It’s that time of year again! Yacht nominations for the 2024 International Superyacht Society (ISS) Design Awards are now open. Registrations and nominations are for all custom yachts, first hull of a series, or refit projects launched and delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2023.
Created in 1990, the ISS Design Awards serve to highlight and call attention to outstanding achievements in the design and construction of large yachts. This year’s categories for nomination include:
- Best in Sail 24 – 40m
- Best in Sail 40m+
- Best in Motor <500 GT
- Best in Motor 500 < 1500 GT
- Best in Motor 1500 < 3000 GT
- Best in Motor 3000+ GT
- Refit
- Best Interior
- Yacht of the Year
- Eligible sailing vessels must be custom built and 24m (79’) and up.
- Eligible motor vessels must be custom built and 24m (79’) and up.
The award ceremony will take place at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, during this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
If you are looking to register your yacht, please follow these guidelines from the ISS website:
- Appoint one dedicated person to be the vessel administrator and create an account here. You will receive a notification email once your request is approved and then you can proceed with the next steps (check your spam inbox if you do not receive).
- The vessel administrator will need to complete a portfolio, which will be uploaded to a private section on the ISS website that is exclusively dedicated to voting and judging. This area will not be visible to the public at any time.
- Each vessel administrator must obtain written permission from the yacht owner to participate in the awards process.
- The portfolio must include an image gallery of the vessel that showcases specific areas, such as the exterior, interior, and technologically advanced special features.
- The portfolio should include a description of the vessel’s distinctive features and the reasons why it is exceptional compared to other yachts in terms of design, practicality, performance, and craftsmanship. Additionally, any new advancements in yacht design, such as environmental innovations or noteworthy inventions, should be highlighted.
- Upload a general arrangement plan.
Finalists will be informed in advance and requested to submit additional materials for the awards ceremony once the judges have made their final decisions. It is advised for all finalists to have at least one representative present at the gala to accept the award if they are announced as the winner.
This year’s panel of 12 industry professionals includes highly respected representatives from the shipyard, design and brokerage fields. View the complete list of this year’s judges.
For a detailed FAQ on the event and to nominate your vessel, please visit the ISS website.
The ISS was founded in 1989 to “Promote Excellence and Ensure Sustainability in the Global Yachting Industry” as a united voice for the large yacht industry. As they state, “Our mission is to build alliances worldwide, serve as the collective voice on issues affecting the industry, recognize achievement, and further strengthen the industry overall through regional and global committees, educational opportunities, and networking events. The International Superyacht Society is a member-driven organization with a marketing and administrative staff that is reliant on the volunteer efforts of its Board and members. Funding for the organization comes directly from members and sponsors and is used for initiatives that benefit the large yacht industry as a whole.”
