Shortlist for DAME Design Award 2023

The international jury for the 2023 DAME Design Awards has nominated 53 products from 19 countries across four continents to enter the final rounds of judgement for the 32nd edition. The contest occurs at METSTRADE, which is the world’s largest trade exhibition for the global leisure marine industry. METSTRADE 2023 is on November 15-17 at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam, celebrating its 35th anniversary.

A jury of eight leading design and user experts narrowed the field from the 100 submissions and now will select the winners in eight specific categories. Additionally, one of those winners will go on to be named as the recipient of the overall DAME Award. Winners will be announced November 15.

“We knew right from the start of the judging process that many of this year’s entries had notable design qualities and that was subsequently reflected in the high ratio of nominations. A good number of these are in close contention to win their categories,” observed Andre Hoek, chair of the DAME jury.

“The complexity of many products continues to grow, and the rise of electrification and digital control is providing obvious impetus for many new developments. However, the DAME Awards continues to remind the global marine equipment sector that applying all facets of good design practice will benefit any product, large or small, simple or intricate.”

To view the nominated products: damedesignawards.com/nominees

DAME categories
The DAME Categories are all completely new for this year, with revised focus on a product’s purpose and application to assist judging. The category headings are followed by a brief explanation illustrating where a boat user or marine industry professional might encounter the products being entered:

Personal equipment
If I was going on a charter, had a boat share arrangement, went boating with a friend or have my own boat, what would my personal kit be?

Comfort & entertainment afloat
If I don’t want to go boating in a bare hull, what kinds of equipment am I likely to need to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of all afloat?

Navigation & communication
If I was on the helm of a boat or bridge of a superyacht, what electronics and other equipment would I use to control and safely navigate it?

Electronic & electrical systems
If I need electrical power anywhere in the boat or to make networkable devices speak to each other, what systems and equipment would I use?

Propulsion & dynamics
If I want to move, steer, stabilize and trim the boat, what machinery and systems will I use?

Deck equipment
If I am sailing, mooring, anchoring and using the outdoor spaces on my boat, what hardware and equipment will I use?

Security & safety aboard
What is the equipment aboard that serves specifically to keep my boat secure, safe and capable of dealing with emergencies afloat?

Shoreside equipment & materials
What are all the items of off-vessel equipment, hardware, materials and software that help to construct and then support my boat from cradle to grave?

The Jury will additionally name a product from among the field of DAME nominations as a Environmental Design Award winner if it finds an exemplar product that is well designed and has clear and obvious merit.