The world's largest equipment trade fair Metstrade opened today in Amsterdam with strong concepts and fresh design ideas. As part of the prestigious Dame Awards design prize, nine products won in eight new categories this year, while 14 others received a special mention. An environmental design prize was also awarded. "This year, we shortlisted 53 out of 100 entries, the highest number of nominees since 2016," commented Andre Hoek, chairman of the jury. This is a sign of the quality of this year's products, some of which are new developments, but also strong further developments of existing concepts.
This year's nominees included several powerful solutions for electric drives, one of which later narrowly beat the other category winners in the final to secure the main prize. This was the HighPower ServoProp 25 from Oceanvolt. The Finnish manufacturer is regarded as a pioneer for electric inboard drives.
Electric Saildrive of the Dame Award winner to be aligned to the front
The jury praised the 25 kW electric drive as an excellently designed and constructed product that should significantly advance the electrification of propulsion in the 45 to 70-foot sailboat segment. The innovative Saildrive is reliable and extremely quiet. The use of proprietary technology to adjust the propeller blades is intended to maximise efficiency in propulsion and energy generation. This is because the system is capable of generating 5 kW of power when the yacht is sailing at a speed of ten knots. Hoek is certain: "Our 2023 Dame Award winner will change the market in its sector and expand the potential of its technology through outstanding design and manufacturing execution."
The drive can be installed with the propeller facing forwards or backwards without compromising the interior space. While saildrives are classically orientated towards the rear, Oceanvolt recommends orientating the propeller towards the front for the most efficient hydrogeneration and propulsion. A rope cutter and a liquid cooling system are also integrated into the lightweight and compact drive. The jury also noted that the installation and ease of maintenance for long-distance sailing had been carefully thought through.
Sustainability: industry on the right track
"This year there have been significantly more entries supporting the electrification of boats, but it must not be forgotten that the pursuit of net zero must influence all new products in the industry," says Hoek. The industry is moving in the right direction, but there is still a lot to do.
The Dame Design Awards recognise everything that is important in the design of marine equipment, with sustainability also playing an increasingly important role. Mets exhibitors from around the world can submit their latest products and have them judged by experts from various sectors of the industry. Ronstan, Harken, Zhik and Raymarine were among those honoured.
Dame Design Awards 2023: all winners by category
Personal equipment
Zhik Seaboot 700 (presented by Plastimo)
Comfort and entertainment on the water
Scanstrut Atmos 12V
Navigation and communication
Raymarine Alpha Performance Display System
Electronic and electrical systems
Vimar Linea XT platform
Drive and dynamics
Oceanvolt high-performance ServoProp 25 (overall winner)
Equipment on deck
Ronstan Orbit winch
AND Harken Push/Pull Captive Reel Winch
Safety on board
Hall Spars - LiMit Collar
Shore-side equipment & materials
Spot Zero Mobile Pro Mini water conditioner
Winner of the Environmental Design Award:
Marservis EcoCube
14,250 euros raised by Dame participants for charitable causes
Each year, the organisers of the Metstrade show donate the combined Dame Design Award registration fees to selected charities to give back to the community. For 2023, the Metstrade show committee has selected the Magenta Project. This is the world's leading campaign to promote women in sailing. Over the past four years, the organisation has helped 150 women accelerate their careers in their chosen field of sailing through nine-month mentoring programmes. They were also honoured with the 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award at the World Sailing Awards.
