International Superyacht Society: Now in its 21st year of presenting yacht builders and designers with the highest accolades presented on the global superyacht stage, ISS is pleased to announce that it is adding the ISS Best Yacht Refit Award in 2011. All ISS awards—in both the Design and Leadership categories—are based purely on peer-review. ISS’s International Awards for Design and Leadership has remained the first and longest running awards program in the large yacht industry and one that continues to adopt a wholly unbiased nomination and selection format.
ISS yacht awards honour the previous year’s greatest achievements in design, engineering, and leadership, as determined by some of the superyacht industry’s most accomplished professionals. The addition of the ISS Best Yacht Refit award reflects ISS’s attentiveness to marketplace trends. Eligible refit yachts must meet the following description to be considered as nominees:
“ISS Best Yacht Refit Award vessels must include a complete design update with substantial changes to interior and exterior structure, outfit and finish that enhance yacht function, performance and aesthetic appeal.”
ISS Design Awards nominations are currently being received. To register an eligible yacht (those completed or refit between 1 May 2010 and 30 April 2011), registrants access the nomination form at www.superyachtsociety.org/vessel-entry.aspx. Simple instructions follow. Once the registration period has been completed, nominees will receive a User ID and Password along with detailed instructions via email on how to access the 2011 nominee site to upload all yacht details. For those registering multiple vessels, uploading is available with the same User ID and Password initially emailed.
Owners and industry alike can prepare to enjoy a truly festive Gala on 27 October 2011. The Gala Committee—comprised of some of the most notable names in the industry—has plans well underway. Embracing the theme “Launchings!” the committee strives to present a milieu fitting the splendour of design, the measure of leadership and the glamour of yachting.
Festivities will again be at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be held during the evening in the glow of the sunset on the Ocean View Terrace. The awards presentation follows in the adjacent ballroom and the evening concludes on the terrace with dessert and aperitifs and the Cigar Bar—a great hit year after year.
In addition to yacht recognition, ISS will also present its highly anticipated Awards of Distinction—the ISS Leadership, Innovation, Business (Person) of the Year, Distinguished Crew Awards and the new ISS Fabien Cousteau Blue Award—celebrating personal excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship.