Boat International Media in association with Oyster Yachts will hold the 14th annual edition of The World Superyacht Awards 16 - 18 May 2019 in London. The awards are aimed to recognise remarkable design, engineering and construction innovations of the world’s finest luxury yachts.
This year’s ceremony will take place in the heart of the City, in Old Billingsgate, returning to London after several other venues, such as Venice, Amsterdam and most recently Florence.
The three day programme includes golf day at the exclusive St. George’s Hill Club and clay shooting at West Wycombe House, along with a journey aboard the Belmond British Pullman train prior to the opening party at Kensington Palace.
This year’s nominees list enhances some of the most stunning superyachts, as usual divided into categories. The categories formed by experts of the industry include displacement (comfort) motor yachts, semi-displacement, and planing (speed) motor yachts and sailing yachts. Three categories are reserved for yachts that have been given major refits, have been completely rebuilt or converted and that were finished within the last year.
Yacht Harbour chooses the vessels not to miss out from the nominees lists in the most interesting categories.
BEST SAILING YACHT
Builder: Oceanco
Length: 106m
Year: 2017
Launched in 2016, this already iconic vessel holds the title of the largest sailing yacht in the world. Inspired by Perini Navi's 88-metre Maltese Falcon, Black Pearl features similar to Maltese Falcon structure with three rotating masts, while the yacht is capable of crossing the Atlantic burning just 20 liters of fuel thanks to alternative power sources.
The Black Pearl’s striking exterior was designed by Nuvolari Lenard and Ken Freivokh, while her praised naval architecture was developed by Dyksra Architects, who had also previously worked on Maltese Falcon.
A combination of smart and elegant high-tech design and modernised state-of-the-art DynaRig sailing system makes the Black Pearl a unique vessel. Her hull outline is trademarked with an exclusive wave-piercing bow featuring not only graceful appearance, but also fuel efficiency.
Another key element of Black Pearl's development was her solar sails, which can actually produce energy whilst the yacht is underway thanks to solar panels built within the fabric of the sail.
Other nominees: All About U, Global Impact Yachting/Ada Yacht Works (49.9m), Aquarius, Royal Huisman (56m), Kiboko Tres, Southern Wind Shipyard (32.3m), Meira, Neta Marine (50m), Vijonara, Pendennis (42.2m)
SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHTS 40M AND ABOVE
Builder: Rossinavi
Length: 63m
Year: 2018
The yacht owned by Loren and J.R. Ridinger according to Forbes, was commissioned in November 2014 and launched in 2018. Utopia IV is fitted with four light Rolls Royce engines as well as four hydro jets, optimised for comfort and style.
The yacht with exterior design by Team For Design, balancing between elegance and attitude, is presumed as the compromise between a tri-deck motor yacht and a speed boat. She can reach a top speed of 28 knots and an cruising speed of 15 knots. She can easily reach a cruising speed of 18 knots using only 35% of propulsion power.
With the yacht’s capacity to sleep 12 guests within six spacious cabins, the forward facing owner’s suite features a six-metre fixed balcony and floor to ceiling glass windows for a 180-degree panoramic view.
The vessel’s key trademarks include Key features do include 70 square metre beach club, 3 spa pools and a touch-and-go helipad. Her naval architecture is by the Italian studio Arrabito Naval Architects. Gobbi's studio also designed the interior, which includes rich wood panelling to divide the main-deck saloon from the dining area.
Year: 2018
Photo : Dick Holthuis
The 51-metre full-custom motor yacht Irisha was delivered by Heesen in May 2018. Irisha features exterior lines with a gunmetal blue hull and contemporary curved glass windows, and interiors by Harrison Eidsgaard.
The unique colour scheme enriches the beauty of the profile. The top is Snow White, the main deck is Midnight Blue by Awlgrip, and the hull is metallic Pacific Blue custom paint by Alexseal. In sunlight, the hull colour changes from metallic blue to dark olive-green hues.
Spacious and bright, Irisha’s interior enjoys lots of natural light and has a versatile layout with a seamless flow between the interior and exterior living space, ideal for socialising and entertaining. The yacht offers accommodation to up to 10 guests within 5 beautifully-appointed staterooms.
Powered by two MTU 16V 4000 M93L diesel engines, Irisha achieves a top speed of 26 knots, with a transatlantic range of over 3,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 11 knots.
Other nominees: Flying Dagger, Rossinavi (49m), Elysium, Sunseeker International (40.1m), El Leon, Overmarine (54m), C'est La Vie, Gulf Craft (43.1m).
DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS BETWEEN 300 GT AND 499 GT - 48M AND ABOVE
# Cecilia
Builder: Wider
Length: 49.6m
Year: 2018
At a sleek 50-metre LOA and just under 500GT, the elegant all aluminum superyacht has an elongated profile. Designed to accommodate the owner’s long wish list of toys, both inside and out, the Wider 165 satisfies the desires of the most adventurous.
Constructed entirely in aluminum, the elegant profile of the Wider 165 was created by the in-house Wider design team in collaboration with Italian yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni.
The interior layout, designed by IdeaeItalia in conjunction with the owner’s architect, is packed with more stand out features including a generous study with terrace on the port side, private gym with terrace on the starboard side, a sauna room as well as a spacious and light owner’s cabin and ensuite bathroom.
On the foredeck, the helicopter-landing pad, unique to the Wider 165, and circular seating areas set into the superstructure, forward of a large Jacuzzi tub, offer a versatile space that will double as generous dance floor for fun evenings afloat.
Cecilia is set to boast a range of 3,100 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12.5 knots, increasing to 5,400 nm at the ecological speed of 10 knots. The yacht’s maximum speed meanwhile makes 14.1 knots.
Other nominees: KD, Sanlorenzo (52m), Latona, CRN (50m), Power Play, Damen (55.5m), Seven, Benetti (49.8m).
DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS ABOVE 500 GT AND UNDER 2,000 GT
Year: 2018
The yacht was launched in August 2018, making her international debut at the Monaco Yacht Show.
Designed by Francesco Paszkowski in collaboration with Margherita Casprini, Solo’s interiors represent blend of contemporary and timeless air. Her spacious main and upper salons provide relaxation zones with large plush seating areas, along with a dazzling baby grand piano and numerous entertainment options.
The yacht’s six staterooms can accommodate up to 12 guests, including a spacious VIP, two doubles and two twins. The master suite is fitted with a private terrace complete with sunpads and a Jacuzzi with panoramic views.
On the skylounge aft, there is a swimming pool and a private dance floor, which easily converts to a touch-and-go helipad.
Solo’s beach club, meanwhile, represents a spacious and welcoming space with sofa, bar, TV, oversized glass walled gym with fold-out terrace, bathroom, sauna (also fitted with its own fold-out terrace) and hammam.
Other nominees: Volpini 2, Amels (57.7m), Promise, Feadship (51m), Spectre, Bennetti (69.3m).
DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS ABOVE 2,000 GT
# O'Ptasia
Builder: Golden Yachts
Length: 84.7m
Year: 2018
The 85-metre superyacht O’Ptasia was launched in 2018 by Greek yard Golden Yachts, joining the list of the top 200 largest superyachts in the world. Her exteriors and interiors were developed by Italian Studio Vafladis.
O’Ptasia can accommodate up to 12 guests in 11 cabins - 3 twin and 8 double cabins, including a 95-square-metre owner’s suite on the upper deck and 85-squaremetre VIP suite with a private cinema room. The service is provided by the crew of 26.
Other key features on board O’Ptasia include a large beach club complete with wellness and spa centre, an elevator servicing all decks, and a fully equipped gym on the bridge deck. The central superyacht elevator provides quick access between all four decks, while the foredeck helipad allows guests to arrive in style.
Other nominees: White Rabbit, Echo Yachts (84m), Planet Nine, Admiral - The Italian Sea Group (73.2m), GO, Turquoise Yachts (76.8m), Elandess, Abeking & Rasmussen (74.5m), DAR, Oceanco (90m).
REBUILT/REFIT/CONVERSION YACHTS
# Dream
Builder: Halic Shipyard
Length: 106.5m
Year: 1997
Refit Yard: Olympic Yacht Services
Fully rebuilt, this former passenger ferry now represents a brand new six-deck superyacht. There are two elevators and four staircases for guests only; a 2,800 sf master cabin, a 400-square-metre main saloon, a cinema and 22 guest cabins (up to 36 guests); massive crew and service areas and six pantries. The spacious entertainment decks include a sundeck with swimming pool, a huge bar, and oversized beach club. On the fifth deck adjoining the owner's suite, there a luxurious dining area for 44 guests.
The yacht cruises at 15 knots and reaches a top speed of 17 knots.
Other nominees: Haida 1929, Krupp Germaniawerft (71.1m), Dancing Hare, Amels (57.5m), Thalia, Vitters (48.5m), Forever, Benetti (44.8m), G2, Vitters (39m), A2, Eurocraft (37.6m), Vespucci, CRN (30.5m).
