The winners of BOAT International’s Design & Innovation Awards have been revealed at the Superyacht Design Festival's annual ceremony, attended by the industry's most celebrated designers, naval architects and shipyards. Held in the Austrian ski town of Kitzbühel, the awards acknowledge everything from styling and naval architecture to groundbreaking innovations of today's more impressive superyachts. With an outstanding competitive lineup of finalists, here are this year's award winners, selected by an independent panel of judges...
Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts, 24m to 41.9m: Telli
Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts, 42m to 51.9m: SAN
Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts, 52m to 69.9m: Santosha
Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts, 70m and above: Kismet
Outstanding Exterior Design - Sailing Yachts: Raven
Best Interior Design - Motor Yachts, 499GT and below, 24m to 39.9m: Telli
Best Interior Design - Motor Yachts, 499GT and below, 40m and above: King Benji
Best Interior Design - Motor Yachts, 500GT and above: Kasper 7
Best Interior Design - Sailing Yachts: Raven
Best Naval Architecture - Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts: Special One
Best Naval Architecture - Displacement Motor Yachts: Kasper 7
Best Naval Architecture - Sailing Yachts: Raven
Best New Series: Cantiere delle Marche Flexplorer 146
Multihull of the Year: ArtExplorer
Eco Award: Dreamcatcher
Outstanding Lifestyle Feature: Kismet
Innovation of the Year: Raven
Tender of the Year – Limousine: Project KD
Tender of the Year – Open: Aquila Jet Tender
Lifetime Achievement Award: Marilyn Mower
Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts, 24m to 41.9m: Telli
LOA: 38.8m
Exterior designer: Filippo Salvetti Design
Naval architect: Custom Line
Builder: Custom Line
In a highly competitive category of a half-dozen yachts, only one point separated our winner from the runners-up. The first Custom Line Navetta 38, Telli, won by a nose, but a very fine nose at that, with the judges noting how the exterior design makes excellent use of the forward deck lounge area. A reinvention of the Custom Line Navetta 37, the 38 ekes more out of this foredeck space and also benefits from a large sundeck and an expandable swim platform with side-opening wings unfolding at the water’s edge.
Besides the vast and functional exterior living spaces, the judges lauded Telli’s detailed styling, including the reverse chine that flows from bow to stern. Another hallmark of the design they enjoyed was the symmetry, for instance how the aft sections of the upper and main decks echo.
Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts, 42m to 51.9m: SAN
LOA: 45m
Exterior designer: Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design
Naval architect: Lateral Engineering
Builder: Alia Yachts
There were so many entries this year in the circa 45-metre size range that a new category was created to look at these yachts specifically. Eight worthy contenders reached the finalist stage, with one sleek, minimalistic boat standing out from the pack. “Now onto something quite different,” one of the judges said happily when discussing the winning yacht, SAN, from Turkish builder Alia Yachts, a clear winner in her class. The judges praised SAN’s large windows, clean lines and multi-level terrace-style transom. They also noted how it’s the only yacht they have ever seen in this size range where you can step on board and see straight through the main deck to the bow, a design choice that positively affected the exterior. “It’s a subtly innovative design that’s well proportioned,” another judge said of the yacht.
Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts, 52m to 69.9m: Santosha
LOA: 57m
Exterior designer: Omega Architects
Naval architect: Heesen Yachts / Van Oossanen Naval Architects
Builder: Heesen Yachts
"It’s an original twist on a Heesen yacht with a contemporary design that works on different levels,” said one judge of the winner in this class, the freshly delivered 57-metre Santosha, which represents a new series for Heesen Yachts. A long-standing collaborative partnership between the builder and exterior designer didn’t stop the design team from creating something different and unexpected.
Describing the boat as “beautiful with clean surfaces”, the judges also appreciated how Omega Architects put a lot of work into keeping the superstructure low and the profile elegant despite her 800GT volume. They also noted a few interesting features, such as the seating areas tucked in front of the Portuguese bow and the unique shape of the concave transom, which creates extra space on the swim platform. The judges approved of the decision to keep the paint entirely white, with one saying “it just works".
Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts, 70m and above: Kismet
LOA: 122m
Exterior designer: Nuvolari Lenard
Naval architect: Lürssen
Builder: Lürssen
Only two yachts were finalists in the largest size range, which was highly considered by the judging panel. Despite the judges praising 112-metre Renaissance as an ideal charter yacht with “every conceivable feature for charter” and a PYC classification allowing for 36 guests, it was the 122-metre Lürssen Kismet that took the winning spot on the podium. “This is in a category all by itself,” said one judge of Kismet.
Exterior design comes from Nuvolari Lenard, with the styling focusing on bold lines, harmonious proportions and fluid forms, creating an aesthetic that is both timeless and modern. Kismet’s long, elegant bow hosts a helipad that can also be used for sport activities, from pickleball to basketball. The designers also put a priority on the attention-grabbing mast, which was inspired by ocean liners of yore. “I just love that mast,” one judge simply put it.
Outstanding Exterior Design - Sailing Yachts: Raven
LOA: 34m
Exterior designer: Jarkko Jämsén - Aivan
Naval architect: Botin Partners Naval Architecture
Builder: Baltic Yachts
A wide range of masted yachts earned a finalist position in this year’s sailing exterior design category. From a sleek, art gallery-toting multihull to nimble cruisers and a vintage-style ketch to a foiling monohull, comparing the varied entrants proved a challenge. The judges took their time in debating the merits of each, but when it came to tallying up the scores, Raven flew ahead of the flock. The judges praised Raven’s supercar-like styling, with one saying, “She’s a spaceship, but it makes sense.”
With massive foiling arms, Raven might look like an extreme machine, but she was purpose-built for a thrill-seeking owner rather than being a pure racer. Raven’s brief was to combine racing speed with the experience of a superyacht. The innovative centre cockpit, dubbed the bird’s nest as a homage to the birdcage of the Maserati Tipo 61, keeps the owner and guests in the sailing action while separating them from the working aft cockpit.
Best Interior Design - Motor Yachts, 499GT and below, 24m to 39.9m: Telli
LOA: 38.8m
Interior designer: ACPV Architects
Naval architect: Custom Line
Builder: Custom Line
"This was a clear winner,” the judges said of the yacht that earned the top marks in this category, praising the interiors as having a pleasing consistency. It was the Custom Line Navetta 38, Telli, whose interiors grabbed the judges’ attention. Subtle details that were used artfully swayed the judges, from the wood-panelled ceilings to the rounded corners on the doors and window frames, the latter of which one judge called “a nice homage to the past”.
As described by the yacht’s designers, the use of a natural palette of delicate sand and ivory colour tones was chosen to create a smooth and fluid balance, making for an ambience that evokes a refined elegance and timeless comfort for both owner and guests. This soft, welcoming palette is enhanced with the use of reflective surfaces and a well-conceived lighting plan.
Best Interior Design - Motor Yachts, 499GT and below, 40m and above: King Benji
LOA: 46.7m
Interior designer: Design Unlimited
Naval architect: Gregory C Marshall Naval Architect
Builder: Dunya Yachts
"There are just so many things to like about this boat,” said one judge of the winner in this size range. In another closely contested category, this class saw only one point between the winner and the second top scorer among eight finalists. When the scores were counted, King Benji’s characterful interior by Design Unlimited helped earn her the top spot.
The judges were fans of the “fun wallpaper” used throughout as well as the reclaimed timbers that were chosen to age well. “They have taken risks, and it’s fantastic,” one judge said, adding, “I think if you’re lucky enough to be a guest on board there would be many details that reveal themselves to you over a number of days.” They also lauded the creative use of space, including the galley-adjacent dining area, which invites an informal interaction with the chef.
