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WORLD SUPERYACHT AWARDS 2023: BENETTI’S “UNKNOWN” TRIUMPHS IN ISTANBUL AT THE YACHTING OSCARS

The award-winning Oasis 34M establishes a connection with the water and nature through the Oasis Deck®, an extraordinary area that redefines the human relationship with the sea

The 18th BOAT International World Superyacht Awards held in Istanbul on May 20th were a triumph for Benetti Oasis 34M “UNKNOWN”, which won best motor yacht in the category “Displacement motor yachts 499gt and below, 30m to 39.99m” for being a “was a well-built, ground-breaking yacht that fits extraordinary features into its compact size”. The judges admired the open beach sensation created in the aft deck, feeling that no other yacht could match this highly desirable deck. Unknown is, in the judges’ opinion, a yacht that makes an excellent connection with the ocean and the open air.

The keys to the success of this 34-metre yacht are the style, elegant lines and innovative solutions that architecture firms RWD, one of the most highly reputed international yacht designers, and New York based Bonetti & Kozerski have created to convey a sense of freedom and conviviality and to define a lifestyle. The star of this innovative revolution is without doubt the Oasis Deck®, an extraordinary beach area that redefines the human relationship with the sea and nature thanks to the special configuration that turns it into an open terrace on the water’s edge. The available deck space close to the water but safe from the waves is extended by opening the wings or swing-down bulwarks. The infinity pool is a must, of course, adding an exclusive and glamorous touch to this incredibly liveable platform.

Connection and dialogue are no longer only project leitmotivs, but the main goal of a revolutionary new approach to the surrounding environment, navigation, and the style and mood of days spent on board. The connection with the sea and nature that animates the design is then emphasised on every deck and in every setting to encourage sociability and panoramic vistas. The layout is open and flowing, with an elegant but understated signature style. This fluidity and dialogue also make their presence felt in the arrangement of the spaces, where the exteriors gradually merge into the interiors without any architectural barriers, while extensive glazed surfaces contribute to the feeling of connection and are instrumental in the breathtaking views.

Benetti’s UNKOWN is another confirmation of the company’s international leadership and testifies to the resources invested in technology and innovation. A highly innovative concept that with the Oasis Deck® fully meets the needs of owners looking for a more intimate relationship with the sea and was the driving force behind the Oasis 34M’s triumph in this category at the BOAT International World Superyacht Awards 2023.

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BOAT International announces winners of the 2023 World Superyacht Awards at a ceremony in Istanbul

At a gala ceremony in Ciragan Palace Kimpinski, the winners of BOAT International’s prestigious World Superyacht Awards were announced. The nominees represent the pinnacle of superyacht design from around the world, across both sailing and motor yachts. We are delighted to be able to bring you details of some of the evening’s winners.

Motor yacht of the year: KENSH Ō

Despite stiff competition superyacht KENSHŌ was the winner by quite some margin with the judges commenting that her owner’s commitment to the project was the deciding factor. He travelled the world visiting around 100 landmark yachts to draw up a list of attributes he admired, and the result is this fabulous and unique design.

She was built by Admiral Yachts , part of The Italian Sea Group in collaboration with Netherlands based Azure, Germany’s archineers.berlin and Parisian design studio Jouin Manku. At 75m (246ft), she is the largest yacht produced by the shipyard to date, and since receiving this award, no-doubt the most celebrated.

Superyacht KENSHŌ is available for charter in all the top charter destinations.

Sailing yacht of the year: ALEA

Sailing yacht ALEA’s owner wanted to create a performance yacht which could circumnavigate the world in speed and comfort. The resulting design from Germán Mani Frers, built by Vitters , is a stunning 56.0m (183’9″) vessel with a sleek and powerful hull form and distinctive reverse bow to increase speed. The comfort is provided by uncluttered decks, 360-degree views from the living areas and a sizeable beach club.

Sailing yacht ALEA is not currently available for charter, but runner up in the category, 34.59m (113’6”) sailing yacht SØRVIND can accommodate up to eight guests on charters around the Mediterranean .

Rebuilt Yachts: MARALA

To be entered into the Rebuilt category, yachts must have undergone significant renewal of the exterior, interior and technical areas. The standout winner was motor yacht MARALA, a classic Camper & Nicholson yacht, built in 1931 and boating an illustrious and fascinating history. Her rebuild over the last two and a half years at Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth has resulted in a yachting treasure being saved, which judges felt made her a stand-out winner in this category.

For more information about the beautifully and meticulously rebuilt superyacht MARALA and her story, read our dedicated article . She is available for unique charters around the Mediterranean for up to 12 guests, who will be looked after by a 19-person crew.

Other winners which are available for charter included:

Refitted Yachts | Sailing yacht ATHOS

Sailing Yachts | 30m to 49.9m | Sailing yacht SØRVIND

Displacement Motor Yachts, 500GT to 1,499GT | superyacht COME TOGETHER

Contact our team of experienced brokers for more information about these superyacht award winners or the many other fabulous superyachts available for charter around the world.

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Discover the Prestige and Glamour of the World Superyacht Awards in Istanbul

The World Superyacht Awards, presented in association with AKYACHT, is an esteemed event celebrating the craftsmanship and innovation of the world’s most remarkable luxury yachts. The 18th annual BOAT International World Superyacht Awards will occur in Istanbul, Turkey, from 19-20 May 2023.

The World Superyacht Awards are globally acclaimed for prestige, credibility, and glamour and are distinguished from other yacht awards by the independent judging panel comprising current and former superyacht owners. These experienced and knowledgeable superyacht enthusiasts have collectively brought hundreds of years of experience owning, running, and managing superyachts. In addition, their personal interest and passion drive the judging process, making the World Superyacht Awards a highly sought-after recognition in the yacht industry.

The World Superyacht Awards are highly regarded in the yachting industry, and winning one is a coveted accolade that marks the epitome of luxury yachting. In addition, it provides an excellent opportunity for yacht owners, builders, and designers to network and showcase their best work. 

Istanbul is an enchanting city that straddles Europe and Asia, offering a unique blend of cultures, traditions, and cuisines. The city is home to an impressive array of landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque. Visitors can take a stroll along the famous Bosphorus strait and explore its vibrant markets and bazaars. The city’s rich history and vibrant culture make it an excellent backdrop for the World Superyacht Awards.

Contact your Personal Assistant or our award-winning luxury lifestyle management service for reservations. 

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WORLD SUPERYACHT AWARDS 2023: BENETTI’S “UNKNOWN” TRIUMPHS IN ISTANBUL AT THE YACHTING OSCARS

The award-winning Oasis 34M establishes a connection with the water and nature through the Oasis Deck®, an extraordinary area that redefines the human relationship with the sea

• Download the press kit from Onedrive

The 18th BOAT International World Superyacht Awards held in Istanbul on May 20th were a triumph for Benetti Oasis 34M “UNKNOWN” , which won best motor yacht in the category “Displacement motor yachts 499gt and below, 30m to 39.99m” for being a “ was a well-built, ground-breaking yacht that fits extraordinary features into its compact size ”. The judges admired the open beach sensation created in the aft deck, feeling that no other yacht could match this highly desirable deck. Unknown is, in the judges’ opinion, a yacht that makes an excellent connection with the ocean and the open air.

The keys to the success of this 34-metre yacht are the style, elegant lines and innovative solutions that architecture firms RWD , one of the most highly reputed international yacht designers, and New York based Bonetti & Kozerski have created to convey a sense of freedom and conviviality and to define a lifestyle. The star of this innovative revolution is without doubt the Oasis Deck®, an extraordinary beach area that redefines the human relationship with the sea and nature thanks to the special configuration that turns it into an open terrace on the water’s edge. The available deck space close to the water but safe from the waves is extended by opening the wings or swing-down bulwarks. The infinity pool is a must, of course, adding an exclusive and glamorous touch to this incredibly liveable platform.

Connection and dialogue are no longer only project leitmotivs, but the main goal of a revolutionary new approach to the surrounding environment, navigation, and the style and mood of days spent on board. The connection with the sea and nature that animates the design is then emphasised on every deck and in every setting to encourage sociability and panoramic vistas. The layout is open and flowing , with an elegant but understated signature style. This fluidity and dialogue also make their presence felt in the arrangement of the spaces, where the exteriors gradually merge into the interiors without any architectural barriers, while extensive glazed surfaces contribute to the feeling of connection and are instrumental in the breathtaking views.