The first hull of Riva's new 112' Dolcevita Super model has launched from the brand's La Spezia facility. Measuring 34.37 meters with a 7.27-meter beam, this flybridge yacht expands upon the successful 110' Dolcevita design with enhanced outdoor spaces and improved water access.Developed by Officina Italiana Design in collaboration with Ferretti Group engineers, the yacht features a 35-square-meter beach club with fold-out terraces and storage for water toys. The stern garage accommodates a tender and jet ski while the cockpit offers multiple lounge configurations. Owners can choose between additional bow seating or a Jacuzzi in the forward area.The flybridge presents redesigned living spaces with a central bar area and entertainment systems. Interior options include two main deck layouts - one with aft dining and another with traditional forward lounge placement. The master suite incorporates larger windows and redesigned storage solutions.Standard power comes from twin MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines delivering 2,638 hp each, providing a preliminary top speed of 25.5 knots. An alternative MTU M97L engine package includes SCR emissions reduction technology. Stabilization systems include zero-speed fins with Humphree interceptors, with optional Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilizers available.Bridge configurations range from standard quad 19-inch monitors to a premium option with dual 49-inch displays selected for this first unit. Soundproofing measures include reinforced bulkheads between crew and guest areas on the lower deck, which houses four VIP cabins. Interior finishes combine high-gloss rosewood with black hammered leather detailing.The yacht is scheduled for its official debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival, representing Riva's latest development in the 30-40 meter flybridge segment. Production continues at Riva's La Spezia yard alongside other models in the 70-130 foot range.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
July 21, 2025
Dutch shipyard Van der Valk recently presented two new custom superyachts, the 35-meter Lalabe and 34-meter One, cruising together in the North Sea. Both vessels share design lineage with the award-winning 34-meter explorer Lady Lene, demonstrating the yard's custom-build capabilities.Lalabe, en route to the Mediterranean for her maiden season, was commissioned for multi-generational family use. The yacht's hull is optimized for fast displacement cruising up to 17 knots. Exterior and interior styling by Guido de Groot incorporates residential-inspired elements, including an aft beach club with sauna, steam room, and terrace-like seating. The interior features light-toned woods, curved furnishings, and a neutral color scheme. The yacht will make its global debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September.LalabeOne, currently available for sale, offers immediate delivery. The yacht combines De Groot's exterior design with Carla Guilhem's contemporary interior, using a white and cream palette with dark wood accents. Large windows and open deck spaces emphasize indoor-outdoor connectivity. Powered by twin Volvo Penta engines, One reaches 14.4 knots and includes a fold-out swim platform and substantial toy storage.OneBoth yachts utilize Lady Lene's proven hull engineering while featuring distinct customizations above the waterline. Lalabe focuses on family-oriented spaces, while One prioritizes entertainment areas across four decks.The simultaneous appearance of these vessels highlights Van der Valk's capacity to deliver personalized superyachts within the 34-35 meter range. Prospective buyers can inspect One for potential summer delivery, while Lalabe prepares for its first charter season. The yachts will be displayed at Van der Valk's Cannes Yachting Festival.Van der Valk is a family-run company building comfortable, innovative and efficient (semi) custom motor yachts from 18m to 45m. From its humble roots in the 1960s, Van der Valk today has a global fleet of over 1000 motor yachts. Credits: Van der Valk
July 21, 2025
Turkish yacht builder Numarine has launched the first unit of its new 40MXP model, a 40-meter superyacht that becomes the flagship of its XP explorer series. Two additional hulls are currently under construction, with deliveries scheduled for 2025.The 40MXP represents an evolution of the shipyard's popular 37XP model, maintaining the series' long-range capabilities while introducing new Mediterranean-inspired features. The yacht retains a 6,000-nautical-mile range at 8 knots, achieved through an optimized hull design by naval architect Umberto Tagliavini.Ömer Malaz, Chairman at Numarine, stated:"Preserving the same stylistic cues and DNA of all our models, the 40MXP retains our high-volume, low-maintenance, long-range ethos while offering a number of new design features that enhance the intimate connection with the sea that a yacht provides."Key design developments focus on outdoor living spaces, particularly an expanded aft deck area achieved through both increased hull length and strategic repositioning of the saloon doors. This space accommodates an alfresco dining area, bar, lounge, and a standout feature - an aft pool with glass transom. The area connects to a full-beam hydraulic swim platform and can be shaded for sun protection.Power comes from twin MAN 800hp engines as standard, with an optional 900hp Tier III-compliant configuration available. The yacht's 8-meter beam allows for generous interior volumes, with accommodation for up to 12 guests across six suites, including a full-beam master stateroom on the main deck. Two additional customizable cabin spaces offer layout flexibility.Designer