Design Innovation Award

The Design Innovation Award was established by the Italian Marine Industry Association and I Saloni Nautici in 2020 with the aim of supporting excellence throughout the yachting industry and enhancing innovation by promoting exhibitors through their latest, cutting-edge products.
Nine winners for ten categories were selected by an independent Jury made up of national and international experts from different sectors - professional designers, industry journalists, academics, shipowners, and representatives of the industry’s bodies and institutions - to allow for a cross-sector vision and evaluation.
In identifying the winners, the Award highlights the designers’ and manufacturers’ ability to conceive and implement design, research, innovation and sustainability.
SELECTION
Sailing or Motor Boats - up to 10M LH

Product: Frauscher 1017GT 2nd Edition

Manufacturer: Frauscher Italia

Designer: Stephan Everwin

Beautifully executed, design refinement, functional aesthetics and balanced proportions.

Sailing Boats - up to 14M LH

Product: Dufour 44

Manufacturer: Dufour Yachts

Architect: Felci Yachts

Interior Designer: Ardizio Design

A bold design statement with a refreshing spacious interior achieved by rebalancing proportions.

Sailing Boats - over 14M LH

Product: Y8

Manufacturer: Yyachts GMBH

Naval architect: Javier Jaudenes

Interior Designer: David Thulstrup

Sleek elegance inside and out with exquisite attention to detail.

Motorboats - up to 14M LH

Product: Saxdor 340 GTWA

Manufacturer: Saxdor Yachts

Compact walk-around with lots of functionality and natural light.

Motorboats - over 14M LH

Product: Seadeck 7

Manufacturer: Azimut

Hull Designer: NAMES, Azimut R&D Dept.

Exterior Designer: Alberto Mancini

Interior Designer: Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez

An electric hybrid yacht embracing sustainable solutions in a new collaborative vision.

Honourable Mention

Product: Swan Arrow

Manufacturer: Nautor Swan Srl

Designer: Jarkko Jamsén

An elegant mega tender expanding into a generous terrace with a rich interior.

Superyachts - over 24M LH

Product: SP92

Manufacturer: Sanlorenzo

Exterior Designer: Zuccon International

Interior Designer: Piero Lissoni

Another stunning exterior with a grandiose spacious interior.

RIBs

Product: Scanner Envy 1500

Manufacturer: Seascan Marine Srl

Designer: Montemitro Design, Scanner

An unconventional rib disguising a spacious cabin.

Multihulls

Product: Lagoon 60

Manufacturer: Lagoon

Naval Architect: VPLP Design

Exterior Designer: Patrick le Quément

Interior Designer: Nauta Design

A very purposeful cat with a fluid layout exuding calm and confidence.

Boating equipment and components

Product: Mercury Avator 75 & 110

Manufacturer: Mercury Marine

An elegant product design indicating the future vision for propulsion.

Honourable Mention

Product: Ride

Manufacturer: Seakeeper

Optimal ride adjustment thanks to a revolutionary software and sensor driven stabilisation system.

Onboard electronics and software

Product: Alpha Performance

Manufacturer: Raymarine Italia

Extremely user friendly graphic display in a sleek envelope.

Award for outstanding career

Product: MPX Impact

Manufacturer: Musto

A unique and groundbreaking design which looks beyond conventional solutions. Applying innovative materials and methods for impact protection in extreme sailing conditions.

Award for outstanding career

Solaris Yachts
The Steering Committee of the Design Innovation Award has decided to assign the Award for Outstanding Career, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the yard, for the continuous commitment in design and innovation.

2024 Jury

President: Maria Porro, Presidente del Salone del Mobile Milano

Jury members:

Andrea Ratti – Executive Director MSc. Yacht Design Politecnico di Milano.

Andrana Monk – founder of Monk Design.

Carlo Cameli – President of Yacht Club Italiano.

Franco Michienzi – Director of Barche.

Nabil Farhat – Director of The World of Yacht.

Robin Edman – Designer and former President of the Bureau of European Design Associations.
Luisa Bocchietto – Architect, designer and Member of the DIA Steering Committee.
Sailing or Motor Boats - up to 10M LH

Product: LEVANZO 25

Manufacturer: Lilybaeum Yacht Srl

Designer: Lilybaeum Yacht, Akes Design

The young Sicilian shipyard, in its proposed size, it offers comfortable spaces with accurate execution and finishes.

Honourable Mention

Product: ECORACER 30 ONE DESIGN

Manufacturer: Northern Light Srl

Designer: Matteo Polli Yacht Designer

Engineering: nlcomp

Honourable mention to demostrate the ability to turn a prototype into an industrial production, using experimental techniques and sustainable materials.

