Charter Yachts Make Up Majority Of The Winners At The World Superyacht Awards 2016

By Oliver Pearson 16 May 2016

Held at the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, this year’s World Superyacht Awards were dominated by a number of yachts available for charter. Indeed, making up more than two thirds of the winners, charter yachts took first place across a range of prestigious categories.

Opened by the Opera di Firenze and hosted by the popular Spanish actress and spokeswoman, Ines Sastre, the World Superyacht Awards brought out a particularly discerning crowd in Italy on Saturday May 14th.

A wholly formal affair, the surrounding tables were full of gentlemen in black tie and women in sleek outfits- no doubt the most appropriate dress code for a night spent awarding the very best superyachts on the water.

Perhaps the nicest surprise of the evening, however, was the number of charter yachts found on the long list of winners. Indeed, from awards for rebuilds to awards for design to awards for yachts over 2,999GT, it was those available for charter which took first place.

Made up of superyachts owners and a presiding chairman, we take a look at some the yachts which clearly impressed this year’s perceptive panel.

Master suite onboard motor yacht SAVANNAH

1. SAVANNAH

No doubt one of, if not the delivery of 2015, the 84m/274ft motor yacht SAVANNAH collected first place in the category for best displacement motor yacht between 1,300GT and 2,999GT.

Whilst being built by Feadship and designed in collaboration with CG Design would be enough to get everyone talking as it is, the yacht’s hybrid propulsion system has been the centre of many discussions since the news first broke.

Highly sophisticated, the revolutionary system provides the captain with a number of combinations which allow him to perform in a wholly economical capacity. The ‘maneuvering mode’, for example, switches off the main engine and generators to conserve fuel and reduce emissions whilst in port.

It’s not all function, however- the bold, masculine lines which comprise her exterior and the minimal flourishes which define her interior are certain to ensure an enduring place for SAVANNAH in the superyachting world.

Motor yacht SYMPHONY underway/Ariel shot

2. SYMPHONY

Another outstanding delivery from Feadship last year, the 102m/333ft superyacht SYMPHONY is every inch the deserving award-winner.

Topping the list for best displacement yacht over 2,999GT, the judges were reportedly led to their decision due to the lasting impression made by the artful division of her interior spaces as well as her sharp exterior lines.

This accolade should come as no surprise to those familiar with the work of the equally decorated Tim Heywood, a veritable authority on the design of larger superyachts.

3. MALAHNE

Following an informative chat with a representative for Pendennis at this year’s London Yacht, Jet & Prestige Car Show, we can say personally that the rebuild award handed to the 50m/164ft motor yacht MALAHNE could not have been better earned.

An ambitious project, the rebuild remained faithful to the layout and dedicated spaces which came about with the yacht’s original delivery in 1937.

Such fidelity to her original design hasn’t been overwritten during her recent work, and there are plenty of subtle touches which reveal her impressive beginnings. Indeed, whilst the work has assuredly gifted her with a vastly improved performance, her character hasn’t diminished whatsoever.

Offering the rare opportunity of enjoying a classic ambience as well as the perks of a modern motor yacht, MALAHNE is certain to be a popular choice amongst charterers both now and in the future.

4. MIRAGE

Following the minor refit she underwent in 2007, the 53m/174ft motor yacht MIRAGE received a more recent and comprehensive upgrade, a process which has ultimately earned her the title of ‘best refitted yacht’ at this year’s awards.

Carried out in Spain over the course of three years, the work refined a number of her technical issues as well as treating all areas- both public and private- to a sophisticated and contemporary new look.

The most recent addition to the immaculate vessel is a jacuzzi located on the upper sundeck- a perfectly situated feature which affords both panoramic views and privacy.

Having visited her in Antigua last year, we will be publishing a comprehensive review of her in the near future.

In order to find out more about any of the winning or shortlisted yachts at this year’s World Superyacht Awards, please get in touch with your preferred charter broker.