Shortlist for 2022 Boat Builder Awards

A total of 21 companies from 11 countries named as potential winners for this year’s Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement 2021 which is jointly organized by IBI and METSTRADE.

The awards celebrate and reward the outstanding business achievements of individuals and teams across key areas in the worldwide leisure boat and superyacht builders. Recognizing the still difficult trading conditions of this past year, the 2021 event focuses on innovation, collaboration, environment, and marketing.

The nominees were selected by an international panel of judges from more than 100 entries following a preliminary assessment process and two appraisal rounds. In addition to the shortlisted companies, the judges have also selected a Rising Star, for boat builder industry professionals up to age 35, plus an inspirational Lifetime Achievement nominee who will join notable past winners of this prestigious award.

The Boat Builder Awards ceremony will be held during 2021 METSTRADE at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre on November 17.

Chair of the judging panel and IBI Editor, Ed Slack, commented: “Given what it has faced in recent times, boatbuilders and shipyards across the world might have been forgiven for suspending innovative development, collaborative creativity, and environmental improvement. However, the evidence from this year’s Boat Builder Awards suggests that these areas all continue to be priorities across the industry.

“The judges were considerably challenged to decide on final winners, due to the quality and diversity of products and initiatives. It’s been incredibly encouraging to see the progress made during this past year and we’re looking forward to the opportunity of celebrating this success at our awards ceremony in November.”

METSTRADE director Niels Klarenbeek adds: “The boat builder community is a vital part of the METSTRADE audience. We’ve been particularly pleased in recent years to enhance that relationship by highlighting the very best achievements in this sector through the Boat Builder Awards.”

SHORTLISTED ENTRIES:

Collaborative Solution between Boat or Superyacht Builder and its Supply Chain Partner – Sponsored by Ultraflex:
• Azimut | Benetti integrated SCR exhaust systems – Azimut | Benetti Group, Mive Eco and Hug Engineering
• Benetti B.Yond hybrid power system and emission reduction filters – Benetti Yachts, Siemens and MAN
• Blu Emme Evo V8 deck equipment – Evo Yachts by Blu Emme Yachts and Besenzoni Excess 15 hybrid power system
• Excess Catamarans, Torqeedo and ZF
• Spirit 44CR(e) integrated solar panels – Spirit Yachts, Solbian and Sailectron

Innovative On-Board Design Solution – for boat builder and shipyard companies or boat design companies nominating a specific yacht solution – Sponsored by Fusion Entertainment:

• Azimut Grande Trideck – Azimut Yachts
• Benetti Oasis Deck® – Benetti Yachts
• Candela C-7 and C-8 hydrofoils – Candela Technology
• Sunseeker 65 Sport Yacht SkyHelm™ – Sunseeker International

Environmental Initiative – for boat builder and shipyard companies – Sponsored by Confindustria Nautica:

• Beluga 3D printed sailing boat – Caracol
• Zero-waste to landfill initiatives – Brunswick Corporation
• Sunreef Yachts Eco – Sunreef Yachts
• Use of DANU recyclable composites – The Ultimate Boat Company

Retail Marketing Initiative – for boat builder and shipyard companies – Sponsored by Kohler:

• The Princess Experience series – Princess Yachts
• Ferretti Your Private Island campaign – Ferretti Yachts
• Majesty 175 launch campaign – Gulf Craft

Rising Star – Sponsored by Lumishore:

This category celebrates those aged 35 or under, working for a boat builder, who have been making a growing impact on any aspect of their business. The judges will select a winner from a strong field of candidates, to be announced on the evening.

Lifetime Achievement – Sponsored by Sleipner:
The awards evening culminates with the much-anticipated Lifetime Achievement Award, presented in the previous six years to Paolo Vitelli of Azimut Benetti, Robert Braithwaite, CBE of Sunseeker International, David King of Princess Yachts, Annette Roux of Groupe Beneteau, T. Healey Sr. and William J. Healey of Viking Yachts and Christoph Rassy of Hallberg-Rassy.

2022 METSTRADE: https://www.metstrade.com/

About the Boat Builder Awards
The IBI-METSTRADE Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement is jointly organised by METSTRADE, the world’s leading platform for professionals in the leisure marine equipment industry with its flagship Marine Equipment Trade Show, and International Boat Industry magazine (IBI).

METSTRADE is the world’s largest trade exhibition of equipment, materials and systems for the international leisure marine industry. It is owned and organised by RAI Amsterdam in association with ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations).