BOAT International launches "Artistry & Craft Awards"

The Superyacht Design Festival celebrates the artisans who put their skills to work to create objects and products from this unique craft of leather and leather goods.

Leather and leather products are the oldest profession of this unique craft branch as a sustainable material and at the same time, maritime is also the oldest profession branch. Today, we can see that natural leather is used in super yachts and leather products are included in the luxury segment with designs.

At the heart of every memorable yacht is one thing: exceptional craftsmanship. That’s why BOAT International has launched the “Artistry & Craft Awards” , an event celebrating the artisans who spend countless hours creating finer details on board and taking these vessels to another level of luxury – a talented part of the industry that is often overlooked.

The products included in the design awards are leather and leather goods product designs, including vases, paintings, sculptures, furniture, a wall panel, a staircase and more, large or small, freestanding or integrated, as long as they are handmade and exclusive to the yacht.

BOAT International announces the winners of the “Artistry & Craft Awards” within the scope of the annual “Superyacht Design Festival” during the festival. Nominations for the 2025 awards are now open.

HERE ARE THE CATEGORIES AND THE CRITERIA YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PARTICIPATION:

BOAT Arts and Crafts Awards consist of the following three categories:

First category: Excellence in Craftsmanship

This prize is awarded to an object whose construction is, in the jury’s opinion, unrivaled. Whether it uses traditional skills such as marquetry and leatherwork or new techniques that push the boundaries of sustainability, technology and materials, the object must be a bespoke work created specifically for a new yacht.

Criteria: The object must have originated on a yacht (new or after refit) delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2024. There are no restrictions on the shape of the object; it can be a standalone piece or integrated into the yacht and can be of any size, large or small.

It must be designed and built specifically for the yacht and can be created by a single person or team.

Examples of entries could be works of art such as paintings or sculptures commissioned for the yacht, a specific decorative feature such as a wall panel or floor, a staircase or chandelier, or a piece of furniture. Participants may submit only one object per entry. Individuals are allowed to submit more than one entry.

Second category: Extraordinary Collaborative Creation

This award recognizes outstanding collaboration between two or more people. The object must still exhibit the highest degree of excellence in craftsmanship, but the jury will also take into account the level and achievement of the collaborative effort.

Criteria: The object must have originated on a yacht delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2024. There are no restrictions on the shape of the object; it can be a standalone piece or integrated into the yacht and can be of any size, large or small. It must be designed and manufactured specifically for the yacht and must be created jointly by two or more people. The work may have been done in separate components or locations prior to assembly. Examples of entries include works of art such as paintings or sculptures commissioned for the yacht, a specific decorative feature such as a wall panel or floor, a staircase or chandelier, or a piece of furniture. Participants may submit only one object per entry.

Third category: Emerging Artisan of the Year

This award brings to light an artisan of exceptional talent and promise whose object has recently or will soon appear on a yacht for the first time.

Criteria: The participant must be a craftsman whose work on the yacht has recently been or will be exhibited. The participant can be of any age, but must be a newcomer to the industry (within two years of the application date) and demonstrate exceptional skill and a positive attitude. They can be part of a studio team working on the object or work autonomously, creating a bespoke object themselves. The object must be designed and/or crafted specifically for the yacht.

There are no restrictions on the shape of the object; it can be a standalone piece or integrated into the yacht and can be of any size, large or small. Examples of entries are works of art such as paintings or sculptures commissioned for the yacht, a specific decorative feature such as a wall panel or floor, a staircase or chandelier, or a piece of furniture. If part of a design duo and both parties are new entrants, the nominations of both individuals will be considered and the jury may change the category to Emerging Craftsmen of the Year.

This year’s esteemed panel of judges is made up of acclaimed designers and experts from both inside and outside the maritime industry, all with specialist knowledge in their respective fields and passionate custodians of craft and art in their own right.

BOAT Artistry & Craft Awards 2025 nominations participation conditions:

You can apply for the 2025 awards directly via the link below. If you are concerned about confidentiality agreements or need the support of a designer but do not have direct access to them, please contact the event team. ciara.hutchison@boatinternationalmedia.com

For event application: