Sakari Mattila, founder and chief designer of Saxdor Yachts, received the Judges’ Special Award at the Motor Boat Awards 2026, held in Düsseldorf on January 20. The award recognizes his contributions to the motorboat industry over a 48-year career.

The Motor Boat Awards, organized by Motor Boat & Yachting magazine, honored Mattila for his understanding of consumer needs, entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to set industry trends. Mattila's career began in other sectors before he focused on design and boating, founding Aquador in 1994, Paragon in 2004, co-founding XO Boats in 2008, and Axopar in 2012. After leaving Axopar in 2018, he established Saxdor Yachts, further solidifying his influence in the industry.

Saxdor, founded in 2019, quickly gained recognition for its design, drivability, and market accessibility. The brand has expanded internationally, becoming one of Europe's fastest-growing motorboat brands, with a revenue growth of 65% from €109 million in 2024 to over €180 million in 2025. The new flagship, Saxdor 460 GTC, was recently unveiled at boot Düsseldorf 2026, drawing significant attention.

Erna Rusi, CEO of Saxdor Yachts, accepted the award on Mattila's behalf, highlighting his dedication and high standards. Rusi stated, "We are incredibly proud to see Sakari and his legacy honored with this award. His relentless drive and passion for innovation define both him and Saxdor."

The Judges’ Special Award acknowledges individuals with a lasting impact on the motorboat industry. For Saxdor Yachts and the marine industry, the award emphasizes Mattila's influence, creative vision, and ongoing efforts to redefine modern motorboating.