Sailing Boats - up to 14m LH

Product: DUFOUR 41

Manufacturer: Dufour

Designer: Felci Yachts Design

Interior Designer: Ardizio Design

Bright and well-designed interiors combined with a high-performance hull, maintaining the shipyard’s DNA.

Honourable Mention

Product: VELJA 43

Manufacturer: Mediter Yachts Srl

Designer: Matteo Costa Yacht & Design

Honourable mention for a very innovative concept that reinvent the boat in a Mediterranean key.

Sailing Boats - over 14m LH

Product: JEANNEAU YACHTS 55

Manufacturer: Jeanneau

Designer: Philippe Briand Yacht Design, Winch Design, Jeanneau Design

An original layout that allows flexibility and possibility to enjoy the space on board, in a well-industrialised product.

MOTORBOATS - UP TO 14M LH

Product: FRAUSCHER 1212 GHOST AIR

Manufacturer: Frauscher

Designer: Stephan Everwin

A personal and captivating interpretation of the day-cruiser, masterfully realised in terms of choice of materials and finishes.

MOTORBOATS - OVER 14M LH

Product: MAGELLANO 60

Manufacturer: Azimut

Exterior Designer: Ken Freivokh

Interior Designer: Style Dept Azimut MC

Hull Designer: Profjord, Azimut R&D

The dual-use hull allows optimisation of fuel consumption and low emissions. The living solutions are focused on the quality of life on board.

SUPERYACHTS - OVER 24M LH

Product: SX100

Manufacturer: Sanlorenzo

Designer: Zuccon International Project

Interior Designer: Piero Lissoni

The original layout manages to impress once again with new ways of relating to the outdoors. The research on quality is excellent.

RIBs

Product: FLYER 36

Manufacturer: Ribitaly Srl

Designer: Luca Macchi LM Design Studio

Effective interpretation of the mid-size Rib that integrates all on-board functions for versatile use.

Multihulls

Product: PRESTIGE M8

Manufacturer: Prestige

Designer: Garroni Design, Marc Lombard, Valentina Militerno De Romedis

An original interpretation of the multihull that provides comfortable spaces and a good level of seaworthiness.

BOATING EQUIPMENT AND COMPONENTS

Product: BF350

Manufacturer: Honda Motor Europe Ltd. Italia

It shows up for its high electronic and mechanical content, which optimises the engine’s overall efficiency.

ONBOARD ELECTRONICS AND SOFTWARE

Product: RADAR DOME GMR XHD3 E HD3

Manufacturer: Garmin Italia Srl

Magnetron technology allows high-precision levels of image sharpness that make navigation even safer.

LIGURIA INTERNATIONAL AWARD

Product: OBLO’

Manufacturer: F.lli Razeto e Casareto

AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING INNOVATION

Product: BGH

Manufacturer: Bluegame

The project drives the nautical world even closer to the possibility of balancing performance and sustainability.

AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CAREER

Gruppo PERMARE

The Steering Committee of the Design Innovation Award this year has decided to assign two Special Awards for Outstanding Career, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of two important Italian yards, both committed to the great innovation efforts in design and sustainability.

2023 Jury

President: Maria Adele Porro – President of Salone del Mobile Milano

Jury members:

Andrea Ratti – Executive Director MSc. Yacht Design Politecnico di Milano.

Franco Michienzi – Editor in chief of Barche.

Nabil Farhat – Editor in chief of The World of Yacht.

Enrico Gollo – Ergo Design, President of ADI Liguria

Robin Edman – Designer, former president Bureau of European Design Association

Silvia Piardi – Director of Design Department Politecnico di Milano

Luisa Bocchiello – Architect, Designer, Senator World Design Organization
Sailing boats up to 10m LH

Product: DUFOUR 37

Manufacturer: DUFOUR YACHTS

Designer: Felci Yachts

For the ability to transfer top-of-the-range performance and comfort into a boat of limited size and cost.

Motorboats up to 10m LH

Product: SQ 240i

Manufacturer: CAPOFORTE YACHTS

Designer: Christian Grande

For the proposal of a streamlined boat with electric propulsion

RIBs

Product: INAGUA S

Manufacturer: RIO YACHTS

Designer: Marino Alfani

For the stylish line, the simplicity of the solutions and the attention to details

Sailing boats over 10 metres LH

Product: GRAND SOLEIL 72 PERFORMANCE

Manufacturer: CANTIERE DEL PARDO

Designer: Franco Corazza, Matteo Polli, Nauta Design e Marco Lostuzzi

For its ability to combine the brand’s construction experience in a boat that is balanced in terms of sailing performance and interior space quality.

