that accommodate pickleball and basketball.
For his new Lürssen, the owner also sought to adopt groundbreaking technology and systems. This includes a cutting-edge hybrid powertrain, with a full-electric mode. Kismet also has a heat recovery system in the generators for pool water heating.
Voyager's Award: Asteria
Length: 48.8m
Builder: Anastassiades & Tsortanides
Naval architect: Northport Engineering, D Anastassiades & A Tsortanides
Exterior designer: Pieter Beeldsnijder
Interior designer: Tracey Barnier-Willis Design, Robinson Marine
The Voyager’s Award recognises the yacht that has made the most inspiring journey. This year’s win goes to 48-metre expedition vessel Asteria, which visited both the Arctic and Antarctic during an epic journey of more than 24,000 nautical miles. The voyage began with Asteria receiving a full refit in Greece before heading across the Med in February 2024 and then north up through the Norwegian fjords, ultimately reaching the icy archipelago of Svalbard in June. Despite battling thick fog and unpredictable conditions, Svalbard unveiled its Arctic splendour. Towering glaciers, elusive polar bears and walruses lounging on ice floes defined the landscape, while reindeer and Arctic foxes brought life to the tundra. From Svalbard, Asteria made her way to London in September prior to crossing the Atlantic, stopping in New York and Boston, before setting course for the Falkland Islands. After a 50-day journey southward, Asteria reached Stanley on Christmas Day amid 80-knot winds.
The journey continued with a five-day crossing to South Georgia. There, massive colonies of king and macaroni penguins, elephant seals and fur seals thrived against a dramatic backdrop of glaciers and snow-capped peaks. Next came Antarctica. Along the way, gale winds of up to 99 knots raged upon Asteria’s arrival to Elephant Island. It was the Antarctic summer, and she saw every type of weather from bright and sunny to snowy blizzards.
Throughout the voyage, Asteria encountered signs of a changing climate – retreating ice, displaced wildlife and unpredictable weather. The journey concluded with a crossing of the notorious Drake Passage, returning to Stanley with a sense of awe and urgency. Whether Arctic or Antarctic, Asteria’s journey underscored one truth: these polar realms are profoundly different yet equally essential to preserve. Their silence, scale and raw beauty offer a powerful call to action – to protect what remains of Earth’s last wild frontiers.
Judges' Special Award: Northern Sun
Builder: Narasaki Zosen KK
Naval architect: Narasaki Shipbuilding Co
Exterior designer: HYS Yachts
Interior designer: HYS Yachts
A Judges’ Special Award goes to 50.9-metre Northern Sun for its service to marine science. The yacht’s inspiring, groundbreaking voyage through Indonesia serves as a prime example for other owners of similarly suitable vessels to emulate. Between September and October 2024, Northern Sun embarked on a trip through Indonesian waters, serving as a mobile research platform for marine science and conservation. This mission followed earlier cruising in the region and discussions between the yacht’s owner, scientists and NGOs about supporting fieldwork in remote marine habitats.
Two consecutive scientific expeditions took place aboard Northern Sun, both in collaboration with Indonesian marine research universities. The first, led by National Geographic explorer Alexis Chappuis and his NGO Unseen, focused on Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems – rare, deep-sea coral habitats. Supported by scientists from Universitas Pattimura, the team conducted dives up to 150 metres, collected biological samples and captured the first-ever images of several species in their natural environment. Another confidential, significant discovery was made, pending publication in 2025. The Unseen team also discovered signs of illegal dynamite fishing, highlighting urgent conservation needs.
The second phase saw The Nature Conservancy (TNC) use Northern Sun to survey reef health and fish populations across managed and unmanaged sites. Data gathered informed a new 685,000-hectare Marine Protected Area in Indonesia’s Forgotten Islands. TNC’s work reinforced the stark contrast between degraded and protected reefs and emphasised the power of community-led conservation. Throughout both missions, Northern Sun offered vital logistical support, safety and comfort, with the owner covering operational costs. Their message to fellow owners: superyachts can become platforms for environmental progress, scientific discovery and legacy-building conservation.
Legacy Award: Jack Setton
In a world where superyachts are often built to impress, Jack Setton’s creations stand apart – lean, fast, utilitarian and often years ahead of their time. As a serial yacht owner, Setton doesn’t chase status; he pursues performance. And the superyachts he’s commissioned or customised reflect a legacy rooted in bold thinking and a refusal to accept convention. Of course, there would be no progress in the yachting industry without forward-thinking yacht owners like Setton, who inspire and support new ideas and are willing to take risks to bring them to life.
Whether it was converting the 77.7-metre ice-classed deep-sea tug Simson S (now Sea Ranger), which was adapted to carry a variety of smaller craft on the long aft deck, or building the 57-metre Senses, which Setton compared to a Hummer automobile, his motor yachts have all been designed to be used liberally. This includes the 32-metre Pink Shrimp, a converted shrimp boat that featured low-maintenance systems for ease of use and was powered by Cummins 600hp diesels connected to jet drive units, allowing her to cruise at 40 knots with a range of over 400 nautical miles at that swift speed.
A sailor at heart, Setton has conceived his share of wind-powered craft. The 24-metre sailing yacht Pioneer (now Amaalta), designed by André Mauric, is one of the best examples of Setton’s radical approach. An ultra-light displacement boat designed for sailing performance, Pioneer was fitted with twin outboards instead of the usual inboard engines, which worked to lower weight, reduce drag, enhance manoeuvrability in port and provide a speed of 17 knots under power. Even smaller vessels such as Freset, his 10-metre Frers-designed catamaran launched from a mothership, were conceived with an engineer’s discipline and a sailor’s instinct.
Jack Setton’s yachts aren’t just machines; they are manifestos. Each one has challenged what a superyacht could be – not as floating mansions, but as vessels of expression, speed and sea-borne freedom. In an industry often driven by luxury, Setton reminds us that the truest form of sophistication is found in simplicity and purpose. He is one of yachting’s most distinguished owners because he has taken up this challenge time and again, consistently building highly innovative and influential motor and sailing yachts, and as such, he is incredibly deserving of this year’s Legacy Award.