Palm Beach 55 Motor Yacht wins international award

The Australian designed and built Palm Beach 55 motor yacht has, for the second consecutive year, been awarded the prestigious ‘Best Powerboat’ trophy for its category at the Newport International Boat Show in America.

The Palm Beach 55 Express was recognised by the judges as being superior to many of the world’s best-known brands in motor yachts.

‘It’s a proud moment for Australian design, construction, innovation and technology in the marine industry,’ said Mark Richards, the Managing Director of Palm Beach Motor Yachts, which is located at Berkley Vale, on the Central Coast north of Sydney. ‘It is the first time in the 41-year history of this highly regarded show that the same company has won this award two years in a row.

‘The significance of this award for our company is apparent when you recognise the calibre and reputation of the designs that were at the show and eligible to win. Many are considered to be among the very best in the world.’

The Newport International Boat Show, which is staged on the historic waterfront of Newport, Rhode Island, is the official venue for the debut of the best new boats and boating products for America’s 2012 season. It is one of the largest in-water boat shows in the country.

Richards, who is well known in international sailing circles as the skipper of Sydney Hobart race record holder and five-time line honours winner, Wild Oats XI, said that apart from impressing the judges, the Palm Beach 55 proved to be a ‘show-stopper’ with boating enthusiasts in Newport. They were most impressed by the Palm Beach 55’s styling, sensible accommodation plan, standard of finish and performance.

A New York businessman ordered a Palm Beach 55 on the spot during the show, and Richards is expecting more orders to be confirmed within weeks. The company has four models in its range – the Palm Beach 45, 50, 55 and 65.