International Boat Industry magazine yesterday during Metstrade announced the winners of its annual Boat Builder Awards. An international panel of seven judges assessed 68 entries across six categories to determine this year’s winners.
The awards recognize developments in key priorities across the global marine sector, including innovation, collaboration, sustainability and skills.
“It’s clear from this year’s entries that there is an industrywide acceleration towards greater levels of product development,” IBI editor-in-chief and chair of the judges Ed Slack said in a statement. “Startup manufacturers are entering the arena, while major players are innovating current and new ranges to address emerging market trends. In parallel, we’re seeing evidence of much more complex approaches to sustainability now involving new technologies and partners. This is enabling companies to move beyond easier initial improvements in environmental impact.”
The Boat Builder Award winners are:
• Breakthrough Launch of the Year: X-Yachts, XR 41
• Innovative Design Solution: MODX Catamarans, MODX 70
• Collaborative Solution Between a Builder and its Supply Chain Partner: Starcraft, with Uflex USA, Axium Group, Rollie Williams and Williamsburg Marine; Starcraft ’57 Ski Champ
• Sustainability Project of the Year: Groupe Beneteau, with Veolia, Composite Recycling, Arkema, Owens Corning and Chomarat; circular economy model for composite manufacturing
• Rising Star: Kevin Fehrenbach, industrial designer, Brunswick Boat Group, and Vittorio Bichurcher, general manager, Navan Boats
• Lifetime Achievement: Johan and Britt-Marie Carpelan, co-founders of Targa Boats
A complete list of winners and finalists, with judges’ comments, is available here.
The Boat Builder Awards are jointly organized by IBI and Metstrade, and held in association with Raymarine. Metstrade concludes today.
