Superyacht Design Festival 2026 Preview | Boat Design & Innovation Awards, Top superyacht designers and mega yacht trends

Returning to Kitzbühel in Austria from 1 to 3 February, the Superyacht Design Festival 2026 explores the ideas and innovations shaping the future of yachting, promising groundbreaking innovations in terms of design and sustainability.

Over the course of three days, the superyacht community will gather in the historic Austrian ski resort town to hear from keynote speakers on crucial issues, to take part in thought-provoking discussions, and to network at glamorous social events.

The Superyacht Design Festival, run by Boat International, has a reputation for igniting important discussions among some of the industry’s biggest players. In 2025 we heard about the potential of nuclear propulsion and next-generation composites and this year we can expect to hear about the influence of AI and what superyacht owners of the future are looking for.

If you want to be at the forefront of the latest developments and be part of discussions helping shape the future of luxury yacht design, then read on for a complete guide to the Superyacht Design Festival and Design & Innovation Awards 2026.

What is the Superyacht Design Festival and Design & Innovation Awards?

The Superyacht Design Festival (formerly the Superyacht Design Summit) launched in Kitzbühel in the Austrian Alps in 2016 and – with the exception of 2023 when the show was held in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – it has been held here every year since.

One of the most influential events in the yachting calendar, the show’s focus has primarily always been on design innovations that will help propel the superyachting industry into the future.

As well as panel discussions and keynote talks by leading figures and the world’s top superyacht builders, the Superyacht Design Festival is also an opportunity to celebrate some of the biggest trailblazers in the superyacht world.

The Boat Design and Innovation Awards, held on the opening evening – 1 February 2026 – offer the chance to champion some of the most significant developments in superyachts over the preceding year.

Unlike other yachting awards, the focus of these awards is not on each superyacht as a separate entity, but on individual aspects of the yachts. Categories cover everything, from naval architecture and exterior design to interiors, paying particular attention to emerging design trends. For superyacht owners themselves, it’s a chance to delve into a world of possibilities that might one day influence a yacht purchase or high-end charter decision. 

Finalists in 2026 include BREAKTHROUGH yacht the extraordinary RWD-designed 119m Feadship that’s up for the Best Interior Design award in the 1000GT and Above category as well as Best Naval Architecture in the Displacement Yachts category. 

This year, the awards are being chaired by renowned Tim Heywood, a recipient of the awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award, who has many exceptional yachts to his credit and who until recently served as exterior designer of Damen Yachting’s limited series of yachts.

As well as the Design & Innovation Awards, ticketholders for the 2026 Superyacht Design Festival – which are sold at a premium to ensure only a serious audience attends – can also attend the Artistry & Craft Awards, and the Young Designer of the Year Award.

What’s new for the Superyacht Design Festival 2026: Key updates & highlights

This year Metrica will be the title sponsor of the Superyacht Design Festival, a partnership that underlines the master maker’s commitment to creating ambitious, rule-bending design solutions and which suggests a greater emphasis on interiors going forward.

Kai Dittmar, CEO of Metrica, says, “We’re proud to be the 2026 title sponsor of the Superyacht Design Festival – the perfect stage to celebrate the artistry, innovation and collaboration that defines our industry. This is a transformative time for Metrica: rooted in generations of heritage, refined by innovation and shaped by a commitment to creativity, craftsmanship and quality. It marks the beginning of our next chapter.”

As always, all eyes will be on the festival’s keynote speakers as they offer up words of wisdom on all aspects of yacht design and innovation and issues that affect the industry.

Jenk Oz, for instance, head of Gen-Z focused consulting agency Thred Media, will share some invaluable insights into the minds of the next wave of billionaires: Generation Z.

As much of the world’s wealth begins to shift into younger hands – with 2030 predicted to see the biggest shift in global wealth in history – it’s important yacht builders and designers start to think about what these future superyacht owners are looking for.

Elsewhere, Gabrielle Lazaridis, BOAT International’s business editor, will present an analysis of the global superyacht fleet, including the boatbuilding regions that are gaining momentum and emerging design trends. 

For industry insiders it’s a fantastic opportunity to stay ahead of the curve, while superyacht owners and charter guests will find it an invaluable opportunity to network with some of the world’s top builders and designers.

There will also be a number of exclusive social events held across the three days, culminating in the coveted Ski Cup and Après-Ski Closing Party, hosted by Lürssen.

Emerging Trends in yacht design for 2026 and beyond

Renowned for confronting important issues face on, the Superyacht Design Festival will be holding a table discussion on how AI is expected to shape yacht design.

Jim Dixon, studio principal of yachts and aviation at Winch Design will be sitting down with James Roy, managing director of Lateral Naval Architects, Maurizio Minossi, founder of Videoworks, and Rob Armstrong, co-founder of ThirtyC to discuss the potential the technology brings to the superyacht industry.

This team of superyacht experts will be examining everything, from how AI can be utilised for concept generation to how it can help sharpen workflows.

The festival will also be putting a strong focus on sustainable yacht design and power alternatives that will include discussing breakthroughs in graphene supercapacitors that could see unprecedented levels of energy efficiency.

As part of discussions, Liam Phelan, head of business development at HPB, will share their thoughts on solid-state battery technology, which could result in greater autonomy in the future.

There is also expected to be wider discussions on functional interiors that put the emphasis back on how yachts are lived in, while an examination of charter trends – from those looking for experiential escapes to more flexible, modular layouts – will help superyacht owners plan their charter businesses effectively.

How clients can engage: Charter, commission, or invest

An unparalleled showcase of new ideas and insights, the Superyacht Design Festival is an important event for anyone with a vested interest in superyachts.

Whether you are a charterer using the festival as a way of discovering future-ready yachts, or you are a superyacht owner or investor looking to commission new builds or to retrofit yachts for resale, it’s a key event to get your next superyacht idea off the ground.

Absorb the intelligence being shared at some of the more formal panel discussions and talks, and use the social events as an opportunity to speak with some of the greatest minds in the superyacht world.

Edmiston’s role: Your bridge to mega yacht design, builders & charter experts

With Edmiston’s excellent network of contacts and experience in connecting yacht owners and charter guests with the right people – from top superyacht designers to industry innovators – we are well placed to advise you on your next superyacht purchase, commission or booking.

We offer bespoke consultation services, from yacht sales and sourcing and sales broker support to custom yacht build management, and interiors and design collaborations.

Speak to us before, during or after this game-changing superyacht event to discuss a design consultation or charter brief and let’s start shaping your personal superyacht future today.