Benetti’s UNKOWN is another confirmation of the company’s international leadership and testifies to the resources invested in technology and innovation. A highly innovative concept that with the Oasis Deck® fully meets the needs of owners looking for a more intimate relationship with the sea and was the driving force behind the Oasis 34M ’s triumph in this category at the BOAT International World Superyacht Awards 2023. 

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Marala wins "Rebuilt Yacht" at the World Superyacht Awards 2023

Photography - Stuart Pearce / YachtShot

Marala wins "Rebuilt yacht" at the World Superyacht Awards 2023

Pendennis is delighted to announce that Marala has been named as the winner in the “Rebuilt Yacht” category at the prestigious 2023 World Superyacht Awards in Istanbul, Turkey. The judges recognised Pendennis’ meticulous period-conscious rebuild of the 92-year-old classic motor yacht and considered her worthy of a Neptune award. We would like to congratulate the Owners and their team for this well-deserved award, interior designers Muza Lab for their sympathetic redesign of her interior, as well as everyone involved in the dedicated restoration of this beautiful classic motor yacht. Marala’s restoration at Pendennis took place over two and a half years, in which she undertook a truly transformative process, resulting in her being preserved for generations to come, all the while restoring her to her original glory. Thank you to Boat International for another wonderful awards ceremony.

You can read more about Marala here .

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Three Finalists nominations at World Superyacht Awards 2023

Boat International has announced the Finalists for the World Superyacht Awards 2023.The winners will be revealed during an exclusive ceremony held in Istanbul, Turkey (19-20 May 2023). We are proud and happy to share the news that Omega has been nominated as finalist for three designs:

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Written by Eva Belanyiova

This image is featured as part of the article BOAT International announces winners of the 2023 World Superyacht Awards at a ceremony in Istanbul .

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Classic motor yacht MARALA".

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Leona and Kaşif Finalists in BOAT Awards

Istanbul, October 10, 2023

Bilgin Yachts Celebrates Dual Finalist Nominations at the BOAT International Design and Innovation Awards

Istanbul-based Bilgin Yachts, synonymous with craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability, proudly unveiled two exceptional yachts, the 80-meter Leona and the 42-meter Kaşif, at the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show. These yachts have now been announced as official finalists in the prestigious BOAT International Design and Innovation Awards.

Leona: A Regal Marvel

The 80-meter Leona, featuring a striking red hull and white superstructure, has captured the attention of nautical enthusiasts and experts alike. Recognized for Outstanding Exterior Design, Best Interior Design, Naval Architecture, Eco Award, and Outstanding Lifestyle Feature, Leona stands out as a true masterpiece.

Leona emerges as the second jewel in Bilgin Yachts' illustrious 80-meter Bilgin 263 series, following the resounding success of the first unit, Tatiana. Collaborating with Antalya-based Unique Yacht Design for naval architecture and exterior design, along with H2 Yacht Design for interior living spaces, Bilgin Yachts has meticulously crafted a vessel that seamlessly blends comfort and performance.

Kaşif: Redefining Exploration

Launched earlier this summer, the 42-meter Kaşif is a bold interpretation of the explorer yacht concept. Nominated for Best Interior Design and Best Naval Architecture, Kaşif's unique exterior styling breaks away from traditional explorer yacht design, showcasing a blend of aggression, sportiness, and elegance.

Crafted under the collaborative prowess of Unique Yacht Design, Hot Lab, and Bilgin Yachts, Kaşif’s innovative design redefines exploration. The 42-meter vessel stands as a testament to Bilgin Yachts’ pursuit of excellence, anchored at the new Antalya Free Zone facility. This visionary vessel has already garnered attention for its exceptional blend of comfort, quality, and modernity, a hallmark of Bilgin Yachts.

Bilgin Yachts extends sincere appreciation to its supportive community, whose encouragement has played a crucial role in these notable accomplishments. The acknowledgment as finalists in the BOAT International Design and Innovation Awards reflects Bilgin Yachts' steadfast dedication to advancing the frontiers of luxury yacht design and innovation.

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Dunya Yachts is pleased to be a sponsor of the World Superyacht Awards, which will be held in Istanbul on May 19 and 20, 2023, hosted by Boat International.

Dunya Yachts boasts an extensive collection of concept superyacht projects from renowned yacht designers, with lengths of up to 100 metres. The shipyard has a covered, climate-controlled dry-dock and a 5,000-ton floating dock, and it offers a full range of refit, repair, and maintenance services for luxury yachts. Dunya Yachts, based in the bustling metropolis of Istanbul, Turkey, collaborates with renowned designers to refit, repair, and build unique superyachts in the 70- to 100-meter range. As a result, the value and significance of this alliance cannot be overstated.

The World Superyacht Awards honour the design and construction excellence of the finest luxury yachts from across the globe. The event is so well-respected as it is judged by both current and previous superyacht owners, setting it apart from any other yacht awards in the world.

Don’t miss out on any updates about the event!

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World Superyacht Awards: the inside story of the yachting industry's Oscars

In the run-up to the World Superyacht Awards 2025 in Venice, in association with Acquera Club , BOAT reveals what really goes into winning a World Superyacht Award, long recognised as yachting's most sought-after prize.

What if there was a superyacht awards programme where superyacht owners themselves judged the latest and greatest projects to hit the water? When the idea was posed more than 17 years ago, it was a novel one.

Yachting awards at the time were mostly judged by the organisations or publications arranging them – and not much has changed since. But BOAT International envisioned a peer-reviewed process, by putting the decision-making in the hands of experienced yacht owners. With that guiding philosophy, the World Superyacht Awards was created in 2005.

“We wanted to have a judging system that was completely transparent and judged by the end user of the boat,” says Roger Lean-Vercoe, who helped create the World Superyacht Awards and was a longtime chairman of the judges. “We sought out owners who had built yachts and understood the process.”

The first World Superyacht Awards prize-giving was held in Venice, Italy, in 2006, but organising the awards started early in 2005 by writing the rules and recruiting judges, which Lean-Vercoe admits was tough initially. “We didn’t get enough owners, so we topped up the panel with a few unbiased industry professionals, like the owner of RMK Merrill Stevens ,” he says. However, the buzz of the awards soon attracted enthusiastic owners and, after a few years, the judging panel was entirely made up of superyacht owners.

Now, an average of 25 owners make up the judging panel each year and all but a few exceptions are current superyacht owners. The chairman of the judges – a position rotated between the judges – heads the judges’ meeting, the vital day when the awards scoring takes place. It’s a key part of an entire awards weekend with an accompanying social programme. In recent years, the judging has taken place in London, Trieste and Abu Dhabi.

Judges serve an average of six years on the panel, so there is a huge amount of experience to tap into. “If they are an effective judge, they can stay as long as they like,” Lean-Vercoe says. Anyone signing up as a World Superyacht Awards judge must be truly passionate about the undertaking. Judges agree to visit at least five of the nominated yachts and attend the judging weekend.

“We try to get judges onto as many boats as possible so there is always someone at the Judges’ Meeting who has physically experienced the boat we are talking about,” says Lean-Vercoe. While most of the yachts are seen at major boat shows, such as the Monaco Yacht Show and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show , some owners go to great lengths to see nominated yachts. When Lord Laidlaw was a judge, he diverted his private jet to the Maldives just to see a boat.

Getting on board the yachts is not always a straightforward process, according to Paola Trifiró, owner of 33-metre Vitters sailing yacht Ribelle , who has been a judge since 2012. But more commonly yacht owners and yards will make sure the judges get the full experience. “One of my favourite memories of visiting a yacht was test sailing Bill Duker’s 70-metre Sybaris (now Badis ) in Monaco in 2016,” Trifiró recalls. She also lists going on board Adastra , Madame Gu and Dilbar as some of her most memorable judging experiences.

  Alan Dabbiere has been a judge since 2009. “I love boats – I love the engineering, the way they move in the water, the fact they are more than a mode of transportation, but a lifestyle,” he says. “Even though I lived on my past two boats (a 35-metre Benetti and 60-metre CRN Constance ) for long periods, seeing other points of view has broadened my ideas about what makes a great build.”

The desire to see and experience the latest yachts to hit the water is a huge part of the attraction for the judges, allowing them to access yachts that would otherwise be off-limits. “I enjoy judging because the task allows me to enlarge my knowledge of innovations in yachting,” says Trifiró.

