Boat Builder Award winners 2023

A total of 31 companies from the global leisure marine boatbuilding sector and supply chain have been shortlisted for the 10th anniversary Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement 2024, organised in association with Raymarine.

An international panel of 10 subject matter experts reviewed 97 entries across 11 categories before selecting the finalists. The 31 shortlisted companies, along with professionals nominated for the Lifetime Achievement, Rising Star and Designer of the Year awards, will be recognised at a special 10th-anniversary awards dinner at Amsterdam’s National Maritime Museum on Wednesday 20 November.

METSTRADE director Niels Klarenbeek says: “METSTRADE is an unrivalled hub for the thousands of visitors and exhibitors who work in the global yacht construction industry, as well as those supplying equipment and materials.”

METSTRADE, the marine trade exhibition organiser, opened registration for its 2024 event in September. Back to its usual Tuesday to Thursday running schedule, the show spans 11 halls and, building upon last year’s attendance, will welcome over 1,500 exhibitors and global leisure marine professionals from more than 130 countries.

Metstrade exhibition hall

The Boat Builder Awards are organised by METSTRADE and IBI, in association with Raymarine. The awards aim to recognise achievements in areas such as innovation, collaboration, sustainability, skills development, and marketing in the leisure boat and superyacht sectors.

Klarenbeek adds: “Our congratulations to the 31 shortlisted companies. We look forward to welcoming them, alongside many of the industry leaders, to our special celebration dinner at the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam on 20 November.”

Boat Builder Awards 2024 shortlist:

Breakthrough Launch of the Year (sponsored by HP Watermakers)

  • Azimut Yachts – Seadeck Series yachts
  • Pearl Yachts – Pearl 82
  • Sunseeker International – Ocean 156

Innovative Design Solution (sponsored by Fusion)

  • Azimut Yachts – Fly 62 Beach Cockpit
  • B-Craft – Akoya
  • Faro Boats – Powerdock
  • WiderCat – WiderCat 92

Collaborative Solution between a Builder and its Supply Chain Partner

  • Azimut and Volvo Penta – IPS Drive hybrid system
  • Cantiere del Pardo and NLComp – The Blue Project
  • Sanlorenzo and Siemens Reformer – green methanol to hydrogen fuel cell system
  • Zerojet and Prestol Composites – Spark Boat electric tender

Retail Marketing Initiative

  • Brunswick EU Venture Group – rapid response digital campaign
  • Manitou by BRP – Kirk Cousins Campaign
  • Simpson Marine Group – marketing initiatives

Sustainability Project of the Year (sponsored by ePropulsion)

  • Beneteau Group – Island Cruising Concept
  • ICOMIA – Propelling Our Future initiative
  • Sunreef Yachts – structural foam from recycled PET bottles
  • Williams Jet Tenders – sustainability programme

Eco-focused Boat of the Year – under 10m LOA

  • De Antonio Yachts – E23
  • IMPACD Boats – IMPACD 680
  • Riva – El-Iseo

Eco-focused Boat of the Year – over 10m LOA (sponsored by JL Audio)

  • Beneteau Group – Island Cruising Concept
  • Hanse Yachts – Hanse 410
  • Greenline Yachts – Greenline 58

People and Skills Development

  • Marine and Specialised Training Academy (MAST)
  • Riviera Australia – Academy of Excellence
  • Williams Jet Tenders – apprenticeship scheme

Designer of the Year

(No shortlist, winner announced on the night)

Rising Star (sponsored by Lumishore)

This category celebrates those aged 35 or under, working for a boatbuilder, making a growing impact on any aspect of their business. The winner will be announced during the awards ceremony.

Lifetime Achievement (sponsored by Sleipner)
The awards evening will culminate with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Previous winners include:

  • Paolo Vitelli – Azimut Benetti
  • Robert Braithwaite, CBE – Sunseeker International
  • David King – Princess Yachts
  • Annette Roux – Beneteau Group
  • Robert T Healey Sr and William J Healey – Viking Yachts
  • Christoph Rassy – Hallberg-Rassy
  • Leon Slikkers – Slickcraft, S2, Tiara and Pursuit
  • John Lu – Horizon Yachts
  • Massimo Perotti – Sanlorenzo

Attendance at the 2024 Boat Builder Awards

The 2024 Boat Builder Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 20 November, at Amsterdam’s National Maritime Museum.

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