The only awards judged exclusively by superyacht owners, past and present.
The global superyacht community gathered in Venice on 2 May 2026 for the 21st BOAT International World Superyacht Awards, one of the most prestigious evenings on the international yachting calendar.
Sailing Yacht of the Year – Aquarius
Held at the historic Arsenale di Venezia, the black-tie ceremony was hosted in collaboration with The Italian Sea Group and Acquera Club, bringing together owners, builders, designers and leading figures from across the superyacht sector.
Long regarded as the “Oscars of superyachting”, the World Superyacht Awards recognise the finest luxury yachts launched over the past year, with a strong emphasis on design, innovation, craftsmanship and owner experience.
This year, 57 exceptional superyachts were selected as nominees, representing a broad cross-section of the global fleet. From fast semi-planing yachts and high-performance sailing yachts to pioneering displacement vessels and significant rebuilds, the 2026 field reflected the technical ambition and diversity now shaping the upper end of the yachting market.
Displacement Motor Yachts, 2,500GT to 4,999GT – Pi
Across the main categories and Judges’ Special Awards, 21 Neptune trophies were presented, a fitting total for the awards’ 21st anniversary. The Neptune statue, symbolising the Roman god of the sea, remains one of the most recognisable trophies in the superyacht world. A further three Judges’ Commendations, created by Lasvit, were awarded to yachts considered by the judging panel to be particularly worthy of recognition.
A defining feature of the BOAT International World Superyacht Awards is the judging process itself. Unlike many industry awards, the panel is made up exclusively of current and former superyacht owners, giving the programme a distinctive level of credibility and real-world insight.
“The BOAT International World Superyacht Awards stand apart as the only honours in our industry evaluated by the very individuals who live and breathe the superyacht experience – yacht owners themselves,” says Stewart Campbell, managing director at BOAT International. “This year’s awards have highlighted achievements that redefine excellence in yachting, reinforcing BOAT International’s role as the ultimate authority and trusted source for all things superyachting.”
One of the standout winners of the evening was the 118.8-metre Feadship Breakthrough. Her scale, complexity and technical ambition required the creation of a dedicated category, Displacement Motor Yachts 5,000GT and above. With her hydrogen propulsion system, distinctive layout and sculpted exterior, Breakthrough also claimed the prestigious Motor Yacht of the Year award.
Motor Yacht of the Year – Breakthrough
It was a particularly strong year for Feadship, with the Dutch builder also recognised for Pi, Valor and Solace. Solace received the top honour in the Refitted Yachts category following her recent refit at Pendennis Shipyard, underlining the growing importance of major refit projects within the superyacht sector.
Italian builders also featured strongly throughout the evening. Cantiere delle Marche secured two awards, with Haze2 and RJ each winning in their respective classes, while Baglietto claimed two Neptune trophies for Andala and Awandra. Other notable motor yacht winners included the sporty Riva superyacht Mirage, the Heesen-built Orion and Benetti’s Lady Estey.
In the sailing yacht divisions, the first Nautor Swan 128, BeCool, was recognised in the Sailing Yachts, 30m to 39.9m category. In the larger sailing yacht category, Aquarius, built by Royal Huisman, impressed the judges with her “unbelievable beauty” and strong sailing performance. Those qualities also saw Aquarius named Sailing Yacht of the Year.
Sailing Yachts, 30m to 39.9m – BeCool
Beyond the yachts themselves, the evening also recognised individuals and voyages that have left a lasting mark on the industry. The Legacy Award was presented posthumously to Goh Cheng Liang, the Singaporean billionaire widely recognised for his innovative contribution to yachting through his fleet of multihull vessels carrying the White Rabbit name.
The Voyager’s Award was presented to Dolce, acknowledging the yacht’s inspiring 4,000-nautical-mile circumnavigation.
With winners spanning innovation, craftsmanship, performance and exploration, the 21st BOAT International World Superyacht Awards again highlighted the ambition and excellence driving the superyacht industry forward.
Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 45m to 49.9m – RJ
The 2026 World Superyacht Award winners
Motor Yacht of the Year – Breakthrough
Sailing Yacht of the Year – Aquarius
Refitted Yachts – Solace
Rebuilt Yachts – Moonstone
Sailing Yachts, 30m to 39.9m – BeCool
Sailing Yachts, 40m and above – Aquarius
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 30m to 34.9m – Mirage
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 35m to 39.9m – Angiola
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 40m and above – Orion
Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 30m to 39.9m – Haze2
Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 40m to 44.9m – Andala
Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 45m to 49.9m – RJ
Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 50m and above – Awandra
Displacement Motor Yachts, 500GT to 1,499GT – Lady Estey
Displacement Motor Yachts, 1,500GT to 2,499GT – Valor
Displacement Motor Yachts, 2,500GT to 4,999GT – Pi
Displacement Motor Yachts, 5,000GT and above – Breakthrough Voyager’s Award – Dolce
Legacy Award – Goh Cheng Liang
Judges’ Special Awards
Rebuilt Yachts – Seawolf
Sailing Yachts, 40m and Above – Katana
Judges’ Commendations
Rebuilt Yachts – Ursus
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 35m to 39.9m – Lalabe
Displacement Motor Yachts, 1,500GT to 2,499GT – Pangea
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