Over 100 Entries for the 7th Edition of the Confindustria Nautica and International Boat Show Awards, Celebrating Design, Research and Sustainability

The finest achievements in the recreational boating industry took centre stage at the 66th International Boat Show. In a captivating ceremony, excellence in design, research, innovation and sustainability was celebrated at the 7th edition of the Design Innovation Award. Launched by Confindustria Nautica and the International Boat Show, this prestigious international award has been recognising and promoting the finest expressions of contemporary boating since 2020, honouring those that transform technology and creativity into new forms of beauty. The ceremony was opened by Piero Formenti, President of Confindustria Nautica, and Luisa Bocchietto, architect and Coordinator of the Award’s Steering Committee, who has been one of the driving forces behind the award since its very first edition.

This year, the jury was chaired by Paolo Brescia, architect and co-founder of OBR (Open Building Research), a leading figure in contemporary architecture and the designer of Casa Vela, a new building enhancing the Levante Waterfront. The jury brought together distinguished Italian and international experts from the worlds of design, boating, research, media and institutions. The winners were selected through an independent, multidisciplinary evaluation process, a defining feature of the award since its inception. The prestigious award comprises 11 categories, three special prizes (Innovation, Lifetime Achievement and Talent), and two honourable mentions for products deserving of particular recognition.

The winning entries were selected for the designers’ and manufacturers’ ability to conceive and develop products that excel in design, research, innovation and sustainability. The number of entries has grown significantly over the years, rising from approximately 40 projects in the inaugural edition to 100 this year. This upward trend reflects the vitality of the sector and its capacity for continuous evolution, driven by quality, research and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. It is also a testament to the Design Innovation Award itself, which, edition after edition, has established itself as a leading observatory of nautical design trends and a prestigious platform for showcasing the excellence of Made in Italy.

CATEGORIES, WINNERS AND AWARD CITATIONS

• Sailing Boats, Motorboats and Rigid Inflatable Boats (up to 10 m LH) Key Largo 25 – Sessa Marine Designer: Daniele Mazzon

• Sailing Yachts (up to 14 m LH) Dufour 39 – Dufour Interior Design: Luca Ardizio Naval Architecture: Umberto Felci Yacht Design

• Sailing Yachts (over 14 m LH) Grand Soleil 60 – Cantiere del Pardo Designer: Nauta Design Naval Architecture: Matteo Polli

• Motor Yachts (up to 14 m LH) A48 O/B – Cranchi Yachts Designer: Cranchi Research Team Naval Architecture: Aldo Cranchi Art Direction: Christian Grande

• Motor Yachts (over 14 m LH) Pardo GT65 – Cantiere del Pardo Designer: Nauta Design Naval Architecture: Zuccheri Yacht Design

• Superyachts (over 24 m LH) Magellano 27M – Azimut Yachts Hull Designer: Pierluigi Asonio, Azimut Benetti R&D Department Exterior Designer: Jarkko Jamsén, Navia Design Interior Designer: Michele De Lucchi and AMDL Circle

• Maxi RIBs (over 10 m LH) MX-15 Explorer – Magazzù Yachting Designer: Cantiere Magazzù

• Multihulls Lagoon 47 – Lagoon Catamarans Naval Architecture: VPLP Design Exterior Designer: Patrick Le Quément Interior Designer: Nauta Design

• Marine Components (Structural and Functional Elements) MILOS COAX – MZ Electronics

• Accessories and Equipment Bettersea Power – Bettersea Power

• Onboard Electronics and Software SmartDrive – Garmin

Honourable Mentions

• Sailing Boats, Motorboats and Rigid Inflatable Boats (up to 10 m LH) Sestante 6.8 Lupo di Mare – Verga 1958 Designer: Matteo Costa Yacht Design

• Motor Yachts (over 14 m LH) Riva 56 Rivale Super – Ferretti Group Designers: Officina Italiana Design and Ferretti Group

SPECIAL AWARDS

• Innovation Award Icona 70 by Mangusta – Overmarine Group Designers: Lobanov Design, Overmarine Group and Effebi New Project Presented by Venini.

• Talent Award Awarded for high-potential ideas and entrepreneurial ventures. Limenet Presented by Mario Peserico, Managing Director of Eberhard & Co.