ISS Names 2026 Design Award Finalists Across Sail, Motor and Refit

The International Superyacht Society has announced the finalists for its 2026 Design Awards following a member reception in Monaco. The shortlist spans sailing yachts, several motor-yacht size categories and major refit projects, with winners due to be announced at the ISS Design & Leadership Gala in Fort Lauderdale on 28 October.

Sailing shortlist covers two size groups

The 24-to-40-metre sailing category includes Southern Wind’s KIBOKO 4 and SES Yachts’ LINNEA AURORA, bringing together design work from Nauta Design, Farr Yacht Design and Hoek Design. Above 40 metres, AQUARIUS, KATANA and MAGIC represent Royal Huisman, Perini Navi and Vitters.

The sailing finalists demonstrate different approaches to performance, cruising capability and owner accommodation. Naval architects and interior designers are working across increasingly integrated programmes where sailing efficiency, deck operation and guest comfort have to be resolved together rather than treated as separate design exercises.

Motor categories span wide differences in volume

Below 300GT, the finalists include FERRETTI YACHTS 800, FERRETTI YACHTS 940, HAZE 2 and RIVA 112’ DOLCEVITA. The 300-to-500GT category includes CAMILA, NASIBA, RAJA², RIVA 54METRI and RJ from several established Italian and Turkish builders.

At 1,000-to-3,000GT, the shortlist includes ADMIRAL ARMANI 72, AL REEM, AMOR A’ VIDA, O’MADELEINE and VALOR. These projects involve a broad design group ranging from Giorgio Armani and H2 Yacht Design to Nuvolari Lenard, Studio Vafiadis and Bannenberg & Rowell.

Largest motor yachts form a two-project contest

The 3,000GT-plus category is represented by Feadship’s BREAKTHROUGH and Oceanco’s LEVIATHAN. BREAKTHROUGH combines Feadship engineering with RWD design, while LEVIATHAN brings together Oceanco, Mark Berryman Design and Lateral Naval Architects at the highest-volume end of the awards.

At this scale, design recognition extends well beyond styling because structural planning, hotel systems, energy management, circulation and technical integration all shape the final yacht. The shortlisted projects therefore represent complex multidisciplinary programmes as much as individual visual concepts.

Refit category highlights second-life design

The refit finalists are NIGHT HOWL, NURJA, SOLACE, STARFIRE and URSUS, with work involving yards including LMC, Abeking & Rasmussen, Pendennis and Balk Shipyard. The projects include changes to interiors, exteriors and technical systems across yachts originally built by several different shipyards.

ISS will announce the winners during its Design & Leadership Gala at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on 28 October. The timing places the awards alongside Fort Lauderdale’s busiest yachting week, giving shortlisted builders and designers another major international industry audience.

Official sources: www.superyachtsociety.org.