A total of 146 products originating from manufacturers spanning 37 different countries represents a new high-water mark for the globally recognised competition. Winners will be announced on the first day of the show, 18 November, during the official opening.

This year, the international jury of the DAME Design Awards comprised 11 leading design and user experts, with a wide range of perspectives covering key leisure marine and superyacht activities. After initial scrutiny of online entries over two weeks, the jury gathered in a purpose-built facility at RAI Amsterdam for hands-on assessment and detailed discussions spanning two intensive days. For the second year in succession the jury featured a guest student member and welcomed recent product design graduate Scarlett Harris onto the team. The jury’s expertise was further boosted by the addition of Alexandra Foineau Oakley, benefiting from her broad range of experience spanning equipment distribution, manufacturing and boat product management.  

From the 146 entries received, the jury finally selected 67 nominated products – the highest number of products shortlisted since 2016. All 67 will be showcased in a special display at Metstrade, located in Hall 13, right in the heart of the show. To view this year’s nominated products please visit damedesignawards.com/nominees

Recognising the best of the best

Nominated products form the pool from which the winners of each of the DAME’s eight categories are selected. The overall DAME Design Awards winner is then assessed from this exclusive group of eight. The jury will further announce a series of Special Mentions (highly commended entries) and, at its discretion, may additionally name an Environmental Design Award winner.

Winners will be announced at the Metstrade Official Opening in the Harbour 8 dedicated events facility entrance F, following a keynote speech by Cheryl Brown, Managing Director at international boating holiday company Le Boat. This event is open to exhibitors, Metstrade Young Professionals, press, VIPs and speakers.

The Metstrade Stage will host a panel featuring this year’s DAME Design Awards outright winner. Details of nominees and winners will be included within the Jury Report which will be released on the DAME Design Awards website following the Metstrade Official Opening on 18 November  – damedesignawards.com.

This year’s DAME Design Awards entry fees will be donated to The Ocean Conservation Trust, a global charity that exists to protect and restore nature at sea.

New record for submitted products                                                              

Andre Hoek, Chair of the DAME jury, was sadly unable to be present for the two-day jury meeting due to an unforeseen medical issue from which he has now thankfully fully recovered.

Patrick Hemp, Technical Manager for the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), kindly stepped in as Acting Chair and observed: “The jury had the unprecedented task of assessing 146 products this year, the highest number of DAME entries since entry charges were introduced just after the turn of the Millennium. Each of us was acutely aware of the effort and investment that sat behind every product that we considered – whether complex or seemingly simple. We wish to commend every company that put their product forward and congratulate those who have already attained the very notable achievement of nomination against such a large field.

“It was a very intensive but rewarding time, with encouraging levels of products submitted across all categories. The level of creativity and development present was a clear indicator that the marine equipment sector is emerging from challenges in the earlier part of this decade to once again place its full focus on improving the design of the products it delivers to boat builders and end users.”

Metstrade Exhibition Programme Manager, Tessa Meijer adds: “It’s an incredible endorsement of the reputation and influence of the DAME Design Awards that it should attract such a high number of entries in its 34th year. Ever since its foundation in 1991, Metstrade has invested heavily in this initiative. The DAME serves as a vital focal point encouraging the marine leisure and superyacht sectors to keep pace with the wider world in terms of design, innovation and technology. Nominees and winners have many good stories to tell about the business benefits of recognition. This record entry will also generate a significant donation to The Ocean Conservation Trust, a highly worthy cause dedicated to improving the environment of the waters we all love and rely upon.

“We look forward to showcasing this impressive group of nominees within the DAME Design Awards showcase in November and celebrating the winners at the Metstrade Official Opening on 18 November.”