Winners of the World Superyacht Awards 2026 Revealed

Motor Yacht of the Year: Breakthrough

Feadship’s 118.8-metre motor yacht Breakthrough earned Motor Yacht of the Year, also taking top honours in the Displacement Motor Yachts – 5,000GT and above category, for redefining innovation and sustainability at scale. As the largest superyacht ever built in the Netherlands, she introduces a pioneering hydrogen fuel cell system capable of zero-emission operation, supported by newly developed safety and regulatory frameworks. Beyond propulsion, advanced energy management, heat recovery and an electric tender reinforce her environmental credentials. Designed by RWD, Breakthrough balances technical complexity with refined living, featuring standout elements such as the underwater Nemo room, sliding balconies and a glass-bottom pool. She represents a major leap forward in integrating clean technology into luxury yacht design.

Sailing Yacht of the Year: Aquarius

Royal Huisman’s 65m Aquarius was named Sailing Yacht of the Year 2026 as well as winning the Sailing Yachts 40m and above category, recognised for her refined design, advanced engineering and exceptional sailing performance. Designed by Dykstra Naval Architects, she builds on a previous 56m concept with increased volume and capability, featuring a powerful ketch rig, taller mast and lifting keel for enhanced speed and balance. Constructed in aluminium, she combines strength with efficiency, reaching up to 16 knots. Interiors by Mark Whiteley Design bring a relaxed, classic elegance, with expanded living spaces and a single-level owner’s suite. Blending performance with comfort, Aquarius sets a new benchmark for modern sailing yachts.

Refitted Yachts: Solace

The 57m Solace, originally built by Feadship in 2005, won the Refitted Yachts category at the World Superyacht Awards 2026 following an extensive transformation at Pendennis Shipyard. Carefully restored rather than reinvented, the refit preserved her classic De Voogt exterior and refined interior by Vickers Studio, enhancing her timeless appeal. A full technical overhaul prepared the yacht for long-range cruising, including a four-year circumnavigation, with upgrades for safety and operation in remote regions. Key additions include a reconfigured beach club with sauna and improved crew and guest functionality. Solace stands as a benchmark for sensitive, high-quality yacht refits.

Rebuilt Yachts: Moonstone

The 79.2-metre Delta Marine superyacht Moonstone emerged as the winner in a closely contested rebuilt yachts category, following a comprehensive refit at Amels Refit under Damen Yachting. Originally delivered as Albatross in 2016, the yacht underwent a major transformation led by Harrison Eidsgaard for the interior and exterior styling and naval architecture by Delta Design and Damen Yachting. A key change was the 7.2-metre transom extension, which created space for a wellness centre and pool while subtly enhancing the yacht’s proportions and overall profile.

Extensive upgrades were carried out throughout, including reworked social areas and improved circulation between decks, alongside detailed engineering analysis to optimise performance, safety and onboard comfort. The interiors were refreshed with a more relaxed, residential feel, incorporating updated layouts and sustainable materials. The result is a thoroughly modernised yacht that balances technical refinement with a more liveable, contemporary onboard environment.

Sailing Yachts 30m to 39.9m: BeCool

The 38.98m BeCool, built by Nautor Swan, won the Sailing Yachts 30m to 39.9m category at the World Superyacht Awards 2026, standing out for its performance and advanced naval architecture. As the first hull in the Swan 128 series, she combines lightweight carbon construction with a powerful 900-square-metre sail plan, optimised for speed in light winds. Designed by Germán Frers, her efficient hull, telescopic keel and twin rudders deliver excellent balance and handling. Interiors by Misa Poggi offer refined, personalised comfort, creating a yacht equally suited to performance sailing and relaxed cruising.

Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts 30m to 34.9m: Mirage

The 34.37-metre Riva superyacht Mirage stood out in her category thanks to a combination of strong build quality, refined styling and thoughtful technical upgrades. Part of Riva’s 112 Dolcevita Super series, she reflects an evolution of the brand’s flybridge models, introducing a significant increase in glazed surfaces while maintaining structural integrity and her sleek profile.

Outdoor living is a central focus, with a large, multifunctional beach club featuring fold-down bulwarks and an integrated garage for tenders and water toys. The redesigned flybridge adds to this versatility, offering flexible lounge and entertainment spaces suited to both relaxation and socialising.

From an engineering perspective, practical improvements enhance usability and compliance, including reconfigured air intakes and improved engine room access. Powered by twin MTU engines, Mirage delivers a top speed of 25.5 knots alongside efficient cruising performance.

Blending contemporary design with Riva’s signature aesthetic, Mirage presents a well-executed balance of style, comfort and functionality, making her a deserving winner in a highly competitive class.

Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts 35m to 39.9m: Angiola

The 36.9m Angiola, built by Maiora, won the Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts 35m to 39.9m category at the World Superyacht Awards 2026, recognised for her modern design and strong connection to the sea. As the first hull in the Maiora 36 Exuma series, she features an asymmetric layout that maximises interior volume and enhances onboard living. Designed for both speed and comfort, she reaches over 30 knots while maintaining a shallow draught ideal for coastal cruising. Interiors by Acube Design emphasise light, space and flow, creating a versatile yacht tailored for relaxed, sociable living.

Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts 40m and above: Orion

The Heesen 48.9m aluminium FDHF superyacht Orion builds on Heesen’s Fast Displacement Hull Form series with notable advancements in efficiency, layout and onboard experience. Constructed in aluminium, she pairs lightweight performance with a hybrid propulsion system, enabling near-silent cruising at low speeds while significantly reducing fuel consumption.

Engineering is central to the yacht’s appeal, with a reconfigured engine room moved forward to free up space aft for a 26-square-metre wellness area, complete with direct access to the swim platform. The layout has also been refined to improve usability, including a six-cabin configuration and enhanced indoor-outdoor flow through full-height sliding windows on the main deck.

Design by Omega Architects maintains a sharp, contemporary profile, while Cristiano Gatto’s interior introduces a rich mix of materials, blending polished woods, marbles and textured finishes for a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere to this Heesen yacht. Combining technical innovation with practical design improvements, Orion delivers the performance, efficiency and liveability expected from a modern semi-displacement yacht.

Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 30m to 39.9m: Haze²

The 30.8m Haze², built by Cantiere delle Marche, won the Displacement Motor Yachts under 499GT (30m to 39.9m) category at the World Superyacht Awards 2026, recognised for her robust explorer credentials and refined design. Part of the Darwin 102 series, Haze² is inspired by the Darwin Class, she combines a steel hull with an aluminium superstructure for strength and efficiency, offering long-range cruising capability. Naval architecture by Hydro Tec ensures strong seakeeping and performance, while the exterior features bold lines and extensive glazing. Interiors by Lawson Robb create a contemporary, tactile finish that blends practicality with comfort through open-grain wood, mosaic details, brushed bronze, and a neutral colour palette, resulting in a capable and stylish modern explorer yacht.

Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 40m to 44.9m: Andala

The 40.6-metre Andala, part of Baglietto’s DOM 133 series, stood out for her combination of refined styling, thoughtful layout and high-quality construction. Designed by Stefano Vafiadis with interiors by Cassetta Yacht Designers, she is tailored for family living and long-range cruising, with a strong emphasis on light-filled spaces and seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

This Baglietto yacht features large windows, fold-down balconies and open-plan living areas create an airy atmosphere, while exterior highlights include two pools, a beach club with direct sea access and multiple social spaces across the decks. Inside, a fully customised interior introduces warm tones and geometric detailing, with a high proportion of bespoke finishes developed specifically for the yacht.

Layout refinements improve functionality, including a reconfigured main saloon, expanded galley and enhanced owner’s suite. Combined with solid performance credentials, Andala represents a well-executed evolution of the series, balancing comfort, design and practicality.

Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 45m to 49.9m: RJ

The 46.7m RJ, now known as Parati, built by Cantiere delle Marche and part of the RJ 155 model, won the Displacement Motor Yachts under 499GT (45m to 49.9m) category, recognised for her highly personalised design and explorer capability. Combining a full-displacement hull with long-range cruising performance, she is engineered for global travel. Exterior design by Francesco Paszkowski balances rugged capability with elegance, while interiors by Achille Salvagni showcase soft minimalism with bespoke detailing and artistic finishes. With expansive glazing, flexible living spaces and a calm, residential feel, RJ stands out as a refined and capable modern explorer yacht.

Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 50m and above: Awandra

The 52m Awandra, built by Baglietto and a part of the T52 series, won the Displacement Motor Yachts under 499GT (50m and above) category, recognised for her highly customised design and focus on outdoor living. Designed by Francesco Paszkowski, she reimagines the T52 platform with expansive social spaces, retractable glass walls and a versatile aft deck featuring a pool with a movable floor. A standout adventure room replaces the traditional beach club, supporting an active lifestyle. Interiors combine natural materials and soft tones for a relaxed, contemporary feel, resulting in a yacht that balances style, flexibility and functionality.

Displacement Motor Yachts 500GT to 1,499GT: Lady Estey

The 67-metre Lady Estey, part of Benetti’s B.Now 67m Oasis series, secured the win in a closely contested category thanks to her high build quality and strong level of customisation. Designed by RWD with interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, she demonstrates how a semi-custom platform can be extensively tailored to meet an owner’s vision.

Her exterior design focuses on openness and connection to the sea, with large windows, a flush foredeck and the Oasis Deck concept aft, which incorporates multiple pools and flexible social spaces. Inside, the design is defined by rich materials and bold contrasts, with bespoke detailing throughout, such as custom furniture and a Calacatta stone staircase.

The Benetti yachts' layout prioritises both guest experience and owner privacy, with a dedicated owner’s deck, multiple guest cabins and a wellness area featuring a gym and spa facilities. Backed by a carefully optimised hull design for efficiency and stability, Lady Estey combines technical precision with a highly personalised onboard environment.

