The Superyacht Design Festival ceremony in Kitzbuhel crowned the year’s standout yachts, from bold explorers to hydrogen powered flagships.
Superyachts sit at the outer edge of what is possible on the water. Their design is not about excess, but imagination, problem-solving, and craft at scale. Looking at the BOAT Design and Innovation Awards is a chance to step inside that world and draw inspiration from where the industry dares to go next.
The BOAT Design and Innovation Awards 2026 winners were announced at the Superyacht Design Festival in Kitzbühel, bringing together the global superyacht community to recognise the year’s most accomplished work in yacht design, naval architecture, and technical innovation. The awards celebrate excellence across the full spectrum of yacht building, from compact series models and high performance sailing yachts to 100 metre plus flagships pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the water.
One of the most decorated yachts of the night was Lalabe, the 35.1 metre custom motor yacht built by Van der Valk Shipyard. Lalabe collected three major awards, winning outstanding exterior design in the 24m to 39.9m motor yacht category, best interior design for motor yachts 499GT and below, and best naval architecture for semi displacement or planing motor yachts. Judges praised the yacht for delivering exceptional volume, refined proportions, and highly efficient engineering within a compact footprint.
Cantiere delle Marche’s 46.71 metre motor yacht RJ was another standout, securing awards for outstanding exterior design in the 40m to 49.9m category and best interior design for motor yachts 1000GT and below, 40m and above. Judges highlighted the yacht’s logical deck arrangement, balanced explorer profile, and imaginative yet liveable interior, which blends soft minimalism with sculptural detailing.
At the top end of the size spectrum, Pi, the 100 metre Feadship, won outstanding exterior design for motor yachts 70m and above. The judges commended the yacht’s restrained proportions, elegant curvature, and seamless glazing, noting how the design maintains a calm and human presence despite its scale. Another Feadship, the 118.8 metre Breakthrough, took best interior design for motor yachts 1000GT and above and also secured the Eco and Innovation Award. Breakthrough was recognised for pioneering hydrogen fuel cell propulsion and for integrating this complex technology into a coherent, highly liveable yacht.
The sailing yacht categories also delivered clear winners. Wallywind110 claimed outstanding exterior design for sailing yachts, with judges praising its clean lines, flexible cockpit layout, and ability to shift seamlessly between cruising and racing modes. Best interior design for sailing yachts went to Katana, the 60 metre Perini Navi, whose Japanese inspired interior was described as serene, organic, and beautifully executed. Best naval architecture for sailing yachts was awarded to Aquarius, the 65 metre Royal Huisman, recognised for combining classic looks with serious sailing performance.
The Best New Series award went to the Ferretti Yachts 800, a sub 25 metre motor yacht praised for delivering strong usability, flexible layouts, and broad market appeal. Judges described it as a well conceived and well executed entry point into the superyacht sector.
Lifestyle and tender categories further underlined the breadth of the awards. Majesty 100 Terrace won outstanding lifestyle feature for its private forward deck terrace. Tender awards went to the Tender to Pi for limousine tender of the year and Impetus Open for open tender of the year, with Faith Limousine Tender receiving a judges’ commendation.
“It is truly a breakthrough,” one judge remarked.
The ceremony also recognised individual achievement, with Andrew Winch receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and Finn Lortan named Young Designer of the Year.
