The Genoa International Boat Show’s Design Innovation Awards are charting the course for excellence and innovation in the yachting industry, spotlighting cutting-edge products and fostering a sustainable future.
The Genoa International Boat Show, a prominent event in the world of yachting and maritime enthusiasts, returns with its 63rd edition from September 21st to 26th, 2023. This annual spectacle offers a global stage for industry leaders, technology pioneers, and maritime enthusiasts to converge, compare, and set the course for the future of yachting.
One of the show’s most illustrious highlights is the Design Innovation Awards, established in 2020 by the Italian Marine Industry Association and I Saloni Nautici. This prestigious accolade aims to champion excellence within the yachting industry and propel innovation by spotlighting exhibitors and their cutting-edge products. It’s a celebration of design, research, innovation, and sustainability that highlights the industry’s best and brightest.
The Design Innovation Award brings together a diverse panel of national and international experts from various sectors, including professional designers, industry journalists, academics, shipowners, and representatives of industry bodies and institutions. This eclectic mix of jurors ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the entries, with a focus on cross-sector perspectives.
To be eligible for consideration, participants must be exhibitors at the Genoa International Boat Show, operating within specific categories defined by the Award, and in compliance with all necessary payments as per the Participation Terms for the Boat Show. The products themselves must be new, either a groundbreaking innovation or a significant reinterpretation of an existing product introduced within the previous year.
The Award’s independent Jury, comprising five to seven distinguished experts, each selected for their qualifications in boating, design, culture, or journalism, operates autonomously to maintain the integrity of their decisions. The President of the Jury, appointed by the Steering Committee, oversees the process, ensuring a fair and impartial evaluation.
The selection criteria for winning products are stringent and demand exceptional design, functionality, sustainability, and a harmonious relationship between form and function. These criteria seek to encourage improvements in design and production that respect the environment while pushing the boundaries of innovation within the industry.
The Design Innovation Award features ten distinct categories, encompassing sailing and motorboats of varying lengths, superyachts, RIBs, multihulls, boating equipment and components, and on-board electronics and software. Additionally, three unique categories recognize outstanding contributions in different ways, from exceptional innovation to lifelong dedication to the industry and recognition of emerging talent.
For this year’s edition, Maria Porro, president of Salon del Mobile.Milano headed the jury as president. The culmination of the Genoa International Boat Show’s Design Innovation Awards revealed the exceptional victors who have set new standards in the yachting industry. Here are a few of the standout winners:
In the category of Sailing or Motor Boats up to 10m LH, Lilybaeum Yacht Srl’s LEVANZO 25 emerges as the winner, celebrated for its ability to offer remarkably spacious interiors within its size, coupled with meticulous execution and finishes.
Jeanneau’s JEANNEAU YACHTS 55 takes center stage in the Sailing Boats over 14m LH category. It impresses with its original layout, allowing flexible use of spaces, all achieved with an effectively industrialized product.
Frauscher’s FRAUSCHER 1212 GHOST AIR stands out among Motorboats up to 14m LH. It receives accolades for its personal and captivating interpretation of the day-cruiser, masterfully realized through exceptional material and finish choices.
Azimut’s MAGELLANO 60 takes top honors in the Motorboats over 14m LH category. Its dual-use hull optimizes fuel consumption and reduces emissions, while its living solutions prioritize quality of life on board.
In the Superyacht category over 24m LH, Sanlorenzo’s SX100 is recognized for its original layout, continued innovation in outdoor communication solutions, and an exceptional level of quality.
Prestige’s PRESTIGE M8 shines in the Multihulls category, offering an original take on the multihull concept that delivers both comfortable spaces and seaworthiness.
Honda Motor Europe Ltd. Italy’s BF350 takes the spotlight in the Boating Equipment and Components category. It distinguishes itself with advanced electronic and mechanical solutions that optimize engine efficiency and performance.
