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).
Royal Hakvoort has signed a construction contract for a 70.1-meter superyacht, designated Project YN258. The vessel, designed for long-range cruising, will be the largest project in the shipyard's history in terms of both length and gross tonnage.Construction will begin immediately at the shipyard's facility in Monnickendam, the Netherlands, with delivery scheduled for 2029. The project involves an all-Dutch team, with Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design responsible for the design and Diana Yacht Design providing the naval architecture. The sale was brokered by 26 North Yachts, with Arrow Monaco acting as the owner's project management company.The yacht will have a beam of 11.6 meters and a gross tonnage of 1,513. Accommodation is planned for up to 14 guests in seven cabins, including two owners' suites – one located on the bridge deck and another occupying the entire owners' deck. Crew quarters will accommodate 20 staff and include a mess hall, a dedicated gym, and technical spaces designed for accessibility on long voyages.Reported features include a touch-and-go helipad, a sports court, and a swimming pool, with a layout emphasizing a balance between indoor and outdoor areas.Royal Hakvoort is a family-owned shipyard. She was founded by Albert Kizn Hakvoort in 1919. The yard is based in the historic Dutch village of Monnickendam. The shipyard is able to guarantee best in class quality for custom built motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 65m in length.Credits: Royal Hakvoort
September 23, 2025
German marine glass manufacturer Yachtglass and Italian manufacturer Hard Glass have established a joint venture named Ocean Glass. The companies will continue to operate independently while using the new entity to develop markets and provide glazing solutions to shipyards internationally.The joint venture will be officially introduced at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show at Stand DS 57 in Darse Sud. Both companies have previously supplied custom glass for yachts, including vessels exceeding 120 meters in length.Silvia Buck, CEO of Yachtglass, stated: “This strategic partnership merges German engineering precision with Italian design expertise. Together, we’re poised to deliver custom, high-specification glass solutions for the most sophisticated superyachts on the market. We’re particularly focused on expanding our presence in Turkey, the Middle East, and Asia - regions where demand for premium European craftsmanship continues to grow.”Fiorenzo Furlan, president of Hard Glass, added: “Ocean Glass represents the fusion of uncompromising quality and refined aesthetics at sea. Our new venture is committed to delivering marine glass systems that meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and design. Partnering with Yachtglass allows us to scale our vision and set new benchmarks for the industry.”The formation of Ocean Glass occurs as demand increases for large-scale glazing solutions on superyachts, where exteriors often incorporate hundreds of square meters of custom glass. The venture aims to combine German engineering and Italian design capabilities to serve emerging shipbuilding regions.Credits: Ocean Glass
September 23, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has listed the 23.86-meter expedition yacht Vanguard for sale at $3,980,000. Yacht Broker Mike Finnegan is representing the vessel, which was delivered by Naval Yachts in 2023.The XPM 78 platform yacht is designed for long-range cruising with a focus on efficiency and system integration. Vanguard recently completed a 7,000-nautical-mile voyage along the U.S. Atlantic Coast and into Greenland's High Arctic waters, conducted with two ice pilots onboard.Propulsion is provided by a diesel-electric Praxis hybrid system with an integrated energy management network. The yacht cruises at 9 knots with a reported fuel consumption of 3.5 liters per nautical mile, providing a range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles. Technical features include an ice-reinforced hull, DMS Magnus Master stabilizers, and a commercial-grade dynamic positioning system.The interior, designed by Arista Marine, follows an open-plan layout with the galley, helm, and salon located on the main deck. Finishes include pale timbers with dark contrast elements. The helm station is equipped with dual high-back chairs and a multi-display dashboard.Accommodation is provided for six guests in three en-suite staterooms, with a convertible salon that can accommodate two additional guests. The full-beam owner's cabin contains a king-sized berth and lounge seating.Exterior areas are configured for operational functionality, featuring a tender crane and storage on the aft main deck with L-shaped guest seating. The flybridge helm seats two persons, with dual stairways leading to the swim platform. All exterior spaces are designed for low maintenance and expedition readiness.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
September 23, 2025
Luca Dini Design & Architecture has entered into an agreement with Albania’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy to explore the development of a national maritime strategy. The initiative aims to position Albania as a sustainable yachting hub in the Mediterranean.The proposed strategy involves creating a network of interconnected marinas designed to share resources and infrastructure rather than compete. The approach intends to improve logistical efficiency, support regional economic growth, and reduce environmental impact. Albania’s geographic position near established yachting destinations such as Greece and Montenegro, along with its undeveloped coastline, is seen as a foundation for attracting seasonal boaters and superyachts.The project envisions the development of service facilities including repair yards, refit stations, and fueling areas to meet international standards and accommodate larger vessels. The plan emphasizes adopting sustainability principles in new marina construction and diversifying specializations across different locations to reduce congestion and environmental pressure. Intermodal transport connections with road and rail networks are also part of the proposed strategy to link coastal and inland regions.The concept aligns with European Union initiatives such as the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), focusing on integration with continental trade and logistics systems. Luca Dini Design & Architecture will contribute expertise in architecture, yacht design, and master planning to the project. The firm indicated that the next 15 years represent a critical period for Albania to establish itself as a competitive maritime destination through coordinated planning.Credits: Luca Dini Design & Architecture
September 22, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons has listed the sailing yacht Imagine for sale at €17,800,000, with VAT paid. The 44.18-meter vessel is represented by Sales Advisor Maël Fiolet and was available for viewings at anchor during the Monaco Yacht Show, which opened on September 18.Built in 2010 by Alloy Yachts to a design by Ed Dubois, Imagine remains under its original ownership. The yacht was designed for worldwide cruising and has never been chartered. It complies with LY2 regulations and completed its Lloyd’s 15-year survey in 2025 alongside an extensive refit. In 2011, the yacht received the Best Sailing Yacht award at the World Superyacht Awards.The yacht accommodates nine guests in four cabins. The full-beam master suite is located aft and includes an en suite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, study, and vanity area. Additional accommodation consists of one double guest cabin, one twin cabin with a Pullman berth, and a fourth cabin configured as a single with a Pullman. The main saloon sofa can convert into two additional bunks if required.The interior offers 242 square meters of living space finished with white oak joinery, Loro Piana fabrics, and alpaca carpets. The raised salon features panoramic windows and a split-level arrangement with a lounge area to port and a navigation station to starboard. Custom features include an automated sliding companionway door, opening portholes in the master suite, underfloor freezers, and a firearms safe for Arctic voyages.Deck areas include a forward cockpit with dining space and sunpads, a boom awning for shade, and a foredeck tender well that converts to a heated spa pool. A crow's nest is positioned on the mast for observation.The yacht is equipped with a 61.9-meter Southern Spars mast, carbon fiber rigging, and a furling boom. The sail plan includes 895 square meters of upwind sail area managed by captive winches built by Alloy Yachts. A lifting keel allows operation in both shallow waters and open ocean conditions. All sails have been upgraded over time, with a new North Sails jib installed in 2025.Power is provided by a single Caterpillar C18 engine. The yacht carries a diesel-powered tender, which eliminates the need for separate refueling arrangements. The vessel is maintained for serious cruising with systems designed for extended autonomous voyages.Credits: Alloy Yachts
September 22, 2025