World Superyacht Awards 2024
Now in its 19th year, the World Superyacht Awards 2024 took place on the 3rd and 4th of May in the picturesque city of Venice, Italy. Organised by BOAT International in partnership with The Glenrothes, a renowned single malt whisky distillery, and Acquera Club, a new initiative from the Venetian group Acquera, the awards showcased the pinnacle of yachting excellence. It was a weekend steeped in opulence, elegance, and a grand celebration of the superyacht industry.
A Night of Elegance
The gala night of the World Superyacht Awards was a lavish, star-studded affair where the elite of the superyacht world gathered. The event celebrated and honoured the best superyachts, recognising the outstanding achievements of the industry’s leading designers, builders, and owners. It was a night filled with glamour, sophistication, and a deep appreciation for the artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation that define these exceptional vessels.
The Winners
Motoryacht of the year: Alchemy
Image source: rossinavi.it
Length: 65.7m
Builder: Rossinavi
Naval Architect: Vitruvius Yachts / Rossinavi
Exterior Designer: Vitruvius Yachts
Interior Designer: Team for Design - Enrico Gobbi
Conceived by Rossinavi and Philippe Briand of Vitruvius Yachts, this fully custom tri-deck yacht impressed judges with its pièce de résistance: a suspended glass staircase. This sculptural masterpiece opens up the main saloon, pushing the boundaries of typical yacht design. Featuring white marble steps adorned with leather details, the staircase floats elegantly between two glass partitions, representing an engineering marvel and a work of art.
Images of Alchemy’s interior with the glass staircase at the back. Image source: rossinavi.it
Beyond her stunning exterior, imaginative layout, and flowing interiors, Alchemy impressed the judges with her efficient hull form and numerous operational details. Storage solutions were meticulously integrated into the design, allowing for easy access to watersports equipment by the crew. The experienced owners requested large pantries, dedicated spaces for serving pieces, and ample luggage storage. As one judge perfectly summed up, “there’s nothing not to like on this boat.”
Alchemy's attention to detail and innovative features made her a standout choice, showcasing that excellence in design and functionality can surpass sheer size.
Sailing Yacht of the Year: Sarissa
Image source: royalhuisman.com
Length: 59.7m
Builder: Royal Huisman
Naval Architect: Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design
Exterior Designer: Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design
Interior Designer: Liaigre
Sarissa is a high-performance sloop that sets numerous benchmarks for Royal Huisman and the sailing superyacht industry. She boasts the world's largest square-top mainsail, the highest-spec 3Di RAW sail ever constructed by North Sails, and is the first yacht to use this type of carbon sail with in-boom furling. Her 76-metre-high modulus carbon mast with aero carbon rigging was perfected through in-depth aerodynamic studies in collaboration with North Sails and Southern Spars. Additionally, Sarissa features a pioneering forward-facing retractable electric azipod propulsion system, allowing for rapid acceleration in light wind conditions. To achieve peak performance, she incorporates both a lifting keel and a high righting moment configuration.
In 2024, the judges faced a tough choice between Zemi and Sarissa, both designed with an emphasis on performance sailing and environmental sustainability. Ultimately, Sarissa triumphed, thanks to her revolutionary propulsion system, advanced sails and rigging, and stunning interiors by Liaigre. The judges were particularly impressed by Sarissa's clean lines, cohesive design, organically flowing interiors, and innovative layout that offers abundant exterior living spaces—an uncommon feature on sailing yachts. This combination of cutting-edge technology and elegant design made Sarissa the clear choice for Sailing Yacht of the Year.
Further Winners
Refitted Yachts - Carinthia VII
Rebuilt Yachts - H3
Classic Rebuilt Yachts - Cariad
Sailing Yachts, 30m to 39.9m - Zemi
Judges' Special Award - Raven
Sailing Yachts, 40m and above - Sarissa
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 30m to 34.9m - Pesa II
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 35m to 39.9m - Seaflower
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 40m and above - Milele
Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 30m to 39.9m - Stellamar
Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 40m to 44.9m - Oreos
Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 45m and above - Baglietto T52
Displacement Motor Yachts 500GT to 999GT - Entourage
Displacement Motor Yachts 1,000GT to 1,499GT - Alchemy
Judges' Commendation - Sparta
Displacement Motor Yachts, 1,500GT and above - Infinite Jest
Voyager’s Award - Infinite Jest and Jester
Legacy Award - Paola Trifirò
Read more about the above winners here.
BOAT International World Superyacht Awards 2025 Set to Return to Venice
The highly anticipated 20th edition of the BOAT International World Superyacht Awards, in partnership with Acquera Club, is scheduled to return to the picturesque city of Venice, Italy, in May 2025.
These prestigious awards celebrate the exceptional ingenuity and craftsmanship of the world’s most luxurious yachts. Renowned globally for their credibility and prestige, the World Superyacht Awards stand out from other yacht awards due to their unique judging panel, which consists of current and former superyacht owners.
Nominations for the 2025 World Superyacht Awards are now open, inviting the finest luxury yachts to compete for this esteemed recognition. To nominate a yacht, click here.