When the annual International Superyacht Society awards finalists were announced in September, the usual debates ensued in some circles as to which yachts would take the trophies for each category.
To quote the famous TV show Survivor, the tribe has spoken. The winners are:
BEST POWER 24m – 40m: Ermis2 (pictured), measuring 37 meters (121’5″); built by McMullen & Wing, designed by Humphreys Design. Interesting facts: This high-performance megayacht hit 56 knots during sea trials, in accordance with the owner’s request for speed. Since she also needed to be lightweight yet strong, she features a vacuum-infused, carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy/foam structure.
BEST POWER 40m – 65m: Harle, measuring 45.1 meters (148 feet); built by Feadship/Royal De Vries, designed by De Voogt Naval Architects
BEST POWER 65m+: Alfa Nero, measuring 81.9 meters (269 feet); built by Oceanco, designed by Nuvolari-Lenard
BEST SAIL 24m – 40m: Kealoha, measuring 27.4 meters (90 feet); built by Claasen Jachtbouw, designed by Hoek Design Naval Architects
BEST SAIL 40m+: Nirvana (pictured), measuring 53.6 meters (175’1″); built by Vitters Shipyard, designed by Dubois Naval Architects. Interesting facts: The design brief required that the megayacht must be able to operate in shallow water and to anchor closely to the beach. Among the reasons: The owner wanted to embark on a two-and-a-half year circumnavigation with his family. As a result, Vitters and Dubois Naval Architects created a pivoting centerboard.
BEST INTERIOR: Salute (pictured above and below), measuring 56 meters (183’8″); built by Perini Navi, with interior design by Rémi Tessier. Interesting facts: There’s a good-size fore cockpit, in addition to the traditional aft cockpit, which can be transformed into a completely enclosed veranda thanks to wraparound lifting glass and a canvas awning stored around the mast when not in use. The yacht marks the third time Tessier has collaborated with Perini Navi. Japanese style inspirated the designer, who created a minimalist interior that still exudes warmth and luxury.
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