A panel of experienced superyacht owners gathered in London from 26 to 28 February 2026 for the judging weekend of the World Superyacht Awards. The event, held at The Cadogan hotel, involved discussions and deliberations to select winners across various categories. The ceremony is set for Venice on 1–2 May 2026.
The 21st edition of the World Superyacht Awards featured a judging weekend in London, where superyacht owners convened to evaluate finalists. Hosted at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel in Chelsea, the three-day event combined professional deliberations with social and cultural activities.
Proceedings began on Thursday evening with an informal reception in the Oscar Wilde Royal Suite, followed by a three-course dinner in the Oscar & Lillie private dining room. On Friday, the judges focused on reviewing and debating the year's exceptional yachts, drawing on their collective experience as owners and industry experts to select winners.
While judges worked, their partners participated in a programme called A Date with Dior, starting at the Christian Dior Boutique with champagne, pastries, a collection preview, and lunch at a local restaurant. That evening, judges dined at Cantinetta Antinori London, which celebrates Tuscan culinary traditions.
Saturday concluded with a cultural outing to the Montblanc Boutique for insights into the brand's heritage, followed by a calligraphy and poetry workshop at Il Gattopardo and an Italian lunch.
The judging panel, chaired by Dick Raper, owner of a 38.8m sailing yacht, includes notable figures such as Carlos Ancira, owner of a 45m motor yacht; Tim Ciasulli, former owner of a 40m motor yacht; and Bill Duker, former owner of a 52m motor yacht and 70m sailing yacht, among others. These serial owners bring extensive knowledge of yacht design and management.
Nominees for the awards have been officially announced, building anticipation for the Venice ceremony. Tickets remain available through the BOAT International events team.