Shortlist announced for IBI-METSTRADE Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement 2019

Boat Builder Awards, National Maritime Museum © METSTRADE

A total of 36 companies from 15 countries named as potential winners for this year's Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement 2019, in association with Raymarine.

The nominees were selected as the best of the best from 82 strong nominations that were considered by an international panel of judges after a preliminary assessment round.

The Boat Builder Awards is jointly organised by IBI and METSTRADE. It celebrates and rewards the outstanding business achievements of individuals and teams across key areas in the worldwide leisure boat and superyacht builders. More than 300 people from across the global marine industry are expected to attend an extraordinary gala dinner celebration, which is held under the glittering glazed ceiling of the National Maritime Museum on the first night of METSTRADE, 19 November in Amsterdam.

In addition to the shortlisted companies, the judges have also selected notable winners of the Rising Star category, for boat builder industry professionals up to age 35, plus the always much anticipated Lifetime Achievement Award.

Chair of the judging panel and IBI Editor, Ed Slack, commented: "The field of entries that the judges considered was 25 per cent up on last year and our largest yet. We considered nominations spanning some of the smallest boats that our industry produces, right up to large superyachts and from niche producers through to volume manufacturers. You could see themes emerging that demonstrate the industry is responding to its current challenges, from finding new customers and responding to environmental protection, to exploiting new technology. We were also pleased to see the strongest field yet of Rising Star nominations, which provides great hope for the future that boat builders can nurture and retain brilliantly talented people."

Group Director Maritime at RAI Amsterdam, Irene Dros, added: "In five years we have seen the Boat Builder Awards grow in significance globally, reinforcing the critical importance of METSTRADE as the most significant meeting point annually for boat builders and their supply chain collaborators. On behalf of our partner, IBI and title sponsor, Raymarine, I very much look forward to welcoming guests to the Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement 2019 on 19 November. It will be a brilliant celebration of all that is great in our industry and a must-not-miss opportunity to network with leading lights from around the world."

Tickets for the Boat Builder Awards

Tickets for the IBI METSTRADE Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement 2019, in association with Raymarine Gala Dinner can be obtained here.

Shortlisted entries

Retail Marketing Initiative (Sponsored by Glomex)
Azimut Yachts - Azimut S6 in NY Times Square
Gunboat - Rebuilding the company's reputation
Riva - Riva Lounges, Privées and Decks

International Distributor or Dealer Development (Sponsored by Volvo Penta)
Aquila - Creation of global distribution for brand
Galeon - North America, Australia and Asia growth
Highfield Boats - Growth of global distribution

Collaborative Solution between a production boat builder and its supply chain partner (Sponsored by Ultraflex)
Aquila and Opacmare - Aquila 32 SAFE wraparound platform
Hallberg-Rassy and Lewmar - Hallberg Rassy 340 steering system
Marquis Yachts and Toyota Motor Corporation - Co-development of Lexus LY 650
Numarine and Energy Solutions (UK) Ltd - XP Explorer interfaces and systems

Collaborative Solution between a superyacht builder and its supply chain partner (Sponsored by Lumishore)
Azimut Yachts and Naviop-Simrad - Azimut Grande S10 Naviop screens/control systems
Benetti Yachts and ABA Yacht - Hell Sea bulkhead watertight exhaust fitting
Royal Huisman, Rondal, Com&Sens and Gurit - Load sensing composite rudder
Spirit Yachts and Lewmar - Spirit 111 hydraulic system

Innovative On-board Design Solution (Sponsored by Fusion)
Aquila - Hydro Glide Foil
Benetti - Benetti FB272 propulsion system
Greenline - Greenline 48 Coupe solar power AC always on
Wettoncraft - Trailer-free RIB

Innovation in a Production Process (Sponsored by Dometic)
Classic Works - Efficient workshop layout for yacht refit
Paul Dijkstra Composites - Pre-preg manufacturing at low cost
Grand Banks - eight-axis mill

Environmental Initiative (Sponsored by UCINA)
Amer Yachts - Adoption of GS4C and Filava
Spirit Yachts - Manufacturing processes and yacht designs
Vaan Yachts - Vaan R4 circular economy approach

Best Apprenticeship or Training Scheme (Sponsored by Marine Resources)
Princess Yachts - Apprenticeship scheme
TaShing - Female apprenticeships and training

Rising Star (sponsored by Gurit)
This category celebrates those aged 35 or under, working for a boat builder, who have been making a growing impact on any aspect of their business. The judges will select a winner from a strong field of candidates, to be announced on the evening.

Lifetime Achievement (sponsored by Side-Power)
The awards evening culminates with the much-anticipated Lifetime Achievement Award, presented in the previous four years to Paolo Vitelli of Azimut Benetti, Robert Braithwaite, CBE of Sunseeker International, David King of Princess Yachts and Annette Roux of Groupe Beneteau.