Royal Huisman

Royal Huisman-built Meteor dominates WORLD SUPERYACHT AWARDS 2008:

SAILING YACHT OF THE YEAR

Judges' comments:
Of all the finalist sailing yachts, the judges considered that Meteor combined the best appearance, technology, and appropriate interior design, while being a seaworthy high-performance offshore cruiser in all wind and sea conditions.

BEST SAILING YACHT EXTERIOR STYLING

Judges' comments:
The recreation of an authentically classic style, while using modern technology and providing modern amenities, is not a straightforward task, especially when the modern high-tech element of the yacht must remain in the background. Dykstra and Partners has become an expert in this field, while working on J-Class and other sailing yachts from past eras, and the judges felt that their outstanding work on Meteor was well deserving of this award.

BEST SAILING YACHT IN 45m+ SIZE RANGE 

Judges' comments.
All four contestants in this class were highly capable world-roaming cruising yachts, albeit with differing exterior styling and internal volumes. After a lengthy deliberation the judges voted for traditional rather than modern design, selecting the schooner-rigged Meteor as the winner. Of course, while Meteor is, in appearance, a classic yacht, everything else about her is completely state-of-the-art, from her carbon fibre spars and standing rigging to her sail controls and machinery. On top of the excellent performance shown in her polar diagrams, the judges admired the perfection of her design, both interior and exterior, and the superlative quality of her construction.