Fifty-eight products from 28 countries have been nominated for a 2024 DAME Design Award.
The category and overall winners will be announced at the METSTRADE 2024 Breakfast Briefing on 19 November, following a keynote speech by Terry Hutchinson, skipper and president of operations for America’s Cup team NYYC American Magic.
The DAME Design Award’s international jury – comprising nine leading design and user experts – gathered at RAI Amsterdam for hands-on assessment and discussion.
“It was very encouraging to see such a strong field of entries spanning the whole of the leisure marine sector, with products for people and the smallest boats right up to high-end superyacht equipment,” said Andre Hoek, chair of the DAME jury. “You can see accelerating trends among the entries, such as the move towards electrification.
“There were welcome examples too of how sustainable design and the evolution of alternative materials are gaining traction.”
For the first time, the jury included a sustainability consultant and a master’s-level design student, adding fresh perspectives to the team’s expertise.
For 33 years, the DAME Design Awards have encouraged and inspired METSTRADE exhibitors and visitors to push the boundaries of exceptional design across all disciplines.
Niels Klarenbeek
Two intensive days examining 114 submissions resulted in 58 products being selected for nomination.
The jury will also announce a discretionary Environmental Design Award for the third year in succession.
“For 33 years, the DAME Design Awards have encouraged and inspired METSTRADE exhibitors and visitors to push the boundaries of exceptional design across all disciplines,” said METSTRADE director Niels Klarenbeek.
“Looking back, we can see just how much progress has been made.
“This year is no exception, with our DAME Jury reporting a range of excellently designed products that utilise both existing and emerging technologies to address key industry priorities such as sustainability and accessibility.”
This year’s DAME Design Awards entry fees will be donated to SailWise, a Dutch provider of multi-day, water sports activities and holidays for people with physical or sensory disabilities.
All 58 DAME-nominated products will be shown in a special display at METSTRADE.
The METSTRADE Theatre will also host a panel discussion featuring this year’s DAME Design Awards outright winner.
The full nomination list can be found here.
