Awards Articles

2026's Motor Boat Awards: Diverse Finalists and Cutting-Edge Innovation on the Horizon

Hosting the spectacular Motor Boat Awards is esteemed magazine, Motor Boat & Yachting. With a judging process based purely on boat design, ability, and value for money, these awards have become an industry highlight for those itching to make a splash in the marine world.

The finalists for the 2026 awards have now been disclosed and, impressively, boats from as diverse locations as China, Turkey, Finland, Ukraine, Europe, and the UK have all made the cut. This compelling array reveals a fascinating snapshot of the global motor boating scene, revealing the innovative and distinctive efforts of manufacturers worldwide.

Adhering to a strict selection criteria, all boats are exhaustively sea tested by the seasoned judging team of Motor Boat & Yachting, and grouped into categories based on size and type, ranging from nimble sub-30ft sportboats up to grand custom yachts exceeding 80ft.

03-12-2025

Emirates Team New Zealand Reigns Supreme at the 2025 Barfoot & Thompson Yachting Excellence Awards

Explosive cheers filled the air, as Emirates Team New Zealand secures the highest honour at the 2025 Barfoot & Thompson Yachting Excellence Awards. A monumentous occasion that adequately showcases the skill and proficiency of these expert yacht sailors. This excitement was further amplified by the introduction of the inaugural Peter Lester Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sailing, in honour of the dearly departed sailor, coach, and commentator. The coveted Sir Bernard Fergusson Trophy, orbiting the world of top-tier sailing as the ‘Sailor of the Year’ award, was warmly received by the Emirates Team, saluting their spectacular third consecutive victory at the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup.

28-11-2025

Son Surprises Dedicated Volunteer Dad with Prestigious RYA Scotland Impact Award, Marking a Lifetime of Sailing Service

An unexpected award, and an even more unexpected presenter, left long-time Fairlie Yacht Club volunteer Pete Wright speechless at the 2025 Largs Regatta Festival.

10-09-2025

Spray, Glory and Silverware

Cowes Week 2025 ended in style, with trophies awarded

The 199th edition of Cowes Week closed not with a whimper but with a crack, a bang, and a whoop that could be heard from the Squadron lawn to the last bar stool in the Anchor. The racing fleet may have stowed its sails, but on Friday night the town itself became the stage — streets alive with the stomp of sea boots, the flash of yacht club blazers, and the unmistakable smell of fireworks drifting in from the Solent.

10-08-2025