Since its introduction in 1991, the ‘DAME’ (Design Award METS), has become recognised worldwide as the leading competition of its type in the field of marine equipment and accessories. The DAME prize is awarded annually to the best-designed product at the METS exhibition. In addition to the overall winner the jury usually names a winner and one or more ‘Special Mentions’ for each category; these placements are discretionary. The jury’s full list of shortlisted products (known as ‘Nominated’ entries) is included in the report and DAME exhibition.

In 2007, 107 companies entered the competition with a total of 138 products, which makes it the most competitive entry field for marine equipment anywhere in the world. The DAME Design Award METS is a prestigious statement of the winning company’s excellence in all facets of design.

DAME WINNER 2007: Opacmare S.p.A.

The Teaky Beach - Stern Platform Chaise Longue from Opacmare S.p.A. of Italy won this years contest between the nominees.

The Teaky Beach is a very elegant product that can be completely hidden in the deck when not in use, allowing that part of the yacht to be employed for other purposes. But should a person want to sunbathe, or merely relax on deck, hidden hydraulics, a cushion, and a simple handheld electornic control turn the Teaky Beach into an extremely comforttable lounge chair.

While this product is aimed at the upper end of the market, a segment that is extremely hot right now, it can be fitted on boats as small as about 20 meters (65.6 feet)

5 Category winners
The jury deemed it appropriate to award 5 category winners next to the overall winner.

Marine Electronics: Marine Reader from Secure Yacht Ltd. of the United Kingdom. An access control system that alerts a yacht owner to any unwanted persons attempting to board the vessel. The device is attached to a surface near the yacht's boarding platform, which glows green whenever someone steps onboard and is allowed to proceed. If an unauthorised person attempts to board, the device glows red and sounds an alarm.

Interior equipment, furnishings, materials and electrical fittings used in cabins: The winner in this category the Teaky Beach - Stern Platform Chaise Longue of Italy, was also judged to be this year’s overall DAME prize winner (see above).

Deck equipment, sails and rigging: the Multifunction Stern Platform of Opacmare S.p.A. from Italy. The platform can be used as a simple yacht stern plarform, or as a platform onto which a jetski, dinghy or small tender can be loaded and lifted out of the water. Completely adjustable, the remote-controlled platform can go from bein 0.5 m (1.6ft) below the waterline to its fully closed position.

Machinery, propulsion, mechanical and electrical systems and fittings: the SIPARIO opening window system from Besenzoni S.p.A. of Italy. A fully opening window that can be installed to within 1 ft (0.30m) of the waterline. It can be opened from the inside of a yacht to allow passengers fresh air and sun without having to go on deck, and is completely watertight.

Life saving and safety equipment: the EVRSafe ISS-1040 from EVRSafe Marine Technologies of Australia. Detects the presence of several hazardous gases onboard a vessel, alerting crew and passengers to any potential danger.

New products and services

If you have developed a new product that may not be unique enough to compete for the DAME Award, but does deserve additional attention please make sure that it is put on the new product list. If you do so before the deadline it will be provided in the media kit for all journalists in the marine industry and you can generate attention even before METS 2008 starts.

All exhibitors will be notified well in advance.