Nine boats were chosen from a shortlist of 57The winners of the UK’s 2012 Motor Boat of the Year awards were announced at a gala ceremony at London’s Savoy Hotel last night.
The event was organised by IPC Marine Media, IBI’s owner, and sponsored by marine insurance provider Pantaenius.
Some 57 boats in nine categories were shortlisted for this year’s awards. Each nominated boat was personally tested by journalists from IPC’s Motor Boat & Yachting and Motor Boats Monthly magazines.
Simon Owen, publishing director at IPC Marine Media, gave a short address to the evening’s 200 invited guests and welcomed new sponsor Pantaenius.
“This year, we’re delighted to welcome Pantaenius as the awards’ new main sponsor,” he said. “I would also like to say a big thank you to KVH for kindly sponsoring our pre-dinner drinks reception and also to Peters & May for providing our after dinner drinks. Their sponsorship allows us to celebrate design, innovation and excellence in our industry.”
This year’s winners were:
- Starterboat: Quicksilver Activ 645 Cabin
Manufacturer: Brunswick
UK dealer: CTC Marine & Leisure Group, Ferry Marine, Nauticalia Boats, Quadra Boats, R.I.B.S. Marine, Samspeed Marine, SeaMark Nunn Ltd, Yachthaven Marine.
- Wheelhouse & Walkaround: Botnia Targa 32
Manufacturer: OY Botnia Marin AB
UK Dealer: Wessex Marine
- Performance and Superboat: Riva Iseo
Manufacturer: Ferretti Group
UK dealer: Ventura UK
- Trawler Yacht and Aft Cabin: Beneteau ST44
Manufacturer: Beneteau
UK Dealer: AM Dickie & Sons
- Sportscruiser up to 45ft: Windy 31 Zonda
Manufacturer: Windy Boats AS
UK Dealer: Express Cruisers Ltd
- Sportscruiser above 45ft: Princess V52
Manufacturer: Princess Yachts International
UK Dealer: Princess Motor Yacht Sales
- Flybridge up to 55ft: Jeanneau Prestige 500
Manufacturer: Jeanneau
UK Dealer: BHG Marine, Bleu Water Marine, Cambrian Boats Limited, Cyril Johnston & Co, Euroyacht, Network North Wales, Walton Marine, Lansdale Marine & Leisure & Property LLP, LH Morgan and Sons Ltd.
- Flybridge above 55ft: Sunseeker Manhattan 63
Manufacturer: Sunseeker International
UK Dealer: Sunseeker London
- Custom Yacht: Ferretti Custom Line 100
Manufacturer: Ferretti Group
UK Dealer: Ventura UK
The Judges Special Award went to David King, chairman of Princess Yachts International, and the Garmin Europe Ltd Outstanding Service Award was presented to Essex Boatyards.