The prestigious 2024 Design Innovation Award was presented in an elegant ceremony on Friday, September 20 at the historic Palazzo della Borsa, the fifth edition of the award, launched in 2020 by the Italy Yachting Industry Association - Confindustria Nautica and I Saloni Nautici, to recognize the pinnacle of design, innovation and sustainability in the yachting industry. It is an important platform to showcase the latest developments of exhibitors at the prestigious Genoa International Boat Show, while highlighting designs that reflect current trends and push the boundaries of design.
The event began with opening remarks by the Mayor of Genoa, Marco Bucci, and Paolo Corsilia, a member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, which set an optimistic tone for the evening. After the speeches, Saverio Cecchi, President of the Italy Yachting Industry Association, and Andrea Razeto, President of I Saloni Nautici, took the stage to officially kick off the award ceremony.
Maria Porro, President of the Milan Design & Furniture Fair, returns for the second year in a row as President of the Jury, highlighting the growing synergy between the yachting and furniture design industries. "While we have different needs in our fields, we also share common goals in terms of quality, research and innovation, resulting in a relationship that drives mutual growth," Porro noted. "This year, an independent jury evaluated nearly 100 entries, a testament to the booming yachting industry.
The jury was made up of eminent personalities such as Andrea Ratti from Politecnico di Milano, Andrana Monk from Monk Design and Carlo Cameli, President of the Yacht Club of Italy. They recognized ten award categories and two Outstanding Innovation Awards and Outstanding Career Special Awards, celebrating outstanding design characterized by originality, sustainability, and social impact.
The list of winners is as follows:
- Sailing and powerboats within 10 meters
Frauscher Italia-Frauscher 1017GT第二版
Comments: The workmanship is exquisite, the design is exquisite, the function is beautiful, and the proportions are balanced.
- Sailing boats up to 14 meters
Dufour Yachts-Dufour 44
Comments: A bold design statement that achieves a fresh and spacious interior by rebalancing proportions.
- Power boats up to 14 meters
Saxdor Yachts-Saxdor 340 GTWA
Comments: Compact design, full of functionality and plenty of natural light.
- Sailing boats over 14 meters
YYachts GMBH-Y8
Comments: Sleek elegance from the inside out, exquisite attention to detail.
- Motor yachts over 14 meters
阿兹慕（Azimut）-Seadeck 7
Comment: An electric hybrid yacht with sustainable solutions in a new collaborative vision.
- Honorable Mention
Nautor Swan Srl-Swan Arrow
Comments: An elegant superyacht tender expands into a spacious terrace with a richly decorated interior.
- Superyachts over 24 meters
Sanlorenzo SP92
Comments: Another stunning exterior and magnificent spacious interior.
-RIB
Seascan Marine Srl-Scanner Envy 1500
Comments: An unconventional RIB that blends in with the spacious cabin.
- Multihulls
LAGOON 60 AT Lagoon
Comments: A catamaran with a serene layout and a clear purpose.
- Yacht equipment/components
Mercury Marine – Avator 75 and 110 electric outboards
Comments: Elegant product design indicates a vision for the future.
- Marine electronics
Italy Raymarine - Alpha Display
– Sleek design with user-friendly display.
- Special Award for Outstanding Innovation
Musto-MPX Impact航海服
Comments: A unique and groundbreaking design that goes beyond traditional solutions. Applying innovative materials and methods for impact protection under extreme sailing conditions.
- Special Award for Outstanding Occupation
Solaris Yachts
The Design Innovation Awards Steering Committee has decided to award Solaris Yachts the Outstanding Career Award to celebrate the shipyard's 50th anniversary in recognition of its continued efforts in design and innovation.
The awards evening ended with performances by DJ Rafael · Costantino and electronic harp artist Katie · Fusco, immersing guests in a celebration of creativity and cutting-edge design.