REBECA and BLUE II win at World Superyacht Awards.

This 40.8m (133.8ft) star of the charter market, the first of the Benetti Oasis 40m range of yachts, has won the Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 40m and above category.

'I am absolutely thrilled but not at all surprised,' said the yacht's Charter Manager Adriana Pierson. 'We've been hearing from delighted clients all season about what a wonderful yacht REBECA is, from the beach terrace and sun deck to the feeling of space on board - she feels more like a 50m yacht and her unique features transform the guest experience. If there were awards for the crew she would have won those too!'

Judges' commented that REBECA's exterior design by RWD 'drew compliments for its stylish appearance and spacious, fully-featured decks,' the beach terrace was 'unanimously admired' and 'the large six-square-metre glass-backed infinity pool to be a rare feature for a yacht of this size.'

As for the Bonetti/ Kozerski Architecture interiors, judges 'admired the seamless division between the outdoor living spaces and the spacious accommodation.' 'Huge panoramic windows, many of them fully opening, bring chic sophistication to a relaxed and uncluttered living space.' There were plaudits for the minimalist bridge with full-height windows and her P.L. Ausonio naval architecture won praise for 'a top speed of 18 knots, good seakeeping and a low fuel consumption of 100 litres per hour at its economical cruise of 11 knots.'

A heartbreakingly pretty 55.9m (183.4ft) yacht that beautifully evokes the mid-20^th century's commercial maritime heritage, BLUE II won the Displacement Motor Yachts, 500GT to 999GT category.

'It's fantastic news and the award is richly deserved,' said Charter Manager Elina Vitola. 'She is a genuinely unique yacht and a labour of love for her owners that has paid off incredibly well. She is such a popular yacht with guests looking for something different, something that honours yachting's past while giving guests all the modern amenities they expect and this award gives her the spotlight she deserves.'

Judges congratulated the owner's visionary approach in choosing 'modern-classic sailboat designer Andre Hoek to draw an eminently seaworthy, world- roaming, expedition yacht packed with tech for use in high latitudes.'  The 'elegant profile with bluff bow and canoe stern, which both emphasise her seaworthiness, topped by a modest yet practical superstructure' won the admiration of the judges, as did 'her classically panelled interior, designed and decorated by Hoek and John Vickers Studio,' which 'complemented her exterior styling and exactly met the needs of an expedition yacht.'

Her nostalgic looks belie state-of-the-art engineering and technology to minimise emissions. 'With her owners being passionate conservationists, BLUE II had to be as environmentally friendly as possible, with diesel-electric propulsion and exhausts fitted with an advanced Selective Catalytic Reduction system to meet tough emission regulations.'