IBI Metstrade Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement 2026 Opens under the theme ‘The Industrial Pulse’
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The Beating Heart of Yacht Building
Boat Builder Awards opens to honour the beating hearts of yacht building in 2026.
The 2026 IBI Metstrade Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement, held in association with foundation partner Raymarine, will take as its theme ‘The Industrial Pulse’— a powerful celebration of the raw energy, precision and artisanship that lies at the heart of yacht building.
The Boat Builder Awards are organised by long-standing collaborators IBI and Metstrade to highlight the brilliant but often unmentioned achievements of boat building companies, superyacht yards, allied trades and the crucial people that drive them. Understandably, it is their end products that usually take the spotlight when they launch. In contrast, the Boat Builder Awards draws attention to the pivotal human and technological factors that lie behind every decision and action before a yacht can take to the slipway.
Free Awards Entry
Entry to this global competition is free and the nominations portal has now opened. Shortlisted companies and individuals will be celebrated at the Boat Builder Awards dinner on the evening of Wednesday 18 November which will once again take place in Metstrade’s Restaurant Harbour 8, conveniently located a few paces away from the exhibition halls.
Patricia Becker, Metstrade Exhibition Manager, comments: “Following the powerful messages of our nature-driven sustainability theme in 2025 we wanted to move from source to force for this year’s Boat Builder Awards. The yacht building sector relies on a carefully orchestrated blend of industrial activity across a wide range of trades, shaped by visionary designers, innovative technologists, forward thinking collaborators and inspiring leaders. These elements come together to provide a strategic engine for much of our industry. Metstrade offers the perfect time and place to celebrate the beating hearts of boat and superyacht construction. We look forward to a fantastic evening of applauding achievements, fine dining, entertainment and networking at our exclusive Restaurant Harbour 8.
Stand Out Occasion
Raymarine has been the headline sponsor and keen advocate of the Boat Builder Awards since its inception. IBI and Metstrade are pleased to announce the continuity of this strong partnership into this 12th edition. Michelle Hildyard, Vice-President and General Manager of Raymarine, comments: “It is an honour for Raymarine to continue its role of headline sponsor of the Boat Builder Awards; this event brilliantly showcases the innovation and momentum within our industry.
“Raymarine’s strong partnerships with OEMs sit at the heart of what we do, and through close collaboration we ensure the very best experience for our customers. Personally, this is always a standout occasion for me; not only for the inspiration it delivers, but for the opportunity to connect face-to-face with so many passionate people.”
IBI Metstrade Boat Builder Awards Nominations Now Open
Ed Slack, Editor-in-Chief of IBI states: “This year’s categories continue to focus on issues critical to the success of the yacht building sector – innovation, sustainability and collaboration. We’ll also be looking to name our 12th ever Life Time Achievement award winner to join the illustrious names of past honourees and to bring to prominence one or more Rising Stars among the industry’s vitally important pool of younger talent.
“We invite the whole industry to get involved by nominating the boat launches, innovations, sustainability initiatives and stand-out people that deserve recognition. Entry is free and easy via our online portal. You can nominate on your behalf or send in entries for companies or people who you think deserve recognition.
Our deadline is 26 September, which seems a long way away now. However, our judges are really looking forward to seeing as many submissions as possible before the autumn/fall boat show season commences, so they have maximum time to consider the merits of each one.”
The 2026 Categories
Breakthrough Launch of the Year – sponsored by HP Watermakers
Innovative Design Solution – sponsored by JL Audio
Collaborative Solution between a Builder and its Supply Chain Partner – sponsored by Flexiteek
Sustainability Project of the Year – sponsored by ePropulsion
Rising Star – sponsored by Lumishore
Lifetime Achievement Award – sponsored by Sleipner
A Night to Remember
Step from Metstrade straight into Amsterdam’s most exclusive dinner date.
Wednesday 18 November is the date to save for the 2026 Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement, jointly run by IBI and Metstrade, in association with Raymarine. This fine celebration of achievement will be held in the Restaurant Harbour 8 facility adjacent to Hall 8, in the heart of Metstrade. Tickets are on sale now visit to ensure your reservation for a night to remember.
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