Best Interior Design - Motor Yachts, 500GT and above: Kasper 7
LOA: 67m
Interior designer: Askdeco
Naval architect: Benetti
Builder: Benetti
"The dining room area is particularly genius,” one of our judges said of the winning yacht in this class. Among the largest yachts by volume, the Benetti Kasper 7 made the judges sit up and take notice, with one judge noting that the bold interior reminded them of an art gallery with the most interesting objets d’art on display. Indeed, each room on board sees unique works of art adorning the walls and they are also woven into the design itself — for example, the coral-like statue pillars holding up a bar and bookshelf.
The judges also liked how the yacht’s interior designer chose to augment the shape of the windows in the dining room and modify their shapes inside. While the portholes are round on the outside, they are subtly framed to create an oval shape within the dining room itself. “It took confidence to do that, and I love it,” one judge declared.
Best Interior Design - Sailing Yachts: Raven
LOA: 34m
Interior designer: Jarkko Jämsén - Aivan
Naval architect: Botin Partners Naval Architecture
Builder: Baltic Yachts
There was an air of excitement among the judging panel when discussing the interior of the winning sailing yacht. “She’s extremely fast but looks like a yacht,” said one judge, noting Raven’s creative use of finishes and flexible layout. High performance was at the heart of Raven’s brief, necessitating a lightweight interior. Aivan's lead designer Jarkko Jämsén describes an “aggressive” focus on weight savings, pushing weight optimisation to the extreme.
But also key to the brief for the interior design was for the yacht to feel like a superyacht and not look like a stripped-back racer. The design team chose to keep high-tech structural elements visible, juxtaposed by more delicate artisanal materials, like rattan on the deck heads. The judging panel commended Raven’s sporty yet warm interior, with one saying, “the use of finishes is quite clever — I love the combination of rattan and carbon fibre".
Best Naval Architecture - Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts: Special One
LOA: 52m
Naval architect: Vripack
Builder: Royal Huisman
The decision in this category came down to two boats: the souped-up Royal Huisman sportfisher Special One and the ultra-fast Heesen motor yacht Ultra G. While the judges were impressed by Ultra G’s performance — "she’s a 60-metre yacht doing 36 knots” said one judge — in the end, the award went to Special One, with the judges deeming her naval architecture very special indeed.
The largest true sportfish, Special One packs in the performance needed to meet the speed and agility demands. Vripack also designed a novel engine room air intake system that allows the yacht to stay cool even in balmy Arabian Gulf waters. As one judge aptly put it, "Special One is unique in her scale and scope — she can go from zero to 30 knots in a minute, her turning circle in double her own boat length, she can go backwards at seven knots, and she’s designed to operate in the Gulf. There’s simply nothing like it.”
Best Naval Architecture - Displacement Motor Yachts: Kasper 7
LOA: 67m
Naval architect: Benetti
Builder: Benetti
There was quite a broad range of boats competing for Best Naval Architecture in the displacement motor yachts category, from explorers to modern classics. The decision fell between the two largest yachts in this class, Kasper 7 and Sparta, both measuring 67 metres LOA. “There was very little in it,” said one judge, explaining that the scores were extremely close.
The winning entry of this year’s category, Kasper 7, seamlessly combined technical precision with aesthetic sophistication. Its numbers highlighted exceptional hydrodynamic efficiency, demonstrating refined hydrodynamics. Beyond the metrics, the judges felt that the hull's sleek contours conveyed an elegant refinement, striking a harmonious balance between functional performance and visual appeal. Overall the judges agreed that the design not only exemplified engineering excellence but also showcased the artistry achievable in modern naval architecture.
Best Naval Architecture - Sailing Yachts: Raven
LOA: 34m
Naval architect: Botin Partners Naval Architecture
Builder: Baltic Yachts
Four boats were finalists for best naval architecture in sailing yachts. With a big ketch, a smaller sloop, a catamaran and a foiling boat, there was a massive range of styles. In order to compare such different sailing yachts, the judges that specialise in naval architecture on the panel rank each on performance, stability and comfort.
