The IPC Media Marine Awards
The inaugural IPC Marine Media Awards ceremony took place tonight at Old Billingsgate in London. The stars of boating, HRH Princess Anne and several heroes of the marine industry filled the East London venue. Our hosts for the evening were double gold Olympic medal winner Shirley Robertson and Cowes Radio star Steve Ancsell. Held on the first day of the London International Boat Show, the evening was designed to highlight excellence in our industry. It achieved its goal last night as the winners of each category, voted for by marine experts including IPC Media journalists, were announced to rapturous applause.
The Princess Royal presented the first two awards, voted for by the members of the YJA (Yachting Journalists Association). Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year which recognises endeavour and achievement by young sailors up to 18 years old in any discipline of the sport and the Raymarine Yachtsman of the Year title, currently held by Dame Ellen MacArthur.
Craig Paul, Sam Coombs and James Hopson scooped the Young Sailor of the Year for their swift and timely rescue of a fellow sailor in distress, while the 50th annual Yachtsman of the Year trophy was awarded once again to Dame Ellen MacArthur. MacArthur could not be at the ceremony to receive the award in person as she is currently on Albatross Island in the South Atlantic. Mark Turner of Offshore Challenges picked up the trophy on her behalf.
After a delicious three course dinner, the IPC Marine Media Awards resumed with Veneziani Sailboat of the year under 40ft. Sean Singleton, Managing Director of Veneziani took to the stage to present the award accompanied by Yachting Monthly's Editor, Paul Gelder. Dufour sailed away with first prize for their 365. Steve Ancsell explained why: "Getting the basics right and paying attention to detail will create a better boat as the Dufour 365 proves"
Voting was close in the category for Sailboat over 40ft but Etap deservedly claimed the trophy for their 46DS as Shirley Robertson explained "She is a particularly easy boat to handle shorthanded without compromising on performance."
Then the focus turned to power with the awards for Motorboat of the Year under and over 40ft being presented. The Nimbus 340 Commander came top of the league in the under 40 footers, presented by Simon Collis - Editor of Motor Boats Monthly. As Steve Ancsell rightly commented, "It may not be flash, but if the experts were buying with their own money, this is where they would spend it."
The prize for Motor Boat of the Year over 40ft was presented by Hugo Andreae, Editor of Motor Boat and Yachting and went to the stunning Azimut 68S, "It took our breath away when it was first launched and still does today" exclaimed Shirley.
International innovation was celebrated in the next award - the Sealine International sponsored Innovative Boat of the Year. The Powercat 525 came out top in this category, a craft that was, Ancsell confirmed "developed to cope with the demanding waters around the Isles of Scilly where rough seas, high winds and strong currents make for notoriously testing conditions". Jason Hudson, Sales Director of Sealine International Ltd and Sarah Norbury, Editor of Practical Boat Owner presented the silver trophy.
Next up was the Marine Product of the year, presented by Yachting World's Racing and Technical Editor - Matt Sheahan. Spinlock came away with first prize, for their Spinlock/Petzl harness with integrated lifejacket. As Shirley was quick to point out "This is a top of the range product that offers no excuses for its approach. It invites sailors to consider making a measured investment in their personal safety"
The next award category was the Peters plc Marine Product of the Year - Engines and Propulsions Systems went to Volvo Penta's IPS drive, which promises to completely re-invent the future of motorboating. As Steve said - "It changes the perception of sceptics as soon as they try it and this innovative propulsion system deserves to find wilder applications in the future"
The Marine Product of the Year award for marine electronics went to Tacktick for its Micronet range. Yachting Monthly's Technical Editor presented the award and Shirley Roberston explained why it was so justly deserved "Recognised as a bold and striking move when announced in 2002, three years on it is clear that Tacktick's Micronet network instrument range is making a major contribution to the world of marine electronics."
The final award of the evening and perhaps the most significant was the Sunseeker sponsored award for Service Excellence, designed to recognise service and duty beyond the norm and was voted for by members of the boating public and ybw.com visitors. Kim Hollamby Chairman of the IPC Marine Media Awards jointly presented the award to Garmin Europe and Southwater Marine. "While their businesses are very different in nature, each has consistently stretched far past its formal obligations to ensure that its customers get real enjoyment out of their boating" Concluded Steve.
The evening continued with desert and dancing til 2am. We are expecting a few sleepy faces around the boat show tomorrow but after the success of this evening, we look forward to intense competition for the 2007 awards.
