The fifth edition of the Boat Builder Awards at Metstrade honored eight companies and three individuals. The awards were held on Tuesday night at the National Maritime Museum, with more than 350 guests in attendance. The evening included the awards ceremony, Cirque de Soleil-style gymnasts and singers.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Bill and Bob Healey of Viking Yachts, while the Rising Stars award went to Angela Pernsteiner from Dominator Yachts and Riviera Australia’s Kyle Davison.
The other eight categories received 82 nominations this year.
The Retail Marketing Initiative, sponsored by Glomex, was awarded to the Ferretti Group for its Riva-branded lounges and decks in Venice, Monte Carlo, Palm Beach and Paris. The lounges are set on scenic waterfronts and have specially designed Riva furniture and decoration.
Galeon won the International Dealer and Distribution Development award for its regional expansion plans that regional growth of its distribution channels by 30 percent last year.
Marquis Yachts and Toyota Motor Corp. won the Collaborative Solution Between a Production Boatbuilder and its Supply Chain Partner for its recently launched LY 650.
The Collaborative Solution Between a Superyacht Builder and its Supply Chain Partner was awarded to Rondal, Comm&Sens and Gurit for their load-sensing rudder on the Royal Huisman sailing yacht.
The Innovative Onboard Design Solution was present to Benetti for the advanced hybrid system on the 328-ft. FB272.
Grand Banks’ use of a robotic 8-axis mill was given the award for Innovation in a Production Process.
The Environmental Initiative was awarded to Spirit Yachts for its environmental efforts with its recently launched 111-foot yacht as well as with manufacturing and business processes.
The Best Apprenticeship or Training Scheme went to U.K. builder Princess Yachts.