Can Yalman handled both interior and exterior styling, maintaining Numarine's signature aesthetic. The model inherits successful features from the 37XP including an expansive flybridge and substantial tender storage capacity. The tender deck can accommodate a 9-meter tender, three jet skis, and additional water toys.Chris Gore, Sales & Marketing Director at Numarine, commented: "We are extremely excited to have delivered the first of the all new 40MXP. Our new flagship offers true luxury blended with versatility be that for family or charter use, whilst maintaining our core Numarine DNA."The 'MXP' designation reflects the yacht's Mediterranean explorer concept, emphasizing connection to the water while retaining transoceanic capabilities. The model enters a competitive segment of the explorer yacht market, positioned as a bridge between luxury cruising and serious long-range functionality.With this launch, Numarine continues its focus on the explorer yacht segment, building on the commercial success of its XP series. The 40MXP's combination of extended range and enhanced outdoor living spaces targets owners seeking both adventure capability and contemporary lifestyle features.Credits: Kerem Sanliman/Numarine
July 18, 2025
The Italian Sea Group has completed delivery of a new 78-meter Admiral megayacht from its Marina di Carrara facility. The vessel, now the flagship of the Admiral fleet, features exterior and interior design by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design.The yacht's distinctive profile incorporates a two-tone metallic paint scheme in white and blue hues. Its unconventional three-deck layout provides streamlined aesthetics while maintaining interior volume. The propulsion system combines five variable-speed generators with two 2-mW azimuth pods, delivering 5 mW total power output. This diesel-electric configuration achieves a top speed of 17 knots with reduced vibration and noise levels.Technical features include a lithium polymer battery bank enabling zero-emission operation for limited durations and peak load management. The system incorporates SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) technologies, with exhaust routed to the masthead for dispersion.Interior spaces feature panoramic windows in the bridge salon and designer lighting elements. Amenities include a 6-meter swimming pool, spa facility, gymnasium, diving area, and Touch & Go helipad. Material selections emphasize premium finishes with a neutral color palette throughout guest areas.Gianmaria Costantino, CCO of The Italian Sea Group, stated: "This delivery marks a new and important milestone for our Group. Every detail of this yacht reflects our vision of contemporary luxury – where top-tier craftsmanship, timeless design, and sustainable innovation come together in perfect harmony."The project represents the shipyard's continued focus on large custom superyacht construction, incorporating both advanced marine technologies and bespoke design elements. The delivery underscores the group's capability to execute complex megayacht projects for discerning clients.With this completion, The Italian Sea Group reinforces its position in the upper segment of the global superyacht market. The vessel now joins the operational fleet of Admiral-branded yachts, with the shipyard maintaining its production schedule for additional custom projects currently in build.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: Lorenzo Tampucci/The Italian Sea Group
July 18, 2025
Ferretti Group's Yard in Ancona has launched the third hull of the Custom Line Navetta 38 series on March 20. The 38.76-meter displacement yacht, with a beam of 8.00 meters and 299 GT volume, entered the water during a private ceremony attended by the European owner family and shipyard personnel.This marks Custom Line's fifth launch in the first quarter of 2024, demonstrating the shipyard's active production schedule. The Navetta 38 model was developed by Ferretti Group's Product Strategy and Engineering Departments, with exterior design by Filippo Salvetti and interiors by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. The Custom Line Atelier team facilitated owner customization throughout the build process.The owners, existing Ferretti Group clients with two previous yachts from the builder, prioritized personalized interior solutions to enhance spatial perception and natural light. Design features include mirrored ceiling panels in the main deck lounge and strategic placement of reflective surfaces along walls and architectural details. Full-height windows were incorporated to maintain visual connection with the marine environment.Notable customizations include a reconfigured galley space with optimized storage depth, designed to serve as a social hub while maintaining aesthetic coherence. Material selections emphasize durability, with Botticino Semi Classico marble specified for the master bathroom.The interior palette combines neutral beige tones with contrasting mocha and brown accents, complemented by natural teak, oak, and leather finishes. Luminous wallpaper treatments contribute to the yacht's refined atmosphere.The Navetta 38 is designed for extended cruising with large guest groups, balancing functional durability with the brand's signature aesthetic standards. The model represents Custom Line's continued focus on customized displacement yachts within its product range.With this launch, Ferretti Group reinforces its position in the mid-size superyacht segment, maintaining production momentum at its Ancona facility. The yacht will now undergo final outfitting before delivery to its owners.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
July 18, 2025