Charter Yachts Shine at the 2024 World Superyacht Awards

This globally acclaimed event, known for its credibility and prestige, is distinguished from all other yacht awards thanks to a judging panel comprising current and former superyacht owners. 

At a glittering gala dinner and ceremony, the winners were announced, praised for their technical and engineering innovation, ground-breaking design features and luxurious amenities, and presented with their Neptune award.

The highly-esteemed premiere prize of Motor Yacht of the Year, was awarded to the stunning 65.7-metre ALCHEMY. Designed by Philippe Briand, founder of Vitruvius Yachts and built by Rossinavi and with interiors by Team for Design-Enrico Gobbi and Project Management from Fabrizio Loi Interyachting, ALCHEMY stood out among this year’s exceptional list of winners to take home the prestigious top trophy for its many unique attributes.

The judges were impressed with the suspended glass staircase, a sculptural element that opens up the main saloon and pushes boundaries of a typical general arrangement. An engineering feat, and full of classification considerations, the staircase is a work of art in its own right with white marble steps adorned in leather details floating between two glass partitions.

Besides her striking exterior, imaginative layout, flowing interiors, majestic staircase and efficient hull form, the judges noted the many small operational details that made ALCHEMY a worthy winner. They noted that storage was an integral part of the design rather than an afterthought, and a sufficient space was allocated to store watersports equipment that crew could access with ease. The experienced owner requested large pantries and areas for luggage storage. All in all, ALCHEMY was considered the winner for her all-round appeal.

In the Refitted Yachts category, 97-metre CARINTHIA VII, originally built by Lürssen took out the award. The refit and project management were undertaken by Lürssen and RYacht Management Monaco, with exterior design by Tim Heywood and interiors from Bizzozero Cassina Architects.

All the yachts entered into the Refitted/Rebuilt yachts category must supply before and after images, along with a rationale that judges review before deciding whether the degree of work completed constitutes a refit or rebuild. This year, there were six nominees that fit the criteria.

The classic Lürssen CARINTHIA VII won for the success of her ambitious refit which took the previously private yacht to commercial code in just 10 months, while retaining key elements of the original design. Meeting commercial code required deep structural changes, such as adding watertight bulkheads amidships on the tank deck and lower deck. To make her charter-friendly, a main-deck swimming pool and large gym were installed. The pool is a particular highlight at 11 metres, with a glass front that creates a connection between the pool and dining space. The judges commended the fact the refit team was able to do all this while maintaining many unique original features, such as the woven parquetry flooring, thus preserving its original spirit. “The original boat was iconic, and it’s still iconic,” one of the judges commented, adding, “It’s as fresh today as when it was born.”

In the category: Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 30-29-metres, STELLAMAR, the 35-metre Cantiere delle Marche was triumphant. With naval architecture by Hydro Tec and exterior and interior design by Francesco Paszkowski Design, STELLAMAR is a capable and beautiful explorer yacht.

Italian builder Cantiere delle Marche is known for rugged and seaworthy expedition yachts. STELLAMAR combines this hardiness with a modern exterior that the judges admired. “The profile moves away from a typical explorer and has more of a Mediterranean look,” one judge said.

STELLAMAR was designed to combine luxury, comfort and long-distance capabilities in any sea condition, with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, as well as extensive us of glass and an open stern which enables the guests to appreciate the vessel’s connection with the sea.

The judging panel was impressed with STELLAMAR’S flared bow design which adds a classic aesthetic and helps to keep the deck dry.

The interiors draw on nature for inspiration, using bright oak flooring, cream-coloured leather wall panelling, custom designed furniture and accessories from renowned Italian brands to create a soothing and harmonious atmosphere that charter guests will enjoy.

In the Displacement Motor Yachts, 500GT to 999GT, 60-metre Amels-built ENTOURAGE was the winner. ENTOURAGE has an incredible pedigree, with naval architecture by Damen Yachting, exterior design by the highly-awarded Espen Øino and interiors by Burdifilek.

The judges described ENTOURAGE as “a fantastic evolution of the Amels 60”, and said they were impressed by the yacht’s high-quality build, technical excellence and elegant lines as well as the degree of customisation. As one judge pointed out, “This is a boat designed for having fun,” referring particularly to the massive outdoor spaces on board.

Custom features include elongated geometrical windows and extended sundeck and bridge deck, resulting in an entirely different look for the exterior compared to other 60s. A clever use of space also sets ENTOURAGE apart, and this includes the optimisation of storing large tenders and toys on the foredeck.

ENTOURAGE was the first superyacht interior project for Burdifilek’s Diego Burdi. He created immaculately appointed spaces that provide an oasis of calm and sophistication, imbued with natural light and decorated in neutral colours. An eye-catching aspect of the interiors is the reverse flow of the central staircase.

These exceptional luxury charter yachts joined the international charter fleet in 2023-24 and are available for charter through Luxury Charter Group.

Some of them, and a wide selection of sensational charter vessels will be on show at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, 10 to 15 September, and Monaco Yacht Show, 25 to 28 September 2024. Luxury Charter Group will attend both shows and we are looking forward to meeting our clients during these events. Should you wish to arrange a personal visit or would like further details on any of these sensational superyachts available for charter, please just get in contact with us. 

Photo credit: Boat International