Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding’s Hood 42 took best new boat overall at the Newport International Boat Show’s Newport for New Products awards, announced Friday at a ceremony on the waterfront.
“The Hood 42 has a retro look but with modern touches tastefully incorporated throughout,” said judge Sam White, senior editor at Yachting. “This one is a throwback to the days of the Golden Era of American dayboat cruising.”
The Hunt 56, presented by DiMillo’s, won best new powerboat. Dan Harding, editor-in-chief of Power & Motoryacht, called it a model that ushers in a new era for the brand under DiMillo’s ownership.
Best new sailboat went to the Dragonfly 36 from Windcraft Multihulls, with an honorable mention to the X-Yachts XR 41 presented by Rodgers Yacht Sales. SAIL editor-in-chief Lydia Mullan praised its swing wing system and its interior.
Other winners:
- Best new powerboat under 35 feet — Highfield ADV9, presented by Kirby Marine
- Best new powerboat over 35 feet — Riviera 55 Belize, presented by Bosun’s Marine, with honorable mention to the Targa 37 presented by East Coast Yacht Sales
- Best innovation boat — Vandal Marine Vandal 50, a foil-assisted aluminum catamaran that draws under three feet and can exceed 45 knots
- Best innovation product — Facnor TackFurl by Wichard Group
- Best product for new boaters and accessibility — TuffTide 13 from TuffTide Marine
- Best new product — SwiftLoc Adjustable Fishing Rod Holder
- Best operational, maintenance and safety product — Propspeed Foulfree Multi-Surface
The show also gave out its STAR Awards for exhibitor displays: IK Yacht Design for best in-tent display, Artisan Boatworks for best freestanding display, Hinckley Yachts for best in-water powerboat display, and Signature Catamarans for best in-water sailboat display.
Entries were open to products launched nationally after April 1 that made their boat show debut in Newport. Judges came from Cruising World, Passagemaker, Power & Motoryacht, SAIL, Sailing World, Soundings and Yachting.
The show runs through Sunday, Sept. 20.
