The 13th World Superyacht Awards were held in Florence from the 18-20 May, 2018. Celebrating the finest yachts delivered in 2017, the awards offers owners, designers, builders and members of the yachting industry the chance to catch-up, network and appreciate the accomplishments of the previous 12 months.

The weekend began with a Welcome Party hosted by Stefano Ricci at the beautiful Giardino Bardini where guests were entertained with live music, performers and birds of prey.

Boat International Media would like to thank its Navigo partners, Baglietto, Benetti, Cantiere Delle Marche, CRN, Custom Line, Monte Carlo Yachts, Perini Navi, Sanlorenzo, Vismara and VSY, as well as its event partners Stefano Ricci and Clyde & Co and contributing partner Puiforcat for their support

Filippo Ricci, creative director of Stefano Ricci, with Hans Konings, head of design at Amels, and Filippo Rossi of Lynx Yachts.

Paola and Salvatore Trifirò, owners of 32.6 metre Vitters sailing yacht Ribelle, winner of the World Superyacht Award for Sailing Yacht 30m to 49.9m.

Before the awards proper began, guests were offered a taste of true Florentine culture with a programme of the city's highlights. The day started with a guided tour of the Antico Setificio Fiorentino silk looms then headed to Stefano Ricci, which uses Antico Setificio Fiorentino's fabrics in its fine clothing and homewares, and traditional Italian stationers Pineider. The programme finished with refreshments and an elegant wine tasting at the historic Palazzo Antinori in the heart of Florence.

The World Superyacht Awards ceremony was once again held at the stunning Palazzo Vecchio. After welcome drinks and a three-course meal, guests were treated to a show-stopping performance by the Lucca Philharmonic Orchestra, flautist Andrea Griminelli and operatic soloists before television personality Natasha Kaplinsky compered the prize giving.

Designer Tim Heywood with his wife Vanessa.

World Superyacht Awards judge Kim Schindelhauer, owner of 33 metre Baltic sailing yacht Win Win, with Aline Matsika.

World Superyacht Awards judge Barry Houghton, owner of a 43 metre Sanlorenzo, with Sophie Bonvin.

Amber McDonald and John Symond, owners of 73 metre FeadshipHasna, winner of the World Superyacht Award for Displacement Motor Yachts Between 500GT and 1,999GT.

Jonny Horsfield of H2 Yacht Design with Sabrina Monteleone and Espen Øino.

World Superyacht Awards judge Jan-Eric Österlund with Jennifer Österlund.

Lang Walker, winner of the 2018 Legacy Award and owner of the Kokomo sailing yacht series, with awards compere Natasha Kaplinsky.

From left to right: Andrew Winch (left), Dan Lenard of Nuvolari Lenard (centre) and Cristiano Gatto with guests.

18 World Superyacht Awards were handed out at the 2018 edition, including a prize for the new Sail Assisted Motor Yacht class. To see all the winners click here.

On the final day of the World Superyacht Awards weekend guests gathered at the 13th Century Villa Palmieri in Fiesole for a leisurely Sunday brunch. Commiserations and congratulations on the results of the night before were offered over a feast of locally sourced delicacies and Antinori wines.

Dan and Andjela Lenard and guests raise a toast at the World Superyacht Awards farewell gathering.