Celebrating 12 years of the World Superyacht Awards

The venue

A highlight of the yachting calendar, the World Superyacht Awards are held annually at a beautiful location in one of Europe's premier yachting cities. In 2016 the awards headed to Florence for the first time and attendees enjoyed a weekend of culture, socialising and, of course, celebrating the finest the superyacht industry has to offer with winners including Latitude, Malahne, Unfurled and 11.11.

As well as the glittering ceremony at the magnificent Palazzo Vecchio (pictured), guests were treated to a cocktail party at the world famous Uffizi Gallery, brunch at the Tuscan vineyards of Antinori and a cultural programme including a visit to Temple St Clair's jewellery workshop, tours of Italy's most famous shipyards and private shopping with Stefano Ricci.

Table applications for the World Superyacht Awards 2017 are now open, register your interest here.

The winners

The 2015 awards were held at Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam with the great and good of yachting turning out to toast the industry's achievements. The big winners in 2015 included Arctic P - which took home the Voyager Award for completing the furthest voyage south ever undertaken - Sailing Yacht of the Year WinWin, Motor Yacht of the Year Grace E and Legacy award winner Lord Irvine Laidlaw.

The venue

In 2014 the ceremony took place at Amsterdam's stunning Het Scheepvaartmuseum (National Maritime Museum) with support from Dutch superyacht builders Amels, Feadship, Heesen Yachts, Holland Jachtbouw and Royal Huisman.

The winners

Andrew Winch Designs (pictured above) took home four coveted Neptune trophies in 2014. These included Motor Yacht of the Year for Madame Gu, a judge's special award for sailing yacht Inou__ï and a category win for motor yacht Sea Owl.

The winners

Tako van Ineveld, commercial director at Holland Jachtbouw, Jeroen de Vos from Dykstra Naval Architects, Michiel de Vos from DeVosDeVries Design and the yacht's owner are presented with a Neptune trophy for J Class sailing yacht Rainbow.

The afterparty

Along with the awards ceremony and delicious dinner, guests at the World Superyacht Awards are also treated to a brilliant afterparty. Giving industry friends a chance to catch up, hard-working professionals the opportunity to let their hair down and winners an opportunity to celebrate, the infectious atmosphere in 2012 ensured no-one was tempted to leave early.

The guests

Every year the World Superyacht Awards is attended by the cream of the yachting industry, including owners, builders, designers and naval architects, all hoping to take home a coveted trophy. Of course, for the 'Oscars' of the superyacht world, everyone makes sure they are looking their best.

The host

It says something about the calibre of an awards ceremony when the same presenter agrees to come back year after year. International broadcaster and television personality Natasha Kaplinsky has presented the awards for many years.

The entertainment

What would a starry event like the World Superyacht Awards be without a little entertainment? Whether it's a dance show from the Fires of Anatolia, a traditional British marching band or Bond, the original electric string quartet, these unusual acts are always a highlight of the evening.

The winners

There are 21 World Superyacht Awards handed out each year across six categories, plus special judge's commendations where they feel it is necessary. Competition is fierce, with up to six yachts shortlisted for each award, so to win - as _Arkley, Blind Date _and Hanuman did in 2010 - is a huge achievement.

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