The Boat International World Superyacht Awards 2026 returned to Venice in spectacular fashion, celebrating not just the finest yachts delivered this year, but the stories, ambition, and human creativity behind them. The awards honour vessels – delivered in the previous year – that push the boundaries of design, engineering, and experience – driven by vision and craftsmanship.
At the heart of the night was Feadship’s Breakthrough, awarded Motor Yacht of the Year. This 118.8-metre giant stands as a symbol of where the industry is heading, incorporating cutting-edge propulsion concepts – including hydrogen fuel cell technology – into a vessel of remarkable elegance. More than a feat of scale, Breakthrough tells the story of an owner and shipyard willing to invest in long-term change, showing how environmental responsibility is increasingly intertwined with prestige.
Motor Yacht of the Year BREAKTHROUGH
Elsewhere, the awards highlighted yachts that reflect a shift toward purposeful exploration. Winners across displacement categories – such as Andala, Lady Estey, and Valor – demonstrate how owners are increasingly prioritising range, capability, and time at sea. These yachts are designed to go further and stay away longer, capturing a growing desire for authentic experiences on the water.
One of the most compelling narratives of 2026, however, lies in the refit and rebuild categories. Here, the spotlight fell on projects like Moonstone, Seawolf, and Solace – yachts reborn through ambitious transformations. These are not simply updates; they are reinventions that breathe new life into proven hulls. In many cases, they reflect deeply personal journeys between owners, designers, and shipyards, where legacy vessels are reimagined for a new era. This growing recognition of rebuilds signals a powerful shift in thinking. Rather than starting from scratch, the industry is increasingly celebrating the creativity involved in working with what already exists – extending lifecycles, reducing waste, and uncovering unexpected design opportunities along the way.
Motor yacht MOONSTONE – image from BOAT INTERNATIONAL
Motor yacht SOLACE – image from BOAT INTERNATIONAL
The sailing categories offered their own inspiring stories. Royal Huisman’s Aquarius, crowned Sailing Yacht of the Year, represents the pinnacle of modern sailing design – combining high performance with refined comfort. Alongside her, yachts like BeCool show how even smaller sailing projects can deliver innovation through clever naval architecture and a focus on the purity of the sailing experience.
Even the Voyager’s Award category reflects this evolving mindset. These yachts are recognised not for how they are built but for where they go – undertaking extraordinary journeys that highlight the spirit of exploration at the core of yachting. It’s a reminder that the ultimate purpose of these vessels is not just to impress, but to experience the world.
Sailing yacht AQUARIUS – image from BOAT INTERNATIONAL
Taken together, the winners of the 2026 World Superyacht Awards paint a picture of an industry in transition. Innovation is no longer defined by size alone, but by intention – how a yacht is used, how it is built, and how it evolves over time. Sustainability, capability, and reinvention all play their part, shaping a more thoughtful approach to luxury.
For the charter market, these yachts offer a glimpse into the future. As owners demand more meaningful experiences and more responsible design, charter clients will follow – seeking yachts that combine adventure, innovation, and authenticity. The winners of 2026 are more than award recipients; they are a preview of the next generation of charter yachts, where storytelling, performance, and purpose come together on the water.
Visit our website for more information about these award-winning yachts and yachts available for charter around the world.
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Full List of Winners
Motor Yacht of the Year: Breakthrough
Sailing Yacht of the Year: Aquarius
Refitted Yachts: Solace
Rebuilt Yachts: Moonstone
Sailing Yachts – 30m to 39.9m: BeCool
Sailing Yachts – 40m and above: Aquarius
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts – 30m to 34.9m: Mirage
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts – 35m to 39.9m: Angiola
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts – 40m and above: Orion
Displacement Motor Yachts – 499GT and below, 30m to 39.9m: Haze²
Displacement Motor Yachts – 499GT and below, 40m to 44.9m: Andala
Displacement Motor Yachts – 499GT and below, 45m to 49.9m: RJ
Displacement Motor Yachts – 499GT and below, 50m and above: Awandra
Displacement Motor Yachts – 500GT to 1,499GT: Lady Estey
Displacement Motor Yachts – 1,500GT to 2,499GT: Valor
Displacement Motor Yachts – 2,500GT and 4,999GT: Pi
Displacement Motor Yachts – 5,000GT and above: Breakthrough
Voyager’s Award: Dolce
Legacy Award: Goh Cheng Liang
Judges’ Special Awards
Rebuilt Yachts: Seawolf
Sailing Yachts – 40m and Above: Katana
Judges’ Commendations
Rebuilt Yachts: Ursus
Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts – 35m to 39.9m: Lalabe
Displacement Motor Yachts – 1,500GT to 2,499GT: Pangea