THE WORLD SUPERYACHT AWARDS
Inside the 2024 edition in Venice
With the 19th edition of the World Superyacht Awards wrapping up on 4 May, BOAT reflects on another successful year in the floating city of Venice...
The World Superyacht Awards returned to the city of Venice, Italy, on 3-4 May 2024 and brought together all of the key players of the superyacht sector. Often referred to as the "Oscars of the superyacht industry”, the two-day event saw owners, builders, designers and distinguished guests gather to celebrate the most remarkable superyachts launched over the past year.
The awards were held in association with Acquera Club and The Glenrothes. Acquera Club is headquartered in Venice and helped showcase the wonders of the floating city, while The Glenrothes showcased its yachting industry whisky decanter Philos during the gala dinner. The event was also held in partnership with Oliveri, Picchiotti, Admiral, Perini Navi, Tecnomar, NCA Refit, Benetti, Golden Yachts, Ocean Alexander, Pendennis, KRM Yacht, Amels, Custom Line and Dunya Yachts, and supported by the City of Venice, Contini Art Gallery, Sirena Superyachts and Cipriani.
The Welcome Cocktail
The first evening set the tone with the Welcome Cocktail at the historic Palazzo Pisani Moretta. This 15th-century palace, renowned for hosting one of the most important balls during the Carnival of Venice, provided a picture-perfect backdrop for the evening's festivities.
The Welcome Cocktail
The first evening set the tone with the Welcome Cocktail at the historic Palazzo Pisani Moretta. This 15th-century palace, renowned for hosting the one of the most important balls during the Carnival of Venice, provided a picture-perfect backdrop for the evening's festivities.
As canapés and drinks circulated throughout the evening, guests were entertained by a harpist, violinist and pianist, and characters in traditional Venetian costume. The Glenrothes provided two whisky cocktails for the evening.
The judges' programme
The World Superyacht Awards judges were treated to an excursion to the islands of Murano and Burano, beginning with welcome drinks accompanied by fine wine. In Burano, the judges visited a lace and stitching museum, where they observed a skilled artisan working on intricate designs.
The judges' programme
The World Superyacht Awards judges were treated to an excursion to the islands of Murano and Burano, beginning with welcome drinks accompanied by fine wine. In Burano, the judges visited a lace and stitching museum, where they observed a skilled artisan working on intricate designs.
The journey continued to Murano, famous for its glassmaking heritage, where the judges witnessed a live glassblowing demonstration at renowned glass factory, Vetreria Venier. The Glenrothes then hosted an exclusive whisky tasting, followed by a light seafood lunch.
The Cultural Programme
Guests had the opportunity to visit the Contini Art Gallery for an exhibition about the works of Valencian artist Manolo Valdés. With over 40 years of activity, the gallery is a recognised landmark for artists and collectors worldwide, showcasing some of the most prestigious names in modern and contemporary art.
The Cultural Programme
Guests had the opportunity to visit the Contini Art Gallery for an exhibition about the works of Valencian artist Manolo Valdés. With over 40 years of activity, the gallery is a recognised landmark for artists and collectors worldwide, showcasing some of the most prestigious names in modern and contemporary art.
The Gala Dinner
By special arrangement with the Mayor of Venice, the awards and gala dinner took place at the historic Arsenale di Venezia, the former heart of Venetian shipbuilding. Judges arrived first to see The Glenrothes Philos decanter in action. The remainder of the guests arrived by boat and drinks including the classic Venetian peach Bellini by Cipriani were served on the waterfront as the sun set over the 12th century shipyard. Trumpeters then announced the beginning of the dinner.
The Glenrothes demonstrates Philos, a unique whisky decanter.
The Glenrothes demonstrates Philos, a unique whisky decanter.
Guests from the Italian Sea Group pose for a photo
Guests from the Italian Sea Group pose for a photo
Dan Lenard and Carlo Nuvolari
Dan Lenard and Carlo Nuvolari
Aline Matsika, Kim Schindelhauer and Johannes Holzmeister
Aline Matsika, Kim Schindelhauer and Johannes Holzmeister
The evening commenced with a speech by BOAT International’s CEO Toby Moore, who introduced the YOTS Foundation (Yachting Opportunities Training & Skills), a new charity designed to provide young people with opportunities in the yachting sector.
Just under 500 guests were seated for dinner, which was catered by Cipriani and included the traditional Carpaccio a la Cipriani and famous vanilla meringue cake. Wine was provided by Antinori.
The Awards Ceremony
Following dinner, the 30-piece orchestra Symphonika performed, setting the stage for the awards ceremony. The awards saw 65.7-metre Alchemy announced as Motor Yacht of the Year, while 59.7-metre Sarissa won Sailing Yacht of the Year and Paola Trifirò took home the Legacy Award. This year, the judges deemed the standard of classic yacht rebuilds so high that a new category, Classic Rebuilt Yachts, was introduced.
The Awards Ceremony
Following dinner, the 30-piece orchestra Symphonika performed, setting the stage for the awards ceremony. The awards saw 65.7-metre Alchemy announced as Motor Yacht of the Year, while 59.7-metre Sarissa won Sailing Yacht of the Year and Paola Trifirò took home the Legacy Award. This year, the judges deemed the standard of classic yacht rebuilds so high that a new category, Classic Rebuilt Yachts, was introduced, which had two nominations.
BOAT CEO Toby Moore delivers the opening speech
BOAT CEO Toby Moore delivers the opening speech
The team behind Motor Yacht of the Year Alchemy alongside category sponsor Acquera Club
The team behind Motor Yacht of the Year Alchemy alongside category sponsor Acquera Club
A Custom Line model on display during the ceremony
A Custom Line model on display during the ceremony
Ferretti Group's Giordano Pellacani
Ferretti Group's Giordano Pellacani
The team behind Lürssen award-winning superyacht Carinthia VII, alongside category sponsor KRM
The team behind Lürssen award-winning superyacht Carinthia VII, alongside category sponsor KRM
Paola Trifirò wins Lifetime Achievement Award
Paola Trifirò wins Lifetime Achievement Award
BOAT CEO Toby Moore
BOAT CEO Toby Moore
Salvatori Trifirò and Kathleen Brown
Salvatori Trifirò and Kathleen Brown
The team behind Sailing Yacht of the Year winner Sarissa, alongside category sponsor The Glenrothes
The team behind Sailing Yacht of the Year winner Sarissa, alongside category sponsor The Glenrothes
Acquera Club CEO Stefano Tositti
Acquera Club CEO Stefano Tositti
You can watch our WSA highlights video here. The complete list of winners can also be found on the BOAT International website.
Nominations for 2025 World Superyacht Awards are now open. Find out more here.
For more information about the World Superyacht Awards, please contact the BOAT International events team.