The standout was the foiling sailing yacht Raven, which the judges praised for being “technically advanced” and “a naval architecture marvel”. Raven’s naval architects called upon their existing knowledge of America’s Cup foil technology to create this “super cruiser”. Canting T foils produce lift, side force and dynamic righting moment when sailing fast. The T foil canting angle is adjusted for the different point of sail, and the flap angle is adjusted to target the optimum heel angle. The heel rarely exceeds 10 degrees when fast reaching, so the comfort level increases significantly compared to a traditional monohull.
Best New Series: Cantiere delle Marche Flexplorer 146
LOA: 44.3m
Exterior designer: Hydro Tec
Interior designer: Francesco Paszkowski Design in collaboration with Margherita Casprini
Naval architect: Hydro Tec
Builder: Cantiere delle Marche
The winner of Best New Series appealed to the judges for the flexibility offered in the platform. As the popularity of explorer yachts grows, it’s easy to see how Cantiere delle Marche’s new Flexplorer 146 took the top spot. The judges particularly liked the Flexplorer 146’s blend of long-range and spacious, high-end living areas, noting that the interiors seemed more open than previous Flexplorer models.
"There’s quite a bit of flexibility,” noted one of the judges, referring to the fact that while the Flexplorer 146 series provides a solid foundation, owners have extensive freedom to shape and personalise their yacht, from the deck layout to selecting specialised equipment. The level of customisation possible can be seen when comparing hull number one in the series, Maverick, with hull number two, Mat, both of which were finalists in other categories. Mat, for instance, is a three-deck explorer, which forgoes the signature A-frame crane seen on Maverick.
Judges' commendation: Princess S80
LOA: 25.4m
Exterior designer: Princess Yachts in partnership with Olesinski
Interior designer: Princess Yachts
Naval architect: Princess Yachts in partnership with Olesinski
Builder: Princess Yachts
The judges were impressed by a pocket superyacht in the Best New Series category, which one judge called “a great little boat that’s ideal for an owner-operator”. They deemed the Princess S80, the flagship of Princess Yachts’ sporty S series, deserving of a judges’ commendation based on its high-quality build, detailed exterior styling and cabin size. They also praised the reinvigorated layout, which sees the galley set aft on the main deck to emphasise the connection with the aft deck. The cockpit and foredeck show improvement over the S78 predecessor. The new flexible design features movable seats and an expanding dining table.
Multihull of the Year: ArtExplorer
LOA: 46.5m
Exterior designer: Axel de Beaufort & Partners
Interior designer: Axel de Beaufort & Partners
Naval architect: Axel de Beaufort & Partners / Guillaume Verdier Architecture Navale
Builder: Perini Navi - The Italian Sea Group
One sailing and two power catamarans made the finalist list in the Multihull of the Year category. It was the sailing catamaran ArtExplorer, built by Perini Navi, which won over the judges. They were taken by her intended purpose as a floating art gallery, connecting communities around the world with an on-the-water museum experience. ArtExplorer was designed to morph into a charter yacht when not serving as a floating museum. As such, the yacht is cleverly designed to flex between her two uses.
“The design concept is very strong and executed well — she looks amazing,” said one judge, who also commented on the curved features, from the rounded deckhouse to the curved walls that will showcase art. The interior design gives a nod to classic sailing yachts, with the use of wood and rounded surfaces, yet the furnishings and styling have a modern edge.
Eco Award: DreamCatcher
LOA: 26.5m
Eco feature: Hybrid electric propulsion system
Naval architect: Frers Naval Architecture & Engineering
Builder: Nautor Swan
A unanimous decision named the Swan 88 DreamCatcher as the winner of this year’s Eco Award. She stood out among the competition for her hybrid electric propulsion system. The yacht is powered by a fully integrated Deep Blue system made by Torqeedo. The customised system developed for DreamCatcher includes a 120kW electric drive system and 160kWh of energy storage, delivering silent motoring at a maximum speed of 11.4 knots.
