Thirty-nine superyachts are vying for top honors in the annual International Superyacht Society Awards of Distinction this year. The accolades celebrate accomplishments in design and construction, spanning a broad size range from 78 feet (24 meters) and up. In addition, the awards honor both sailing yachts and power projects, as well as new builds and refits. Whether new construction or a refit/rebuild, a yacht must be launched, completed, and handed over within the prior calendar year.
These 9 yachts are among the 39 finalists for the Superyacht Society Awards of Distinction:
Andiamo, by Baglietto. An evolution of the shipyard’s 46-meter T Line series, Andiamo (above) is a 48-meter T Line (157 feet). She blends traditional Baglietto lines and features with contemporary lifestyle comforts, such as a pool with a waterfall on her sundeck.
Aviva, by Abeking & Rasmussen. At 321 feet (98 meters) LOA, Aviva is among the largest finalists. She has a hybrid propulsion system, as well as a regulation-size padel-tennis court inside on her lower deck. Aviva is striking in profile, too. Check out this video of Aviva departing the shipyard on delivery.
Book Ends, by Heesen Yachts. Started on spec, she’s part of the Dutch builder’s long-successful 47M Displacement series. The owners acquired her just weeks before completion, yet Heesen still incorporated changes they wanted to make without delay.
Endeavour II, by Rossinavi. A client wishing to travel the world commissioned this 164-footer (49.9-meter). Her contemporary interior complements her equally contemporary styling, which includes a vertical bow.
Game Changer, by Damen Shipyards. The fourth Yacht Support delivery from Damen Shipyards, Game Changer is rugged. Measuring 227 feet (70 meters), she has a helicopter hangar and nearly 2,691 square feet (250 square meters) of on-deck space for big tenders and toys.
Jubilee, by Oceanco. Displacing more than 4,500 tons, Jubilee is certainly voluminous. The 361-footer (110-meter) motoryacht became the biggest boat built by any Dutch yard at launch last year. Highlights include an aquarium on the pool deck and an alfresco cinema.
Ngoni, by Royal Huisman. Ngoni (above) is a Superyacht Society Awards of Distinction finalist in a sailing-yacht category. She’s among the last yachts designed by the late Ed Dubois, too. Her owner wanted “a beast” wrapped in a beauty’s package.
Northland, by Burger Boat Company. A fishing and cruising fanatic commissioned Northland to pursue big gamefish all over the world. He takes the 103-footer (31.55-meter) on these trips on her own bottom, too.
Pin Gin VI, by Baltic Yachts. The world’s largest carbon-fiber sloop is another Superyacht Society Awards of Distinction finalist in a sailing-yacht category. She’s the second-largest yacht in Baltic’s history, too, at 151’6” (46.2 meters).
The Superyacht Society Awards of Distinction honor more than just yachts. In fact, further trophies recognize outstanding achievements in technology, business leadership, and craftsmanship. In addition, awards go to crew who exemplify the best professional behavior industry-wide. Finally, the Superyacht Society Awards of Distinction include the Fabien Cousteau Blue Award. This recognizes environmental stewardship.
For the full list of nominees, including refits, visit the International Superyacht Society website. The awards ceremony is October 31 in Fort Lauderdale.