The International Superyacht Society (ISS) Design & Leadership Awards, the longest-running international yacht awards, are once again set to honor the industry’s finest accomplishments in yacht design and construction. The awards will be presented at the Society’s Gala during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, scheduled for October 30, 2024, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
With entries closed in May, the focus now shifts to the meticulous judging process to determine the winners in various categories: Best in Sail 24-40m, Best in Sail 40m+, Best in Motor <500 GT, Best in Motor 550<1500 GT, Best in Motor to 1500+ GT, Refit, and Best Interior.
The judging process for the International Superyacht Society Awards is rigorous and thorough, with a panel of experts carefully evaluating each finalist based on various criteria, including external appearance, interior design, artisan/craftsmanship, design practicality and technology. This year’s distinguished judges include:
Jim Dixon – Winch Designs
Karen Lynn Poulos – Karen Lynn Interior Design
Jim Ruffolo – Burger Boat Company
Henry Hawkins – Baltic Yachts
Kevin Merrigan – Northrop & Johnson
Ken Freivokh – Ken Freivokh Design
Luiz Debasto – Debasto Designs
Hans-Maarten Bais – Diana Yacht Design
Mario Pedol – Nauta Design
Sam Sorgiovanni CEO – Sorgiovanni Designs
Chris Critchett – Michael Peters Yacht Design
Evan Marshall – Evan K Marshall
Being a judge involves a lot of work and responsibility, said Luiz de Basto, a leading yacht designer. “It’s a chance to look at the work of others with a critical eye that forces me to understand how successful it is … then to compare each project with the others. Determining a winner requires much consideration and responsibility.”
Sam Sorgiovanni, CEO of Sorgiovanni Designs, highlighted the camaraderie of the event: “What I like about the ISS Design and Leadership Awards Gala is that it’s a gathering of like-minded industry individuals who come together once a year in Florida to celebrate the best the industry delivered in the preceding year. It’s a great event and a highly prized awards event on the industry calendar.”
Reflecting on the event’s significance, Jim Ruffolo of Burger Yachts adds, “I believe the ISS Design & Leadership Awards are the most honest and unbiased awards program of its type in our industry.”
The Gala occurs during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where the International Superyacht Society also hosts a variety of educational events and its annual Member Meeting.
Tickets are on sale now for the Gala. ISS is offering an exclusive early-bird special for members only: $175 off general admission until August 31. Contact ISS to receive the discount code.
For more information, please visit the event page here.
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