The judges noted the boat’s ability to generate power while under way. In hydrogeneration mode, Deep Blue's algorithms continuously monitor and adjust performance several times per second, providing renewable, wind-powered energy production while minimising impact on sailing speed. “It’s impressive - the yacht can run at full speed on batteries alone, and at eight knots can regenerate enough power to keep the hotel and sailing operation going and be entirely self-sufficient,” said one judge.
Outstanding Lifestyle Feature: Kismet
LOA: 122m
Lifestyle feature: Spa and wellness area
Interior designer: Reymond Langton Design
Naval architect: Lürssen
Builder: Lürssen
A fully outfitted fishing cockpit, glass-enclosed wine room, multiple spas and a ladder that cleverly connects the flybridge and bow lounge were all considered as this year’s Outstanding Lifestyle Feature. Yet there was one feature that overwhelmed the judges with its size and scope of amenities. “There are spas, and then there’s the spa on Kismet,” said one judge of the worthy winner.
No expense was spared in creating an immense spa and wellness area on board the 122-metre Lürssen. The requisite hammam, sauna, plunge pool and private treatment rooms are all there, but Kismet’s spa goes above and beyond with a chromotherapy bathtub, cryogenic chamber and ice and snow fountains. Belying the size of the wellness area are intimate, themed areas with unique design features, from a (steam) firepit as the focus of the relaxation lounger, to an elegant hairdressing salon with embroidered wallpaper and the yoga room with a custom Buddha-like statue.
Innovation of the Year: Raven
LOA: 34m
Innovation: Guest cockpit bird's nest
Exterior designer: Jarkko Jämsén - Aivan
Naval architect: Botin Partners Naval Architecture
Builder: Baltic Yachts
This year innovative ideas came in disparate forms, from yachting’s first vacuum-powered pneumatic lift to a hydrogenation hybrid propulsion system. True innovation, deemed the judges, should be something that has never been done before but could be replicated on other yachts. Each of the worthy finalists fit this brief in their own way, leading to much debate at the judges’ table, but the win went to Raven’s innovative guest cockpit design.
Dubbed “the bird’s nest”, paying homage to the birdcage of the Maserati Tipo 61, the guest cockpit provides a safe space for guests to take in the high-octane sailing action. The innovation lies in its design, which has open-lattice windows positioned within the cockpit itself, in a band around the central cockpit to allow natural light to flow into the interior below. A folding canopy top serves as a spray hood to protect the cockpit when open, then folds down flush with the deck to become a huge sunpad.
Tender of the Year – Limousine: Project KD
LOA: 9.7m
Exterior designer: Falcon Tenders
Interior designer: Falcon Tenders
Naval architect: AllSeas Design
Builder: Falcon Tenders
This year saw an embarrassment of riches in tender entries, inspiring the judges to split the entrants into two categories. The first category is for enclosed limousine tenders, and among five finalists, Project KD from Falcon Tenders was voted the winner. The judges lauded it for its exemplary craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, versatile fore and aft boarding options and an ergonomic cockpit that prioritises navigation and safety, offering a high-quality user experience.
The judges also noted the dedication to guest comfort, saying, “The integration of a Seakeeper stabiliser ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for guests.” The guest experience is also accentuated inside with a glass roof and hull and deck side windows. Other winning factors were the high-end paintwork, premium interior finishes and stylish lighting plan. They were also impressed by the technical areas that are easily serviced thanks to dual engine room hatches.