Honourable Mention for interior design

Product: Y7

Manufacturer: Y YACHTS

Designer: Bill Tripp

For the refined exploration of a contemporary nautical language through attention to detail in shapes and materials.

Multihulls

Product: PRESTIGE M48

Manufacturer: PRESTIGE YACHTS

Designer: Camillo Garroni, Philippe Briand

Interior Designer: Valentina Militerno de Romedis

Concept: Prestige Engineering

For the research of a new typology that combines comfort and efficiency in performance.

Honourable mention for the research and use of materials

Product: EXCESS 14

Manufacturer: EXCESS

Designer: VPLP Design

Interior Designer: Nauta Design

For the achievement of sailing performance through a careful study of shapes and materials.

Boating equipment and components

Product: LA SCALA ART. SPE 607

Manufacturer: BESENZONI

For technological research related to electric operation with a simplified use.

Motorboats over 10m LH

Product: FERRETTI YACHTS 860 NEW

Manufacturer: FERRETTI YACHTS

Designer: Filippo Salvetti e Ferretti Group Engineering Department

Interior Designer: Ideaeitalia

For the elegance of the exterior lines and interior design consistent with the quality that the brand represents

Superyachts over 24m LH

Product: SP110

Manufacturer: SANLORENZO YACHT

Designer: Zuccon International Project

Interior Designer: Piero Lissoni

For the continuous ability to innovate spaces, languages and ways of living the sea, inspiring emotions.

Special Prize for Outstanding Innovation

Product: BETTY BUOYS

Manufacturer: BETTY BUOYS

For their commitment to the integrated search for sustainable solutions to a problem of great urgency

Special Prize for Outstanding Career

HYDROGRAPHIC INSTITUTE OF THE ITALIAN NAVY

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Institute, specifically for the great innovation efforts in the digitisation of processes in the field of nautical cartography

Special Prize "Regione Liguria"

INDOOR AIR QUALITY MONITORING FOR YACHTING BY PERMARE

For bringing on board an environmental quality monitoring system.

Special Prize for Lifetime Achievement

GIUSEPPE BALDUCCI – CANTIERI OVERMARINE

2022 Jury

President:

Donatella Bianchi

Jury members:

Silvia Piardi – Director Design Department Politecnico di Milano
Andrea Ratti – Chair M.Sc. Yacht&Cruising Vessel Design Politecnico di Milano
Giovanna Talocci – Product e Interior Designer
Franco Michienzi – Editor-in-chief Barche
Nabil Farhat – Editor-in-chief The World of Yachts & Boats
Donatella Bianchi – Writer, Journalist, President of Parco nazionale 5 Terre
Luisa Bocchietto – Architect, Designer, Senator World Design Organization
Sailboats up to 10 metres LH

Product: ECORACER

Manufacturer: NORTHERN LIGHT SRL

Designer: Matteo Polli

Awarded for the advancement of research in the field of sustainable materials and components and the creation of a boat capable of competing in regattas, creating the possibility of disseminating good design and construction practices.

Sailboats over 10 metres LH

Product: M80

Manufacturer: VISMARA MARINA CONCEPT

Designer: Cantieri Vismara

Awarded for having tackled both the needs of ocean navigation and racing performance and for having integrated innovative, high-performance technology with high-quality aesthetic choices and between the exterior and interior design.

Motorboats up to 10 metres LH

Product: BMA X 277

Manufacturer: RIBITALY SRL

Designer:Carlos Vidal Design Studio

Awarded for the enhancement of the concepts of comfort and use of space, and for the constant search for a contemporary hull design in continuity with the brand.

Motorboats over 10 metres LH

Product: BG72

Manufacturer: BLUEGAME

Designer: Luca Santella & Zuccon International Project

Hull Designer: Luis T. Codega

Awarded for enhancing the cross-over lines with the successful integration of open and flybridge designs, allowing for increased liveability of the outdoor spaces; for the quality of the materials and formal choices and for the high levels of performance achieved with low consumption.

RIBs

Product: GRANTURISMO CRUISER 11.0

Manufacturer: LOMAC NAUTICA SRL

Designer: LOMAC NAUTICA SRL

Awarded for the continuity in the design development that allowed for the integration of new interior spaces without altering the characteristics of the external lines.

Superyachts over 24 metres LH

Product: AZIMUT GRANDE TRIDECK

Manufacturer: AZIMUT YACHTS SRL

Exterior designer & concept: Alberto Mancini

Interior designer: Achille Salvagni Architetti

Hull designer: P.L. Ausonio Naval Architecture & Azimut Benetti R&D Department

Awarded for the balance achieved between the height of the decks and the search for a sleek design. For the quality of spaces that allow for generous living space, even in direct contact with the sea, and for the distinctive quality of the interior finishes.

