The International Superyacht Society welcomed members and industry professionals to an evening reception at the rooftop at the Fairmont Hotel.
Held on the eve of the Monaco Yacht Show, the event included the unveiling of the 2025 Design Awards Finalists, recognising excellence and innovation across the global superyacht design sector.
JD Venebles and Mark Kemmerling: Naiad Dynamics
JD recounts how his first ‘Monaco’ was actually the ‘Superyacht de Nice’, potentially revealing how long he has been in the game! Back then his task was explaining to people what a stabiliser actually is. Fast forward a decade or two and Naiad Dynamics are a truly global company and stabilisers are standard.
Emmeline Gee: Angels Onboard
Founder and Chief Angel Emmeline Gee really appreciates the fantastic opportunities the MYS provides, especially events such as this. In an industry built on connections, catching up with friends and associates is invaluable at the start of the show.
Kevin Spiker: Design Asset Management
Kevin, Managing Director of Design Asset Management spoke to us “the company is expanding its footprint and we chose ISS to be the perfect vehicle for promotion” As key sponsors, the benefits of being closely aligned with the ISS are great for the company.
Pete Southgate: Head of Cayman Registry
Pete appreciates the ISS events as he sees the importance of his company being “both visible and accessible. Having a global presence facilitates that.”
Erin Ackor: AeroMarine Law, Acting President of ISS
Erin is the current President of the ISS, soon to be finishing her term “I’ve worked for many years and in many roles in the ISS. When I finish this term I’ll be an-ex President, still involved and on the executive board, but less hands on.”
As well as a vibrant networking platform, the celebration was an opportunity to celebrate innovation in superyacht design. The atmosphere was one of anticipation, with guests gathering to hear the unveiling of the highly regarded 2025 Design Award finalists.
The finalists represent the pinnacle of achievement in superyacht design worldwide, with categories recognising excellence across new builds, refits, and interior design. Each project was highlighted for both its aesthetic vision and its technical sophistication, underlining the standards of creativity and engineering that continue to drive the sector forward.
The event underscored ISS’s role in fostering dialogue and collaboration within the global superyacht community, with the winners of the Design Awards to be announced at the ISS Gala later this year.
