FLIBS 2025: The Honours 2025 celebrates "three extraordinary women" with Bowsprit Award

29 October 2025 • Written by Emily Dawkins and Dea Jusufi

On the eve of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (28 October), the third edition of The Honours 2025 was held at the newly inaugurated Pier Sixty-Six. Guests gathered for cocktails as the sun set over the marina, before witnessing the reveal of this year's Honourees which, in a first for the awards ceremony, were all women.

The coveted Bowsprit Award was presented to Angela Abshier, founder of Sail to Shelter (USA); Francisca Cortés Solari, founder of Fundación MERI (Chile); and Rosie O’Donnell, project lead for Yachts for Science (UK).

"Tonight we celebrated not only three extraordinary women but also the boundless capacity of this industry to do good," said Dilan Sarac, executive director of The Superyacht Life Foundation. "Angela, Francisca, and Rosie are proof that passion and purpose can coexist beautifully. Their stories remind us all why The Honours exists – to show that yachting can make an impact far beyond the water."

(Left to right) Angela Abshier, Francisca Cortés Solari and Rosie O’Donnell

Now in its third year, The Honours was curated from within the superyacht industry to celebrate those whose initiatives "advance science, protect the planet, support communities, and inspire others through courage, creativity, and compassion". Nominees are sent from yacht owners and professionals around the world.

In 2025, the judging panel – welcomed by Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows at Informa, and led by Farouk Nefzi, CMO at Feadship – received 238 nominations.

Hosted in association with FLIBS, the 2025 edition concluded with a celebratory dinner, using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, and a "one-of-a-kind live musical performance".

"The Honours gives a global stage to individuals whose work transforms perceptions and delivers tangible change," added Doole. "Hosting this event at Pier Sixty-Six, during the world’s largest in-water boat show, reinforces our shared belief that innovation and humanity are at the heart of this community."

The 2025 edition was sponsored by AB Yachts Maiora, Delta Marine, Feadship, Global Marine Travel, Lürssen, Preciosa and Robert Allen Law.