The World Superyacht Awards will this year be held in Istanbul. Set up seven years ago to become effectively the ‘Oscars of the Superyacht Industry’ Ron Holland Design has had boats nominated on just about every occasion since the first edition.

The 2012 edition of the World Superyacht Awards will be presented at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski in Istandbul, Turkey on 5 May. It is always a special night with the owners, builders, designers and friends of each of the nominated yachts attending a gala dinner before seeing the category winners presented with their special Neptune Trophies. This year the Kinsale, Ireland based Superyacht design office has three yachts nominated in two different categories.

The section for ‘Sailing yachts in the 40m+ OA’ category includes Christopher and Fidelis – both yachts have been making the headlines throughout 2011. In the ‘Displacement Yachts of under 500 GT’ category Karia, the first of the RMK 4500 series power boats has also been nominated.

“We’ve had a lot of good fortune at the World Superyacht awards over the years and we are delighted to be once again considered for two different categories with some of our most recent projects,” said Ron Holland.

Christopher [150ft/46m OA] was built by Pendennis Shipyard and launched in 2010. She combines a classic style with the most advanced sailing technology. Carbon fibre rigging coupled with a twin rudder arrangement and an extremely deep and efficient retractable centerboard ensure that sailing performance is second to none, whilst he interior design is more than sufficient for an extended family to enjoy the space and privacy during extended cruises.

Fidelis [183ft/56m OA] is the tenth in the Perini Navi/ Ron Holland Design 56-metre series collaboration. This aluminium ketch was launched in 2011 and, with its sailing performance and handling, beautifully appointed luxurious yet flexible accommodation and solidly reliable engineering and systems proves yet again the design versatility of the 56-metre hull arrangement.

Karia [148ft/45m OA] is the first of a new series of exciting mid-sized power boats for the experienced yacht owner intent on long-distance cruising. With long term low-maintenance set as a design priority particular attention has also been applied in this design to ensure efficient and sea kindly hull design is coupled with exceptional interior volume.

“Every year we secretly look forward to see the list of nominees. Every boat nominated obviously has significant design value and we enjoy seeing the trends exhibited. It is especially flattering when our own designs are nominated. With three this year it is a bumper crop for us and we look forward to attending the always exciting evening in May, this year in Istanbul,” continued Rob Doyle Principal Designer.

Further information on each of these nominated designs can be found on this website.