As the only awards programme in the yachting industry judged by owners, the World Superyacht Awards have earned an unmatched level of credibility and gravitas. “Because it’s given by real owners who have been committed to designing and building boats, and who are experienced in judging value and quality of the boats, it increases the value of the awards,” says designer Philippe Briand , whose boats have won many of the coveted Neptune trophies over the years.

Briand says that an uptick in business can be traced back directly to the awards – even beyond the superyacht industry. After receiving an award for 73-metre Grace E (now Nautilus ) , Briand was hired for a building project in Hong Kong.

“Winning gives exposure and brand awareness,” says Farouk Nefzi, chief marketing officer of Feadship . “The WSAs can raise awareness to the greater audience outside of our industry as well.”

Dutch yard Heesen , one of the most successful yards in World Superyacht Awards history, says that winning at the awards is certainly something clients pay attention to. “Brokers have asked us for the list of most recent awards won by our boats because it was requested by a client,” says Sara Gianola, PR and press office manager at Heesen. “It definitely has value.”

"From the beginning, the World Superyacht Awards ceremony hit the mark as a high-end event where yards were happy to take their clients," says Lean-Vercoe. Over the years, the ceremonies have been held in Venice, London, Istanbul, Amsterdam and Florence.

“The aim was always to have the prize-giving not in a hotel ballroom, but to find a venue where having a dinner there was a privilege in itself,” Lean-Vercoe continues. “Florence was the epitome of that – to have a cocktail in the Uffizi Gallery and a dinner in the Medici Hall is significant and different. And, of course, the awards itself is not just the prize giving – it’s always an entire weekend of exciting things to do.” The venues have grown along with the awards ceremony. The edition in Venice, attended by around 400 guests, was quickly outgrown; more than 600 guests attended the 2018 edition in Florence.

Trifiró fondly remembers when the awards were held in Istanbul, and also enjoyed Florence, “where guests enjoyed conversing in front of Botticelli's Primavera , and tasted the magnificent dinner in the splendid frame of the Salone dei Cinquecento”.

In 2020, things were a little different. With COVID-19 disrupting global travel and events, the World Superyacht Awards were hosted virtually for the first time. Key winners of the evening included the 77.3-metre Feadship superyacht  Pi , which won two awards, including the coveted Motor Yacht of the Year award. Elsewhere, the Baltic sailing yacht  Canova  was named Sailing Yacht of the Year, while  Hodor  triumphed in the support vessel category. The virtual ceremony included video messages from Prince Albert II of Monaco and  Sir Ben Ainslie , who updated viewers on the progress of the UK’s America’s Cup team INEOS Team UK.

By 2021, a sense of normality had returned as did an in-person award ceremony. The most recent edition of the World Superyacht Awards returned to Italy's Venice with 65.7-metre Alchemy taking home the Motor Yacht of the Year award and 59.7-metre Sarissa winning Sailing Yacht of the Year.

Nefzi calls the World Superyacht Awards the “best-organised award ceremony in this industry – there’s a good balance between entertainment, social and programming”.

"Since its inception, the World Superyacht Awards has only been tweaked slightly," says Lean-Vercoe. "Gone are the days of judges receiving photocopied dossiers and CD-ROMS as now everything can go onto an 8GB memory stick." The biggest change, instead, has been to the yachts themselves. “The World Superyacht Awards haven’t changed much, but every year we visit more innovative boats,” says Trifiró.

Haffa agrees, and says that “as the industry has developed and yachts have gotten bigger, it has made them more complex to judge”. This has only motivated the judges, who have been known to engage in passionate debate during the Judges’ Meeting. During the day-long meeting, the judges examine every nominated boat before submitting their score via a secret ballot. “This is a group that has strong opinions about what makes a great boat,” says Dabbiere. “It creates a really lively discussion.”

Though scoring takes place during the judging weekend, the results are obviously sealed until the big black-tie Gala Evening. This anticipation makes it an exciting night for all involved. “It’s a super exciting moment where you feel the knot in your stomach and the chills on your back – then there’s a moment when they announce the winner when everyone holds their breath in the room,” says Heesen’s Gianola.

But perhaps it’s Briand who best sums up what it means to win a World Superyacht Award: “It is like being inducted into the yachting hall of fame.”

Nominations for the World Superyacht Awards 2025 are now open. For more information, contact the events team .

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