ISS Announces 2009 Design Awards Finalists

Yacht, Leadership and Distinguished Crew Awards to be Presented 29 October 2009

8 September 2009, Fort Lauderdale, FL: ISS (International Superyacht Society) today releases its lists of finalists for the 2009 International Design Awards. These yachts represent the very finest naval architecture, design, interiors, engineering and builds the large yacht industry presents annually.

Each year, a large number of nominees are submitted to ISS by the large yacht industry's leading builders, designers and stewards. The categories are as follows:

Power: (3) awards for size categories 24m-40m, 40m-65m, 65m+

Sail: (2) awards for size categories 24m-40m, 40m+

Interior Design Fitout: (1) award for power or sail

The individual selection of five finalists in each award grouping results from the privilege to vote that ISS membership affords. A distinguished and impartial group of judges then weighs the qualifications of each yacht with the winning yachts announced at ISS's annual International Design Awards Gala, this year on Thursday, 29 October from 7:30 P.M. at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale.

ISS also recognizes achievement in the business and service of superyachts. During the Gala, both the ISS The Leadership Award and Distinguished Crew Award are presented. The first recognizes an individual or business whose distinctive work and commitment to the industry has contributed-over a substantial period of time-to the sustainable growth of the superyacht community worldwide. Nominations and selection for The Leadership Award are made by those who have received the award in previous years with the previous year's winner presiding; this year, this honour goes to Alice Huisman.

The Distinguished Crew Award is presented in years when the DCA award judges are presented with a nomination that represents the essence of the award (nominations are sought industry-wide). Specifically, these honours are designed to recognize yacht crew whose distinguished acts of service best exemplify the standards to which professional yacht crew aspire.

ISS's Business (Person) of the Year and Innovation of the Year awards are being presented during the ISS/PYA collaborative Third Annual Meeting of the Associations in Monaco on Friday, 25 September 2009.

In related news, ISS has recently informed the industry that this year's Gala has been altered slightly to reflect the nature of this unprecedented time of global economic stressors and to reflect ISS's awareness of fiscal pressures the industry is facing. With cocktails, appetizers and festivities beginning at 7:30 P.M. on the Ocean View Terrace (the newly renovated outdoor space at the Marriott), A Casual Elegant Evening to Celebrate Our Industry's Finest Leaders and Accomplish-ments will continue the tradition of providing a rare blend of networking and recognition but at a reduced ticket price.

ISS would like to acknowledge the invaluable, and continuing, support of its gala event sponsors-Robb Report, Show Management, The Yacht Report Group, Westrec Marinas and Wright Maritime Group.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST OF FINALISTS

Sponsors of the Design Awards

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About International Superyacht Society

The International Superyacht Society is the sole organization serving and representing the large yacht industry worldwide. Society members are individuals and companies who have been recognized for their leadership and dedication to raising the standards of design construction, maintenance, repair and operation of large yachts.

Founded in 1989, the Society is a not-for-profit organization and relies wholly on membership dues, the support of corporate sponsors, revenues from special events, and other donations. An elected Board of Directors guides the Society's activities.

Education Programs are conducted internationally and include open forums such as symposia, informal gatherings and round-tables. It is a Society priority to foster dialogue among Society members and others in the large yacht segment of the marine industry, leading to the strengthening and growth of the business interests of Society members and the industry as a whole.