Earlier this month Boat International Media, the global authority on super yachting, revealed the enviable winners of the World Superyacht Awards 2016, with Unfurled, Savannah and Genesi stealing the limelight with two trophies apiece.
Judged by a stellar panel of 23 serial superyacht owners – many of whom have designed and constructed their own vessels – the 2016 finalists were praised for pushing the boundaries in the realms of power, speed, technology, usability, design and comfort. 47 of the world’s most renowned boat builders and shipyards from 15 different countries entered almost 70 superyachts into this year’s awards.
The unique voyager’s award, which celebrates an adventurous superyacht owner who has taken long distance voyaging and exploration to the next level, went to Latitude’s owner Anil Thadani. A self-confessed polar bear enthusiast, Anil captivated the judges after completing the legendary Northwest Passage around the top of Canada to Alaska and the Pacific Ocean – a near 11,000-mile expedition.
The 1930s classic motor yacht Malahne – once owned by the legendary film producer Sam Spiegel to serve as his production office and hotel while filming Lawrence of Arabiain Jordan –took home the prize in the rebuilt yachtcategory. After she was rendered almost unrecognisable by a 1980s refit, her current owner went right back to the beginning to restore her classic lines, taking a total of 30 months to complete.
Meanwhile, Mirage was awarded the best refitted yacht accoladeafter the entire vessel was redecorated and restored, complete with a new gymnasium and spa pool. For quality and value, it was the 37.3-metre motor yacht Nashwan which captured the imagination of the judges. At $9.5 – million, she was deemed extremely good value for her spacious layout and excellent on-board facilities.
Wider Yachts –an Italian builder previously known for their innovative tenders and small craft – took home gold for their first ever superyacht Genesi in the displacement motor yacht of below 500gt category. Launched in late 2015, the vessel is the epitome of a modern yacht. In addition, the propulsion system was considered so advanced that it attracted a separate award for technology and innovation.
Sailing yachts Unfurled and Atalante triumphed in their respective size categories, with Unfurled crowned sailing yacht of the year thanks to her impressive technological advances, including retractable pods for propulsion– a challenging addition for the yard’s team to engineer and build. This was the first collaboration between the yacht’s builder, Vitters, and renowned Argentinian racing yacht designer Germán Frers.
Another winner of note, was Antheya III from Princess Yachts International. Designed by Naval Architect Olesinski and Princess, it picked up the semi-displacement or planning two-deck motor yacht accolade. The judges particularly admired her exterior design, which incorporated a variety of functional areas in which to relax and dine, as well as her contemporary yet ageless interior. Additionally, the judges found a high quality of construction and excellent technical, service and crew areas.
Finally, Savannah – billed as Feadship’s most innovative yacht ever – was awarded the displacement motor yacht of 1,300gt to 2,999gt accoladeafter she impressed the judges with her distinctive level of craftsmanship, inspirational elegance and wow-worthy underwater lounge. She then went on to win the highly-coveted motor yacht of the year prize.
Hosted in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance over 600 years ago, the World Superyacht Awards 2016 mirror the hallmarks of a period where an artist could be an engineer, a sculptor, a scientist, a designer and an explorer – all at the same time. To represent the god of the sea in Roman mythology, the winning yachts were all awarded prestigious Neptune trophies – which are now displayed on magnificent vessels all over the globe, a badge of distinction proudly worn by their owners.
Stewart Campbell, editor, Boat International, said: “The World Superyacht Awards have become synonymous with excellence in superyacht build and design, and this year is no exception. We’re thrilled to have built a platform for yacht owners and shipyards across the world to receive critical acclaim through the presentation of the prestigious Neptune trophy. The growing ingenuity and innovation of the yachts entered only makes the judges’ decisions more challenging each year – proof that this accolade is the definitive exemplar of yachting excellence.”
Further information on The World Superyacht Awards can be found here.
