The 20th edition of the BOAT International World Superyacht Awards, in association with Acquera Club, The Italian Sea Group and Maddox will return to Venice, Italy, on 2-3 May 2025.
The annual World Superyacht Awards recognise the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the most remarkable luxury yachts in the world. The globally acclaimed event, known for its credibility and prestige, is distinguished from all other yacht awards thanks to a judging panel comprising current and former superyacht owners.
When and where are the World Superyacht Awards?
A number of cities have played host to the event in its impressive history, including Amsterdam, Monaco, Florence, London and Istanbul. The 20th edition will return to the beautiful city of Venice, Italy, for the second consecutive year, where the inaugural World Superyacht Awards were hosted in 2006.
What is the event programme?
The festivities will begin with welcome drinks and canapés, followed by the black-tie awards ceremony and gala dinner the following evening. The award-winning superyachts will be announced during the prize-giving ceremony, where the winning owners, designers and builders will be presented with their Neptune trophies. Celebrations will continue at the World Superyacht Awards after-party.
Tickets are now on sale for the World Superyacht Awards 2025. For more information about the awards, please contact the events team.
/ The categories
What are the categories for the World Superyacht Awards?
All yachts nominated for the 2025 awards must be at least 30 metres LOA. Yachts entered for the ‘new yacht’ classes must have been completed and delivered to their owners between 1 January and 31 December 2024.
The categories have been established in consultation with yacht builders and naval architects to allow yachts to be fairly judged against other vessels of a similar size and type. There are categories for displacement motor yachts, semi-displacement and planing motor yachts, and sailing yachts. This distinction is made because these various types of yachts call for very different design and construction philosophies.
Three further categories are reserved for yachts that have undergone major refits or rebuilds within the qualifying year. With the agreement of the chairman, class boundaries may be redefined and classes may be amalgamated depending on the number of entries in those classes.
Nominees for the 20th edition of the World Superyacht Awards have now been revealed.
Categories 2025:
Displacement Motor Yachts
We define a displacement yacht as a vessel that always displaces its own weight of water when under power at full speed. Gross tonnage is the deciding entry qualification in the displacement classes. Because of this, the yacht’s gross tonnage as well as length overall must be given. This category will be divided into sub-categories once nominations have been received.
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts
We define semi-displacement and planing motor yachts as vessels that displace less than their own weight of water when under power at full speed. This category will be divided into sub-categories once nominations have been received.
Sailing Yachts
We define sailing yachts as vessels primarily powered by their sails. This category will be divided into sub-categories once nominations have been received.
Refitted/Rebuilt/Converted Yachts
This class is open to all yachts - motor or sail - over 30 metres that have undergone refits or rebuilds in the qualifying year. Commercial or other vessels that have been converted into yachts and re-entered service can also be nominated. With the agreement of the chairman, class boundaries may be redefined and classes may be amalgamated depending on the number of entries in each class.
Voyager's Award
The Voyager’s Award is presented to the yacht that, in the opinion of the judges, completed the most inspirational cruise in 2024. Cruises that began in 2023 can also be nominated. The owner or a person nominated by the owner (for instance the principal of a charter party but NOT a member of the crew) must have been aboard for a significant proportion of the cruise. The Voyager’s Award will be judged not only on the voyage but also on the way it is described in text, photos and other media.
Additional Awards
Motor Yacht of the Year
The Motor Yacht of the Year is presented to a class winner in the motor yacht categories that is considered by the judges to be the most notable yacht of the qualifying year. No entry is required, or is possible, other than by entering the respective yacht category.
Sailing Yacht of the Year
The Sailing Yacht of the Year award is presented to a class winner in the sailing yacht categories that is considered by the judges to be the most notable yacht of the qualifying year. No entry is required, or is possible, other than by entering the respective yacht category.
Legacy Award
The legacy award is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the superyacht industry over many years. Any individual who knows the nominee on a personal level is permitted to make a nomination. The required documentation should include a CV of the nominee which, while touching upon his business activities, should give particular emphasis to his yachting career and achievements.
Tickets are now on sale for the World Superyacht Awards 2025.
For more information about the awards, please contact the events team.
/ Organise your stay
What are the travel and accommodation options?
World Superyacht Awards headline partner Acquera Club is on hand to help assist with all your travel arrangements.
Acquera Club delivers an invitation-only travel and concierge experience with dedicated, personal advisors to members in premier destinations: Venice, London, New York and Dubai. The club offers three tiers of membership: Seasonal Membership, which provides tailored service during peak seasons. Yearly Membership extends this access, offering uninterrupted, personalised concierge support throughout the year in all Acquera destinations. For those seeking the highest level of service, Elite Membership advisors are devoted to a maximum of three clients, ensuring they are available as a 24/7 contact for every need.
Winners of the Motor and Sailing Yacht of the Year categories at the World Superyacht Awards will receive Acquera Club Seasonal Memberships as part of their prize, and all guests of the World Superyacht Awards have the opportunity to experience Acquera Club’s elite services with private access to a selection of tours and activities curated exclusively for the event.
As May 2025 is an extremely busy period, we encourage you to book hotels, transfers and berths early to avoid disappointment. Upon registration, guests will receive a welcome booklet with next steps or, if you’d like to get ahead and secure your accommodation and travel, please call +39 3318095482 or email contact@acqueraclub.com for available options and rates.
Arriving by air
Venice's main international airport is Marco Polo. The most convenient way to reach the city centre is by water taxi, available in both public and private options, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes to San Marco. The rates are as follows:
Private deluxe water taxi - from €280 for six people
Private standard water taxi - from €190 for six people
Public water bus (Alilaguna) - from €15
Arriving by water
We welcome yachts to join us in Venice for the World Superyacht Awards weekend. For berthing support and yacht logistics, Acquera Yachting, part of Acquera Group, is on hand to support and has secured special rates exclusively for guests of the World Superyacht Awards.
Enhance your stay in Venice with Acquera Club’s list of experiences
The floating city is famed for its romantic and charming atmosphere. Acquera Club has spotlighted a few exclusive experiences so guests can extend their stay and explore some of the city’s best-hidden gems.
Immerse yourself in Venetian culture
Begin your Venice cultural journey with an exclusive private tour of Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, once the residence of renowned American art collector Peggy Guggenheim and now the permanent home of her legendary collection. As you wander through its grand halls, you’ll discover some of the visionary works that transformed 20th-century art—each piece reflecting Guggenheim’s unique perspective, eclectic tastes, and vibrant friendships with the artists of her time.
Following the tour, enjoy an aperitivo brunch on a private terrace with panoramic views of the city, featuring a selection of Venetian delicacies and drinks.
Venice by night
As night falls, experience Venice in a way few ever do. Embark on a sunset cruise along the Grand Canal on board a water limo, uncovering the hidden secrets and stories behind the city’s most storied landmarks.
Your evening culminates with a private, after-hours visit to the Basilica of San Marco where you can marvel at the incredible architectural and golden mosaics in total privacy.
Experience craftsmanship at its finest
Known for their distinctive creations, renowned Venice artisans will give you a private tour of their ateliers and studios. Here, you will learn all about the ancient techniques and craftsmanship that make these works priceless.
From glassblowing to sculpture, each craftsman will reveal centuries-old techniques and skills passed down through generations and you’ll see first-hand how these artists transform raw materials into rare ornaments.
Get involved in local sports
Visit the Circolo di Golf degli Alberoni on the Lido of Venice, where you can relax, network and enjoy a delicious brunch in the clubhouse with views over the golf course.
For a more immersive experience, guests can try their hand at the voga veneta, Venice’s ancient rowing technique. Suitable for all ages, this activity offers families the chance to explore the city’s scenic canals while delving into one of Venice’s centuries-old traditions.
Book an experience
To discover more examples of experiences, visit the Acquera Club website, or contact the Acquera Club team at contact@acqueraclub.com to discuss further and secure your booking.
/ The sponsors
The 2025 edition will welcome Acquera Club, The Italian Sea Group and Maddox as headline sponsors.
Part of the Acquera Group, which is headquartered in Venice, Acquera Club offers a dedicated travel and lifestyle management service for yacht owners and charterers. Sitting alongside Acquera Yachting, a global yacht agency that covers the entire Mediterranean, Acquera Club offers a complete portfolio of services, including berth reservation, provisioning, clearance procedures, bunkering and concierge.
A cornerstone of The Italian Sea Group, Admiral has been synonymous with elegance, timeless design, and innovation since its founding in 1966. Acquired by The Italian Sea Group in 2011, the Admiral brand is renowned for its fully custom superyachts, crafted from steel and aluminium and ranging beyond 100 metres. These vessels, available in planing, semi-displacement, and displacement hull configurations, exemplify exceptional quality and meet the unique desires of every owner.
Maddox is a luxury firm specialising in comprehensive superyacht services, including sales, owner representation and new-build project management. Dedicated to delivering a seamless and strategic experience in superyacht ownership, with an extensive global network of over 3,000 ultra-high-net-worth individuals, Maddox provides unparalleled access to exclusive on- and off-market opportunities, offering bespoke solutions tailored to each client’s distinct requirements.
“We are delighted to be returning to the beautiful city of Venice, where the inaugural World Superyacht Awards were hosted in 2006,” said BOAT International's CEO Toby Moore. “We are thrilled to be partnered with Acquera Club, The Italian Sea Group and Maddox and are looking forward to welcoming owners, leading designers and builders for a spectacular weekend of celebrations.”
Stefano Tositti, founder and CEO of Acquera Club, added: "The 2024 edition of the World Superyacht Awards was incredible, with fantastic synergy alongside BOAT International and our co-sponsor The Glenrothes. But the best is yet to come and we're already working on the 2025 edition to further enhance the judges' and guests' experience and we promise to exceed your expectations."
Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, commented: “We are proud to support the World Superyacht Awards in this milestone year. Venice holds a special place in the history of yachting, and it is an honour to celebrate our shared passion for craftsmanship, innovation, and excellence in such a remarkable setting.”
Will Harrison, CEO of Maddox, said: "We are thrilled to partner with BOAT International, a brand that shares our passion for innovation, excellence, and the unique lifestyle that yachting represents. Sponsoring their events throughout the year is a natural extension of our commitment to connecting with the global yachting community and showcasing the experiences Maddox has to offer. Together, we look forward to creating unforgettable moments and strengthening the bonds within our industry."
"It is an honour to celebrate our shared passion for craftsmanship, innovation and excellence in such a remarkable setting."
Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group
“... The best is yet to come and we're already working on the 2025 edition to further enhance the judges' and guests' experience and we promise to exceed your expectations”
Stefano Tositti, founder and CEO of Acquera Club
If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact Luca Vasile.
/ The judges
What sets the BOAT International World Superyacht Awards apart from every other boating awards event is simple: the panel of judges. The panel is made up of current or former yacht owners, bringing with them, collectively, hundreds of years of experience owning, running and managing superyachts.
The judges are not just yacht owners, but knowledgeable, serial owners who have taken a keen interest in the design and build of their own vessels. Their personal interest drives the judging process and we owe them an enormous debt for their enthusiasm and generosity.
Chairman of the judges Dick Raper discusses the detailed judging process and tips on how to impress the judges in our BOAT Briefing podcast with BOAT International's editor-in-chief Stewart Campbell.
Chairman of the judges
Dick Raper, owner of a 38.8m sailing yacht
Judges
Carlos Ancira, owner of a 45m motor yacht
Alan Dabbiere, owner of a 60m motor yacht
Bill Duker, former owner of a 52m motor yacht and 70m sailing yacht
West Duker, former owner of a 52m motor yacht and 70m sailing yacht
Joaquín Folch-Rusinol, owner of a 37.3m motor yacht
Barry Houghton, former owner of a 43m motor yacht
Steve Ladas, owner of a 37m motor yacht
Roger Lean-Vercoe, former chairman of the judges
Victor Muller, owner of a 35.4m motor yacht
Udo Müller owner of a 75m motor yacht
Jan-Eric Österlund, former owner of 54.6m sailing yacht
Ilia Rigas, owner of a 50m sailing yacht
Steve Rigby, owner of a 26m motor yacht
Kim Schindelhauer, owner of a 33m sailing yacht
Anil Thadani, owner of a 45m motor yacht
Paola Trifiró, owner of a 24m motor yacht
Harry Vafias, owner of a 46m motor yacht
Kim Vibe-Petersen, owner of a 54m sailing yacht and a 52m sailing yacht
Sebastian Vibe-Petersen, owner of a 54m sailing yacht and a 52m sailing yacht
Marco Vögele, owner of a 33.4m sailing yacht
Matthew Voorhees, owner of a 56m motor yacht
Steve Watson, owner of a 59m motor yacht and a 51m motor yacht
Peter Wilson, founding partner of yacht project management company MCM
Jörg Wolle, owner of a 38.8m sailing yacht
/ Previous editions
PREVIOUS EDITIONS
The World Superyacht Awards 2024, in association with Acquera Club and The Glenrothes, took to the water and was hosted in Venice.
2023's WSA, in association with Akyacht, took place in Istanbul
The 2022 edition, in association with Akyacht, took place in London with a welcome reception at Westminster Abbey.