World Superyacht Awards 2012 Highlights the Best Amongst the Superyachts

The economic uncertainty and stagnation plaguing the major economies of the world has had practically no effect on the yacht industry, particularly the high end superyacht segment. No wonder, a total of 262 super yachts worth US $3.5 billion were sold across the world last year. One of the stunning vessels with breathtaking design and cutting edge technology cost as much as $300 million. Earlier this month Istanbul hosted the World Superyacht Awards which is considered the Oscars of the luxury boating scene. The prestigious awards judge both motor and sail yachts in various categories. Superyacht owners and experts from the industry form the panel of judges. Çırağan Palace Kempinski hotel was the venue of the grand awards event where each winner was given a King Neptune statuette, custom-made by Baccarat. We have brought together the major award winning vessels here for you.

Motor Yacht of the Year &

DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT OF 1,300GT TO 2,999GT

M/Y Tango:

Made by Feadship, the structural and naval architecture has been provided by De Voogt NA. Eidsgaard Design was responsible for both exterior styling and interior design. It was considered the most comprehensive superyacht as it has an elegant appearance combined with premier engineering and construction. The layout and the interiors are one of the most distinguished and comfortable. Its four powerful engines manage to achieve top speeds of 21 knots. A full-beam main lounge, a sun deck with Jacuzzi, a spa deck complete with gym, massage salon and contra-flow pool are some of the highlights of the Tango. It also boasts of a 30 feet tender built by EYOS Tenders, Compass Tenders and Edmiston.

DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT 3000GT AND ABOVE
M/Y Serene:
Serene is listed as the ninth largest yacht in the world and was the only entry in this category this year. Yuri Scheffler, CEO of Moscow-based firm, Soyuzplodimport currently owns the $330 million superyacht. The seven deck yacht with 48,439 sq. feet of covered space is considered one of the most technically advanced superyachts ever constructed. Built by Fincantieri Yachts, the exterior styling has been done by Espen Øino International and the interiors have been done by Reymond Langton Design. Two helicopter landing pads and a saltwater pool are some of the highlights of Serene.

JUDGES’ SPECIAL AWARD – INTERIOR DESIGN WITH THE WIDEST APPEAL

M/Y Numptia:

The interiors of the yacht have been done by Salvagni Architects. Interior walls, ceilings and floors of Numptia are adorned with gently curved whitewashed teak. Hand-woven oriental carpets and architect-designed exterior furnishings are not only unique but very appealing. Spa deck, complete with sauna, Turkish bath, gym, massage area and hair salon is the most popular with the guests. Glass elevator, custom made swimming pool and the helicopter pad are the other highlights of the most elegant yacht.

DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT OF 500GT TO 1,299GT

M/Y Kaiser:

The yacht with an all-steel hull has an aluminum superstructure. Kaiser is a great example of German engineering. Built by Abeking & Rasmussen the interiors have been designed by Bannenberg & Rowell Design. The interiors possess a very Germanic combination of timbers, metal inlay panels, detailed marquetry and tile. The 60 meter yacht achieves a top speed of 16 knots.

DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT OF BELOW 500GT

M/Y Helix:

The four deck yacht is not even one year old. It belongs to the F45 Vantage custom yacht series being made by Feadship. One thing unique about the yacht is that it has the master and guest cabins on the main deck which allows every room excellent views. The interiors which are nautically themed have been done by Sinot Design.

THREE DECK SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHTS

M/Y Satori:

Satori has been built to very high standards in all areas. It is very stylish and fit in very well in a James bond movie. Exotic materials like chiseled glass, palladium leaf ceilings and LED-backlit onyx surfaces have been used liberally and give the yacht a sophisticated look. It is one of the fastest yacht in its size and category. It has been built by Heesen Yachts.

TWO DECK & OPEN SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHTS

M/Y Shooting Star:

The panel of judges believed that the Shooting Star is a well rounded performance yacht with an attractive interior and high quality construction. The carbon fiber hull makes the yacht very light and its two powerful jet drives make it the fastest in its class. Made by Danish Yachts the Scandinavian styling is evident throughout. The yacht has a 11.5 feet Williams Jet Tender to reaffirm the name Shooting Star.

RAISED PILOTHOUSE SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHTS

M/Y Aurelia:

Aurelia’s design and color scheme seems to be inspired by automobile racing. Bannenberg & Rowell have persisted with the theme. Gulf Oil company’s racing team colors bright orange and blue have been painted on the exterior. The guest cabins are inspired by race car designers Ugo Zagato (Aston Martin green), Nuccio Bertone (Lamborghini orange) and Battista “Pinin” Farina (Ferrari red). The yacht capable of a top speed of 30 knots has been built by Heesen Yachts.

SAILING YACHT OF THE YEAR &

SAILING YACHT IN 40M+ SIZE RANGE

S/Y Vertigo:

The sailing yacht scored because of its stylish exterior lines and high quality construction. The award winning yacht provides the optimum balance between performance sailing and world cruising. The ketch-rigged aluminum alloy fly bridge super yacht has been designed for extended cruising. Oak, walnut, stainless steel and leather have been used extensively to give it a modern and contemporary interior including a high tech classroom. It took seven years and 800,000 man hours for Alloy Yacht to build this vessel.

JUDGES’ SPECIAL AWARD – A NOTABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT OF SAILING SUPERYACHTS

S/Y Hetairos:

The over 60 meters ketch rigged yacht has been built by Baltic Yachts. The interior design of Hetairos has been inspired by the colonial-style Raffles Hotel in Singapore. This super light yacht has been made from prepreg carbon skins over a Corecell and Nomex core. Even in interiors the lightest possible materials like hardwood veneers layers atop carbon foam/fiber and honeycomb cores have been used.

SAILING YACHT 30M – 40M SIZE RANGE

S/Y Antares III:

Antares III promises good sailing performance with a calm, understated interior. The sailing yacht can be managed with just three crew members. The high tech superyacht is sloop rigged. A hull made of composite material and carbon fiber rigging makes it much lighter than aluminum vessels of the same size. Yachting Developments have made this 30 meter yacht.

 Via: gizmag