Judges' commendation: Obsidian Enclosed
LOA: 10.7m
Exterior designer: RWD in collaboration with Monk Design
Interior designer: RWD in collaboration with Monk Design
Naval architect: Frers Design
Builder: Tenderworks
Another standout in the limo tender category was the Obsidian Enclosed tender by Tenderworks. “It’s the first tender featuring an electrical propulsion system integrated inside a superyacht,” said the judges, noting that it’s possible to recharge the tender to 80 per cent in 20 minutes while alongside the mothership. Stringent weight control was required to manage the batteries’ extra weight, so titanium parts were used along with a carbon fibre hull and deck. Frers Design used CFD analysis to create a sailing yacht-inspired hull aimed at maximising the range. The judges also applauded the craftsmanship inside and out, as well as the near-silent ride.
Tender of the Year – Open: Aquila Jet Tender
LOA: 10.5m
Exterior designer: Compass Tenders
Interior designer: Compass Tenders
Naval architect: AllSeas Design
Builder: Compass Tenders
In the open tender category, four finalists caught the judges’ eyes. Aquila Jet Tender was voted the winner, and top of the judges’ list of praise for it was a versatile design that meets a range of operational needs. “This is a very versatile, multi-purpose boat designed to fulfil both crew and guests’ expectations,” said one judge. Of note were the well-considered boarding points – for guests, crew and equipment – which include wheelchair access. Another strong point, the Aquila Jet Tender is designed for “effortless” beach landings and water entry via a hydraulically operated bow ramp.
The Aquila Jet Tender also won over the judges for its aesthetics and technical qualities. “It has a visually appealing design that balances form and function,” said one judge. Laminated glass frameless windscreens lend an elegant touch. Meanwhile, there’s a well-organised and efficient engine room layout, and the jet propulsion provides optimal performance and manoeuvrability.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Marilyn Mower
Nationality: American
Occupation: BOAT International editor-at-large and Design & Innovation Awards judge
The recipient of this year’s award may not be a designer, but few people know more about yacht design and have worked tirelessly to propel the industry forward than award-winning journalist Marilyn Mower.
Summers spent plying Lake Michigan on board her father’s mahogany runabout gave Mower an early taste for the boating life. During her studies at the University of South Florida, she began racing competitively, crewing as a bowman. While working for a local newspaper in St Petersburg, Florida, she was tapped to fill in for their sportswriter to cover Olympic class sailing regattas. After moving to Miami in 1981, Mower continued racing and writing about boating, alongside serving as managing editor of the American Welding Society’s trade publication — a role that helped inform her technical understanding of construction.
During the 1985 Admiral’s Cup, Mower completed a transatlantic crossing in a 13-metre sailing boat, snapping photos and taking notes along the way. After returning to terra firma, Mower became a founding editor of ShowBoats International magazine (now BOAT International US Edition) in 1988. Mower recognised the important role that independent yacht designers played as custom yachts became more popular. She helped to champion the ascension of designers in a magazine section called Design Showcase, a three-page feature focusing on designers and design trends. Mower also played a key role in founding the ShowBoats Awards in 1991. This started Mower’s involvement in yachting awards, which has seen her serve as an awards co-chair or judge until the present day.
In 2007, Mower briefly stepped away from ShowBoats to helm Southern Boating magazine. After ShowBoats was acquired by BOAT International Media, she was hired back in 2010 to serve as books editor, editing The Superyachts, Refit and The Megayachts. Under her command, The Megayachts was revised to focus on the concept, design and construction of large yachts.
During her nearly 40-year tenure as a yachting editor and awards judge, she has stepped on board and written about countless yachts — including the world's most iconic vessels — and interviewed every leading designer in the field. Mower was trained as a hard-hitting reporter during the Vietnam War era, and she’s never shied away from asking challenging questions during press conferences. Known and beloved throughout the yachting industry, Mower is widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable — and passionate — people in yachting, and for this reason, she is most deserving of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
BOAT International would like to thank the judges of the 2025 awards and the event partners for all their support. The BOAT Design and Innovation Awards will be returning to Kitzbühel in 2026 on 1 – 3 February. Limited early-bird tickets are available here. For more information, please email the events team.