Displacement Motor Yachts 1,500GT to 2,499GT: Valor

The 79.5-metre Valor stood out in a highly competitive category for her clear, purpose-driven design and strong owner involvement throughout the project. Built by Feadship with De Voogt and Bannenberg & Rowell, she was conceived as a capable, long-range yacht designed for independent operation in remote environments without compromising comfort.

Her bold exterior is defined by a distinctive dreadnought bow and Ice Class hull, engineered for challenging conditions, while expansive decks and a carefully planned layout ensure efficient circulation and separation between guest and crew areas. Hybrid propulsion and future-focused systems further enhance her operational flexibility.

Inside, the design blends a robust, almost industrial character with refined detailing, featuring bespoke furniture, curated artworks and a striking multi-deck staircase. Combining technical capability with a highly personalised interior, Valor delivers a balanced approach to exploration, functionality and onboard living.

Displacement Motor Yachts 2,500GT and 4,999GT: Pi

The 100m Pi, built by Feadship, won the Displacement Motor Yachts 2,500GT to 4,999GT category, recognised for her striking design and advanced engineering. Her exterior by Jarkko Jämsén features a refined profile with extensive curved glass and a distinctive narrow bow, creating strong visual impact and a close connection to the sea. Interiors by Liaigre deliver a calm, minimalist aesthetic with bespoke detailing throughout. Equipped with diesel-electric propulsion and advanced energy systems, Pi offers efficient, quiet performance, combining technical innovation with elegant design to stand out in a highly competitive category.

Voyager’s Award: Dolce

The 43.9m Dolce won the Voyager’s Award, recognised for an extraordinary 40,000-nautical-mile circumnavigation. Built by Bloemsma Van Breemen, the yacht completed a circumnavigation spanning region such as Singapore and Thailand to the Seychelles and beyond. The voyage combined technical endurance with cultural exploration, including encounters with untouched marine ecosystems and traditional navigation practices. Designed by Vripack with interiors by Pieter Beeldsnijder, Dolce proved her long-range capability and versatility. More than a feat of distance, her journey reflected a deeply personal and transformative experience, embodying the true spirit of adventure at sea.

Judges’ Special Awards

The 58.8m Seawolf received a Judges’ Special Award at the World Superyacht Awards 2026 for her remarkable transformation, blending heritage with modern innovation. Originally launched in 1957 as an ocean-going tug, she underwent an extensive refit at Pendennis Shipyard, including a full systems overhaul and structural upgrades. Her hybrid propulsion system enables silent, low-emission operation, while preserving elements of her historic character. Exterior updates respect her original form, while interiors by Design Unlimited introduce a refined, contemporary style. Combining technical complexity with thoughtful design, Seawolf stands out as a benchmark for ambitious and sensitive yacht restoration.

The 60m Katana, built by Perini Navi, received a Judges’ Special Award at the World Superyacht Awards 2026, recognised for her exceptional interior design. Created by Rémi Tessier, the interior delivers a calm, sculptural aesthetic inspired by Japanese minimalism, with flowing forms, refined materials and meticulous detailing throughout. Features such as a floating ceiling, titanium staircase and bespoke finishes create a serene, immersive onboard environment. Beyond her interiors, Katana marks an important milestone for the revival of the Perini Navi brand under The Italian Sea Group. Combining elegant sailing capability with standout design, she represents a distinctive and highly crafted modern sailing yacht.

Judges’ Commendations

The 30.36m Ursus received a Judges’ Commendation at the World Superyacht Awards 2026, recognised for the scale and ambition of her rebuild. Originally delivered in 2016, she was extensively re-engineered by Balk Shipyard, including a six-metre extension that significantly enhanced space, performance and functionality. Designed with sustainability in mind, the project preserved key elements while introducing modern systems and improved efficiency. Upgrades include a redesigned hull, expanded outdoor areas and a split-level beach club. Combining explorer capability with family-focused living, Ursus stands out as a thoughtful transformation that maximises both practicality and long-range cruising appeal.

The 35.31m Lalabe, built by Van der Valk, received a Judges’ Commendation, recognised for her strong build quality, range and thoughtful design. Designed inside and out by Guido de Groot, she blends explorer yacht capability with a relaxed, family-focused aesthetic. Interiors use natural materials and soft tones to create a warm, beach house-inspired atmosphere, while large openings enhance indoor-outdoor living. Engineered for transatlantic cruising, she delivers efficient, smooth performance with excellent seakeeping. Combining practicality, comfort and custom detail, Lalabe stands out as a refined and capable yacht designed for extended family use.

The 80m Pangea, built by Amels, received a Judges’ Commendation, recognised for her combination of technical capability and high-level customisation. As the first hull in the Amels 80 series, she features a lengthened hull that enhances proportions and creates a larger beach club. Exterior design by Espen Øino balances classic lines with a bold, modern profile, while interiors by Sinot Yacht Design & Architecture use natural materials to create a calm, cohesive atmosphere. Equipped with hybrid propulsion and advanced systems, Pangea delivers efficient performance alongside a highly personalised onboard experience.