Superboats over 10 metres LH

Product: SWAN SHADOW

Manufacturer: NAUTOR SWAN

Designer:Jarkko Jämsén

Awarded for the flexibility of use offered by the diversified range of layouts available and for the vast possibilities in terms of customisation. For the quality of the materials used and the elegance of the solutions, all adapted to the different uses proposed.

Multihulls

Product: SCAFO MULTIMODALE

Manufacturer: GERRISBOATS SRL

Designer: Verme Projects

Awarded for developing a new concept of hull, servicing a wide range of users. For its advances in full electric propulsion systems, with hydrogen variants, and the higher range allowed by its low drag.

Boating equipment and components

Product: MICRO PLASTIC COLLECTOR

Manufacturer: SUZUKI ITALIA SPA

Designer: SUZUKI

The Award recognises that the proposed device, designed for filtering and collecting microplastics, opens up new opportunities for the dissemination of good practices, to such a degree that the product’s innovation should become a production standard. The simplicity of the solution lends itself to wide distribution.

Special Prize for Outstanding Innovation

Product: FUTURA

Manufacturer: UNIBOAT – ARGONAUTS TEAM

Designer: UNIBOAT – ARGONAUTS TEAM

Awarded to Futura, a single-seater racing catamaran using integrated zero-CO2 emission propulsion systems, developed by a team of students from the University of Bologna, having already won the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. The project is based on significant research carried out on propulsion systems, techniques, materials, recycling opportunities and digital data management that offers new development prospects for the boating sector, starting from a limited budget.

Honorary mention Superyachts over 24m LH

Product: AMER 120

Manufacturer:PERMARE SRL

Naval Architect: Massimo Verme

Exterior Stylist: Permare Srl

Awarded for experimenting with construction techniques that aim to reduce the amount of fiberglass used in hull construction by replacing it with recyclable materials. For continuous research into materials and components with the goal of finding more sustainable solutions.

Honorary Mention Boating equipment and components

Product: SANITAK

Manufacturer: IGEA BIOCHEMICAL SRL

Naval Architect: IGEA BIOCHEMICAL SRL

Awarded for the creation of a product that is easy and quick to use and which reduces the environmental impact of on-board sanitisation practices. For the research carried out into the use of natural materials as an alternative to traditional solutions.

Liguria International Award

Product: ENERGY PACK

Manufacturer: H2BOAT SRL

Special Prize for Outstanding Career

GIUSEPPE BALDUCCI – CANTIERI OVERMARINE

Born in the town that is a symbol of boating, Limite sull’Arno, Giuseppe Balducci is a leading player in the all-Italian history of leisure yachting. His entrepreneurial spirit and talent for anticipating market needs enabled him to found Mangusta, the Overmarine group brand that remains to this day the world leader of open yachts.

2021 Jury

President: Maria Adele Porro – President of Salone del Mobile Milano

Jury members:

Silvia Piardi – Director of Design Department Politecnico di Milano

Andrea Ratti – Executive Director MSc. Yacht Design Politecnico di Milano.

Franco Michienzi – Editor in chief Barche.

Carlotta Bevilaqua – Architect, Designer, President and CEO Artemide Spa

Nabil Farhat – Director of The World of Yachts & Boats

Ammiraglio Nicola Carlone – General Commander Corpo della Capitaneria di porto Guardia Costiera

Luisa Bocchiello – Architect, Designer, Senator World Design Organization
Cruiser Sailing Boats

Product: SWAN 65

Manufacturer:NAUTOR’S SWAN

Designer: German Frers

Interior Designer: Heini Gustafsson

Awarded for the technical and formal quality of the solutions offered, which guarantee the continuity of an industrialised manufacturing system of high-end yachts. For the ability to enhance the design approach while remaining committed to the company’s traditions.

Racing Sailing Boats

Product: MYLIUS 80 FD

Manufacturer: MYLIUS YACHTS

Designer: Alberto Simeone & Mylius

Awarded for the coherence achieved during the design phase between the construction technique and the formal language adopted, both for the exterior and the interior, for the successful research and application of innovative materials ensuring high performances.

Motorboats (10 - 24m LH)

Product: Invictus TT460

Manufacturer:Invictus Yacht

Designer: Christian Grande

Awarded for attention to detail and a truly innovative shape. For successfully responding to the challenge of making maximum use of technologies to allow a greater variety of spaces, enlarging them and allowing them to provide 40% more space.

