Billed as a weekend of glitz and glamour, the Superyacht Crew Awards celebrated industry excellence in Hollywood style.
There was a Hollywood movie theme in Porto Montenegro as the marina village hosted ACREW for the second consecutive year.
The event recognised outstanding superyachts, their crew, and industry professionals. Winners were announced across various categories, as one by one, sponsors took to the stage in Hollywood inspired gowns and frocks to present the awards.
The occasion attracted captains and crew from over 25 vessels, solidifying its reputation as a highlight of the superyacht calendar.
The audience had flown into Montenegro from all around Europe. Many had joined ACREW on board an especially chartered in aircraft that took off from, and returned to, Barcelona.
Fun filled activities
The weekend event included fun filled activities including a tutored wine tastings art classes and sightseeing boat trips. Sadly, the poor weather conditions prevented other planned activities the likes of Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Kayaking and dinghy sailing.
Fortunately, the weather held off on the Friday night and the crew open air BBQ went ahead as planned.
As the weekend progressed so it spotlighted remarkable achievements across various categories. Finally on the Saturday evening award finalists and sponsors of the evening gathered for the prize giving ceremony.
There were awards for Best Chef, Deck Crew, Stew, Purser, Engineer, Entrepreneur, Chief-Stew, Environmental & Sustainability, Lifetime Achievement, First Officer, Captain Master 500gt, Master 3000gt, Captain Master Unlimited, and Best Superyacht Crew.
Chef Award Winner
Caroline Griffiths was recognised for her exceptional culinary skills, flexibility, creativity, and client-focused approach. Her ability to source sustainable ingredients showcased her logistical competencies.
Deck Award
Holly Robertson, a Deckhand sailing in the motoryacht Arience, was acknowledged for her dedication to maintaining the yacht’s exterior and her extensive knowledge of nautical duties and hospitality.
Stew Award
Natalia Curone received the Stew Award for significantly enhancing the guest experience on board Homethrough her outstanding housekeeping and service skills, as well as excellent guest interaction.
Purser Award
Isabella Say’s exceptional attention to detail in administrative and planning tasks for the yacht, crew, and guests earned her the Purser Award.
Engineer Award
Ruairidh Macrae, an Engineer with expertise in mechanical and electrical operations, won this award for his ability to assist the crew and guests with technical requests while maintaining the yacht’s systems.
Entrepreneur Award
Assaad Rayess was recognised for his entrepreneurial achievements in the yachting industry.
Chief-Stew Award
Gherghina Soacat, is the Head of Department of the Interior Crew. She demonstrated exceptional skills and knowledge in both interior duties and general yacht operations.
Environmental & Sustainability
Zoran Selakovic was acknowledged for his commitment to environmental sustainability. He has acted as an inspiration in reducing plastic waste and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Emma Kate Ross was celebrated for her lifetime contributions to the superyacht industry, significantly advancing the industry.
First Officer Award
Jason Walker’s combination of managerial qualities with the exterior crew, along with his oversight of all yacht operations, earned him the First Officer Award.
Captain Master 500gt Award
Guy Perkins, a hands-on Captain, in command of Soho II was recognised for his close collaboration with the crew and his responsibilities across all operational areas.
Master 3000gt Award
Ken Maff was awarded the Captain Master 3000GT Award for ensuring safety onboard, demonstrating excellent management skills, and handling busy itineraries and refit projects effectively.
Captain Master Unlimited Award
Stefan Räbisch was celebrated for ensuring safety onboard Madsummer and managing the yacht to the highest standards while effectively communicating with contractors, crew, owners, and guests.
Best Superyacht Crew Award
The motoryacht Mayan Queen IV her captain Richard Kirkby and his dedicated crew were honoured for their commitment to guest service, vessel maintenance, teamwork, and loyalty. In accepting the award, Captain Kirkby recalled the night his yacht was called upon to rescue survivors whose vessel foundered while attempting to cross from Africa to Europe. He praised the excellence of his crew while they performed the rescue.
Superyacht Business Awards
The Superyacht Business Awards 2023 also recognised the excellence of several businesses in the yachting industry. The winners included:
- KRM Yacht Refit winning Best Superyacht Refit Yard.
- Voly winning Best Superyacht Software Award.
- Calum Yacht Services winning Best Superyacht Agent.
- ETYC winning Best Sustainable Superyacht Business Award.
- Ocean Premium winning Best Superyacht Service Provider.
- J4Crew winning Best Superyacht Recruitment Agency.
- Seascope winning Best Superyacht Crew Training Award.
- Porto Montenegro winning Best Superyacht Marina.
So successful are these business awards that Onno Ebbens, the ACREW Director, hinted that in 2024 these awards might be spun off into a different event in Palma Mallorca.
The event’s success was made possible with support from Gold Sponsors: IMM, Amels, Liquid Yacht Wear, and Meridian powered by ACREW.
Amsterdam
The 2024 edition of the Superyacht Crew Awards is already in the planning stages and will take place in Amsterdam!
For the past two years the event has been held in Porto Montenegro. It is a testament to the luxury marina development’s ongoing commitment to go the extra mile for crew members and industry professionals. The weekend complimented other marina initiatives. Such as the Superyacht Games, and Crew Club parties and events. From sundowners on the beach, to Friday barbecues and winter skiing at their mountain chalet, Porto Montenegro is known by crew, as going the extra mile to keep them active and entertained.
With its specific infrastructure, Porto Montenegro caters to the needs of the largest yachts, their owners, guests and crew with, flexible birthing packages. There is also a new shipyard, offering superyacht repair and refit facilities, making it the ideal winter berthing location.
Investment
Adriatic Marinas is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Investment Corporation of Dubai. It is a specialist developer and operator of waterfront and specialist yachting destinations. Porto Montenegro is the company’s luxury yacht homeport and marina village.
The facility has been designed to cater to the advanced needs of all yachts, their owners, guests, and crew with specific infrastructure for the largest yachts afloat. The marina currently has 450 berths. And more than 440 delivered and sold-out luxury apartments. As well as 80 units of ground floor retail space made up of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and amenities. Plus of course the five-star Regent Hotel with over 120 luxury suites and apartments.
Constantly expanding, Porto Montenegro’s newest neighbourhood, Boka Place introduces 213 managed and private residencies. It does so, alongside the first SIRO, a new fitness-infused hotel concept with Kerzner International.
