In Pictures: The Superyacht Design Festival 2019

Ahead of the Superyacht Design Festival 2020, step inside the highlights of last year's show in Cortina. The annual Superyacht Design Festival was held in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy from January 27-29, 2019. Comprising a number of events, including the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards, the Young Designer of the Year Award and the Symposium itself, it once again proved a fruitful ground for guests to share ideas, inspire innovation and enjoy time with friends and colleagues in the yacht and design industries.

The 2020 Superyacht Design Festival will take place from February 2-4 2020 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, bringing together the biggest names in superyacht design and world-famous speakers for two days of thought-provoking discussion. The event is accompanied by an exciting social programme, including the Mountain Lodge Party and legendary Ski Cup.

The three-day programme kicked off with the Design & Innovation Awards hosted by double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson.

Judged across 19 categories, plus the Young Designer of the Year Award and Lifetime Achievement Award, the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards recognised those who have pushed the boundaries in yacht design over the past 12 months. See all the winners here.

Richard Hadida, CEO of Oyster Yachts and owner of 27 metre Lush, with Boat International editor Stewart Campbell at the Cortina d’ Ampezzo town party, following the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards.

Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi with Paola Trifiro, owner of 32 metre sailing yacht Ribelle, and Stefano Contini at the late night opening of the Contini Art Gallery as part of the Cortina d’Ampezzo town party.

Susanna Balzani, Karine Naudy and Sabrina Monteleone-Øino at the late night opening of Moncler during the Cortina d’Ampezzo town party.

The Superyacht Design Symposium began in earnest on January 28 with a range of talks, discussions and debates on the theme of 'Defining Innovation'.

Boat International Media would like to thank In Association with partners Perini Navi, Riva and Audi and event partners Oceanco, Videoworks, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, Sabrina Monte-Carlo, Azimut Benetti, Clyde & Co, CRN and Masi.

Daniel Simon, chief design officer at Roborace, delivers his keynote speech urging 'limitless design' in the yachting industry.

The highly anticipated Design Challenge once again formed part of the Superyacht Design Symposium programme with teams tasked with designing tenders and toys to accompany the winning 2018 Young Designer of the Year yachts.

To end the first day of the Symposium guests let their hair down at the Mountain Lodge Party held at the World Cup Tent in Romerlo. The evening began with a dinner catered by the local Michelin-starred Ristorante Tivoli and sponsored by Perini Navi, Riva and Audi.

Pictured: Peder Eidsgaard, director of Harrison Eidsgaard, with designer and managing director Ewa Eidsgaard, celebrating five victories for award-winning Elandess and Irisha