Superyachts (over 24m LH)

Product: SX112

Manufacturer: SANLORENZO

Designer: Piero Lissoni

Awarded for the formal innovation that distinguishes the yard and that continues to evolve, proposing distributional research that enhances the experience of making the most of the sea. For the technical quality of the finishes and solutions adopted.

Ribs

Product: COASTER 650 PLUS

Manufacturer: Joker Boat Srl

Designer: Franco Donno

Awarded for the ability to consistently respond to a wider market of users, providing a high-quality, highly functional product in a small size.

Boating equipment and components

Product: BOAT SEADRIVE ELECTRIC POD

Manufacturer: SAIM

Designer: SEADRIVE

Awarded for versatility of use, which makes the design adaptable to different types of boating units and functions, for its increased manoeuvrability, for its compact design and for its sustainability, due to its reduced impact on marine flora and fauna.

Honorary Mention

Product: ECOPRIMUS

Manufacturer:NORTHERN LIGHT Srl

Designer: PRIMUS CLASS

Awarded for the in-depth research carried out into the eco-compatible materials used and the attention paid to recovering materials at the end of a product’s lifecycle; for the interest devoted to a boating unit category that promotes sailing among younger generations; for the passion and competence demonstrated by a start-up.

Special Prize for Outstanding Innovation

Product: MAMBO

Manufacturer: MOI COMPOSITES Srl

Designer: MOI COMPOSITES Srl

Awarded for advanced research in the field of CFM technology combined with the advantages of 3D printing, which have reduced investment requirements for moulds and created the possibility to experiment with innovative shapes. Worthy of particular recognition is also the collaboration between the different industrial partners involved.

Special Prize for Outstanding Career

F.LLI RAZETO & CASARETO

Awarded to the company involved in the production of boating equipment, an active exhibitor at the Genoa International Boat Show, a company celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2020. For its passion and continuous investment in innovation and in expanding its range of products, introducing new materials and constantly tackling new areas of research.

Jury 2020

PRESIDENT: Luisa Bocchietto

JURY MEMBERS:

Silvia Piardi – Director of the design department at Politecnico di Milano
Andrea Pagnin – Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Innovation Coach
Philip Easthill – Secretary General European Boat Industry
Franco Michienzi – Editor-in-chief Boats
Justin Radcliff – Editor-at-Large Europe Yacht International
Luisa Bocchietto – Architect, Designer, Senator World Design Organisation
Ing. Stefano Pagani Isnardi – Director of Confindustria Nautica’s research office

Sailing or Motor Boats - up to 10M LH

Sailing Boats - up to 14M LH

Sailing Boats - over 14M LH

Motorboats - up to 14M LH

Motorboats - over 14M LH

Honourable Mention

Superyachts - over 24M LH

RIBs

Multihulls

Boating equipment and components

Honourable Mention

Onboard electronics and software

Award for outstanding career

Award for outstanding career

2024 Jury

Sailing or Motor Boats - up to 10M LH

Honourable Mention

Sailing Boats - up to 14m LH

Honourable Mention

Sailing Boats - over 14m LH

MOTORBOATS - UP TO 14M LH

MOTORBOATS - OVER 14M LH

SUPERYACHTS - OVER 24M LH

RIBs

Multihulls

BOATING EQUIPMENT AND COMPONENTS

ONBOARD ELECTRONICS AND SOFTWARE

LIGURIA INTERNATIONAL AWARD

AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING INNOVATION

AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CAREER

2023 Jury

Sailing boats up to 10m LH

Motorboats up to 10m LH

RIBs

Sailing boats over 10 metres LH

Honourable Mention for interior design

Multihulls

Honourable mention for the research and use of materials

Boating equipment and components

Motorboats over 10m LH

Superyachts over 24m LH

Special Prize for Outstanding Innovation

Special Prize for Outstanding Career

Special Prize "Regione Liguria"

Special Prize for Lifetime Achievement

2022 Jury

Sailboats up to 10 metres LH

Sailboats over 10 metres LH

Motorboats up to 10 metres LH

Motorboats over 10 metres LH

RIBs

Superyachts over 24 metres LH

Superboats over 10 metres LH

Multihulls

Boating equipment and components

Special Prize for Outstanding Innovation

Honorary mention Superyachts over 24m LH

Honorary Mention Boating equipment and components

Liguria International Award

Special Prize for Outstanding Career

2021 Jury

Cruiser Sailing Boats

Racing Sailing Boats

Motorboats (10 - 24m LH)

Superyachts (over 24m LH)

Ribs

Boating equipment and components

Honorary Mention

Special Prize for Outstanding Innovation

Special Prize for Outstanding Career

Jury 2020

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