Shortlist announced for IBI METSTRADE Boat Builder Awards 2024
Final decisions were made by an international panel of 10 subject matter experts from an initial selection of 97 entries across 11 categories. The judges shortlisted 31 companies and identified the professionals who will receive this year’s Lifetime Achievement, Rising Star and Designer of the Year awards. Winners will be revealed during a special 10th anniversary Boat Builder Awards dinner at Amsterdam’s historic Maritime Museum on Wednesday, 20 November.
Recognising excellence in the global marine industry
The Boat Builder Awards are jointly organised by IBI and METSTRADE in association with long-standing headline sponsor Raymarine. The awards highlight key sector priorities, including innovation, collaboration, sustainability, people, skills and marketing to wider audiences and uniquely reward the outstanding business achievements of individuals and teams working across the worldwide leisure boat and superyacht sector.
Reflections from the judging panel
Chair of the judging panel and IBI Editor, Ed Slack, commented: “The IBI METSTRADE Boat Builder Awards remains a unique event in the calendar, given its focus on the essential components of business. Looking back over the winners, you can see how boat and superyacht constructors and their partners have risen to the seismic opportunities and challenges of this past decade with great energy and ingenuity. We’ve been inspired by headline examples of those who have driven progress over many years and encouraged by the incredible talents and abilities of younger generations. Having assessed the entries for this year we can promise once again a night of celebrating the great strength of manufacturers large and small, as well as the individuals and teams who make it all happen.”
METSTRADE as a trusted platform
METSTRADE director Niels Klarenbeek adds: “METSTRADE is an unrivalled hub for the thousands of visitors and exhibitors who work in the global yacht construction industry, as well as those supplying equipment and materials. Partnering with IBI and title sponsor Raymarine, our vision to celebrate the often-overlooked efforts of those driving our sector has grown into a major annual event.. Our congratulations to the 31 shortlisted companies. We look forward to welcoming them, alongside many of the industry leaders, to our special celebration dinner at the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam on 20th November.”
Raymarine's enduring sponsorship
Raymarine has been at the heart of the Boat Builder Awards as invaluable headline sponsor since inception. Grégoire Outters, Raymarine’s General Manager, comments: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate our 10th year as the title sponsor of these prestigious awards, which continue to set the standard for excellence in the marine industry. Our long-standing partnership reflects our commitment to fostering innovation and developing reliable products for boat builders worldwide. I would like to thank the teams at IBI and METSTRADE for their dedication over the last decade in creating an event that has become a highlight of the year for us all.”
Boat Builder Awards 2024 shortlist
Breakthrough Launch of the Year
Sponsored by HP Watermakers
Azimut Yachts – Seadeck Series yachts
Pearl Yachts – Pearl 82
Sunseeker International – Ocean 156
Innovative Design Solution
Sponsored by Fusion
Azimut Yachts – Fly 62 Beach Cockpit
B-Craft – Akoya
Faro Boats – Powerdock
WiderCat – WiderCat 92
Collaborative Solution between a Builder and its Supply Chain Partner
Azimut and Volvo Penta –IPS Drive hybrid system
Cantiere del Pardo and NLComp – The Blue Project
Sanlorenzo and Siemens Reformer – green methanol to hydrogen fuel cell system
Zerojet and Prestol Composites – Spark Boat electric tender
Retail Marketing Initiative
Brunswick EU Venture Group – rapid response digital campaign
Manitou by BRP – Kirk Cousins Campaign
Simpson Marine Group – marketing initiatives
Sustainability Project of the Year
Sponsored by ePropulsion
Beneteau Group – Island Cruising Concept
ICOMIA – Propelling Our Future initiative
Sunreef Yachts – structural foam from recycled PET bottles
Williams Jet Tenders – sustainability programme
Eco-focused Boat of the Year – under 10m LOA
De Antonio Yachts – E23
IMPACD Boats – IMPACD 680
Riva – El-Iseo
Eco-focused Boat of the Year – over 10m LOA
Sponsored by JL Audio
Beneteau Group – Island Cruising Concept
Hanse Yachts – Hanse 410
Greenline Yachts – Greenline 58
People and Skills Development
Marine and Specialised Training Academy (MAST)
Riviera Australia – Academy of Excellence
Williams Jet Tenders – apprenticeship scheme
Designer of the Year
(no shortlist, winner announced on the night)
Rising Star
Sponsored by Lumishore
This category celebrates those aged 35 or under, working for a boat builder, making a growing impact on any aspect of their business. The judges’ pick of the global industry’s young talent will be revealed on the evening.
Lifetime Achievement
Sponsored by Sleipner
The awards evening culminates with the much-anticipated Lifetime Achievement Award, presented in the previous eight years to:
- Paolo Vitelli – Azimut Benetti
- Robert Braithwaite, CBE – Sunseeker International
- David King – Princess Yachts
- Annette Roux – Beneteau Group
- Robert T Healey Sr and William J Healey – Viking Yachts
- Christoph Rassy – Hallberg-Rassy
- Leon Slikkers – Slickcraft, S2, Tiara and Pursuit
- John Lu – Horizon Yachts
- Massimo Perotti – Sanlorenzo
Secure your spot at the exclusive 2024 Boat Builder Awards celebration!
Save the date – Wednesday, 20 November – for the 10th anniversary of the 2024 Boat Builder Awards! This prestigious celebration of achievement will take place at Amsterdam’s National Maritime Museum, offering a historic and atmospheric setting that honours the maritime heritage of centuries while highlighting the best of the future.
New for 2024, your business can become a Boat Builder Awards Table Partner, hosting 10 guests for an unforgettable evening. Or you can opt to be a Half Table Partner with five places. It’s the perfect way to network and socialise with and clients and colleagues without the hassle of organising an evening out.
Individual seats are also available, but space is limited and sells out quickly. Secure your place at Amsterdam’s top event now, visit https://www.ibinews.com/bba2024/tickets.
Looking for greater brand visibility to an engaged global audience of industry professionals? Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available, providing exposure in the core areas of the METSTRADE show, across all METSTRADE and IBI media channels, through wider media, as well as on the evening itself.
