The winners of the 2015 ShowBoats Design Awards were unveiled at the five-star Bio-Hotel Stanglwirt in Kitzbühel, Austria, yesterday afternoon, on February 23, 2015. Sixteen coveted golden Neptune trophies were presented by double Olympic gold medallist, Shirley Robertson OBE, in front of a sell-out audience of superyacht owners, designers, as well as icons of the superyacht industry from all over the world.
The evening’s big winners included mega yacht Grace E, receiving awards for her environmental efforts which were commended by sponsor RINA, for her Philippe Briand designed naval architecture and visually striking exterior styling, as well as her “suave” interior design by Rémi Tessier.
Neville Crichton’s superyacht Como also picked up three Neptune trophies for her Dubois-designed naval architecture and exterior styling, lauded by the judges for her shapes, colour scheme and design innovation, as well as her interior design by Redman Whiteley Dixon which the judges felt matched the brief for a masculine yacht that supports entertaining on a grand scale.
In the Exterior Design category for sailing yachts, the field was so diverse in classic versus contemporary design and also in size, an executive decision was made by the jury to divide the category into yachts over and under 40 metres. In the larger category, Andre Hoek took the plaudits for sailing yacht Wisp – described by the judges as “a real looker”, whilst Javier Jaudenes was also victorious for his exterior design for superyacht WinWin which cleverly balanced the owners needs for racing and cruising.
Pascoe International were commended for their work on their 9.6m custom tender, SL Limousine. The tender can be boarded at two entry points with full standing headroom at each, twin engines for 40-knot speed, and an impressive list of safety and security features.
The Young Designer of the Year Award, sponsored by Oceanco, once again produced a record number of finalist entries from aspiring yacht designers all over the globe. With 34 individuals or teams submitting designs, the standard was extremely high. The winner, chosen by a panel of the industry’s leading yacht designers, was judged to be Timur Bozca for his project Cauta. In the judges’ opinion, his design was unique in its Dynarig sail plan, which, in combination with what was considered to be a very proficient, forward-looking exterior design, created an accomplished yacht of striking appearance.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Blohm+Voss and presented by the recipient’s close friend and colleague Lorenzo Argento, honoured iconic yacht designer Luca Brenta; renowned for his designs of innovative, contemporary and competitive yachts including superyacht Nariida (ex Wallygator), charter yacht Wally B, sailing yacht Kenora, super yacht Ghost, Chrisco yacht, the “B” Yacht series and the motor yacht Logica.
Boat International Media takes this opportunity to acknowledge all of the sponsors and partners of the 2015 ShowBoats Design Awards who have helped to make the event a resounding success. Special thanks are extended to our gold sponsor, Swarovski, and to silver sponsor Blohm+Voss. Thank you to Oceanco, who continue to support the Young Designer of the Year Award. Our gratitude also goes to our event associates: RINA, Front Street Shipyard, JFA Yachts, Videoworks, Clyde & Co, Esenyacht, Foglizzo, Boutsen Design and MTN and event partner, Foil.
SHOWBOATS DESIGN AWARDS 2015 WINNERS
Environmental Protection Award
Winner: Grace E
Length: 73m | Builder: Picchiotti – Perini Navi Group | Naval Architect : Philippe Brand – Vitruvius Yachts
Tender Design Award
Winner: SL Limousine
Length: 9.6m | Builder: Pascoe International | Designer: Ken Freivokh Design
Naval Architecture Award – Sailing Yacht
Winner: Elfje
Length: 46m | Builder: Royal Huisman | Naval Architect: Hoek Design Naval Architects
Naval Architecture Award – Semi-Displacement Motor Yacht
Winner: Como
Length: 46.2m | Builder: Feadship | Naval Architect: Dubois Naval Architects
Naval Architecture Award – Displacement Motor Yacht
Winner: Grace E
Length: 73m | Builder: Picchiotti – Perini Navi Group | Naval Architect : Philippe Brand – Vitruvius Yachts
Exterior Design & Styling Award – Sailing Yacht 30m to 39.99m
Winner: WinWin
Length: 33m | Builder: Baltic Yachts | Exterior Designer: Javier Jaudenes
Exterior Design & Styling Award – Sailing Yacht 40m and above
Winner: Wisp
Length: 48m | Builder: Royal Huisman | Interior Designer: Hoek Design Naval Architects
Exterior Design & Styling Award – Motor Yacht below 500GT
Winner: Como
Length: 46.2m | Builder: Feadship | Exterior Designer: Dubois Naval Architects
Exterior Design & Styling Award – Motor Yacht above 500GT
Winner: Grace E
Length: 73m | Builder: Picchiotti – Perini Navi Group | Exterior Stylist: Philippe Briand – Vitruvius Yachts
Interior Design Award – Sailing Yacht 30m to 39.99m
Winner: WinWin
Length: 33m | Builder: Baltic Yachts | Interior Designer: Design Unlimited
Interior Design Award – Sailing Yacht 40m and above
Winner: Wisp
Length: 48m | Builder: Royal Huisman | Interior Designer: Rhoades Young Design
Interior Design Award – Motor Yacht below 500GT
Winner: Como
Length: 46.2m | Builder: Feadship | Interior Designer: Redman Whiteley Dixon
Interior Design Award – Motor Yacht above 500GT
Winner: Grace E
Length: 73m | Builder: Picchiotti – Perini Navi Group | Interior Designer: Rémi Tessier Design
Holistic Design Award
Winner: Kibo
Length: 81.8m | Builder: Abeking & Rasmussen | Exterior & Interior Design: Terence Disdale Design
Young Designer of the Year Award
Winner: Timur Bozca
Project: Cauta
Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: Luca Brenta
Judges’ Commendation for an Outstanding Feature
Winner: Graceful – Indoor Swimming Pool
Length: 82m | Builder: Blohm + Voss | Interior Designer: H2 Yacht Design | Outstanding Feature: Indoor Swimming Pool