Honouring excellence: ACREW unveils the winners of the Crew Awards 2023

Porto Montenegro wins ‘Best Superyacht Marina' after welcoming visitors from near and far for an exciting weekend of destination experiences, parties and awards © Porto Montenegro

The sixth edition of the ACREW Superyacht Crew Awards 2023 concluded with great anticipation and enthusiasm, paying tribute to excellence within the superyacht industry.

This event celebrated outstanding vessels, crew members, and industry professionals for the second consecutive year in Porto Montenegro, the Mediterranean's leading luxury yacht homeport and marina village.

The event held in Porto Montenegro is a testament to the luxury marina development's ongoing commitment to go the extra mile for crew members and industry professionals, and compliments other marina initiatives such as the Superyacht Games, and Crew Club parties and events. From sundowners on the beach to famous Friday barbecues and winter skiing at their mountain chalet, Porto Montenegro is known to go the extra mile to keep the crew active and entertained.

The Crew awards, widely recognised as the sole competition that truly acknowledges Superyacht Crew for their unwavering dedication and contributions to the industry, attracted captains and crew from over 25 vessels, cementing its status as a highlight of the superyacht calendar.

The evening's winners and their distinguished sponsors across various categories were as follows:

Chef Award Winner: Caroline Grifiths

Caroline Griffiths was recognised for her exceptional culinary skills, flexibility,

creativity, and client-focused approach. Her ability to source sustainable ingredients showcased her logistical competencies.

Deck Crew Award Winner: Holly Robertson

Holly Robertson, a Deck Crew member, was acknowledged for her dedication to maintaining the yacht's exterior and her extensive knowledge of nautical duties and hospitality.

Stew Award Winner: Natalia Curone

Natalia Curone received the Stew Award for significantly enhancing the guest

experience through outstanding housekeeping and service skills, as well as excellent guest interaction.

Purser Award Winner: Isabella Say

Isabella Say's exceptional attention to detail in administrative and planning tasks for the yacht, crew, and guests earned her the Purser Award.

Engineer Award Winner: Ruairidh Macrae

Ruairidh Macrae, an Engineer with expertise in mechanical and electrical operations, won this award for his ability to assist the crew and guests with technical requests while maintaining the yacht's systems.

Entrepreneur Award Winner: Assaad Rayess

Assaad Rayess was recognised for his entrepreneurial achievements in the yachting industry.

Chief-Stew Award Winner: Gherghina Soacat

Gherghina Soacat, the Head of Department of the Interior Crew, demonstrated

exceptional skills and knowledge in both interior duties and general yacht operations.

Environmental & Sustainability Award Winner: Zoran Selakovic

Zoran Selakovic was acknowledged for his commitment to environmental sustainability, acting as an inspiration in reducing plastic waste and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Emma Kate Ross

Emma Kate Ross was celebrated for her lifetime contributions to the superyacht industry, significantly advancing the industry.

First Officer Award Winner: Jason Walker

Jason Walker's combination of managerial qualities with the exterior crew, along with his oversight of all yacht operations, earned him the First Officer Award.

Captain Master 500GT Award Winner: Guy Perkins

Guy Perkins, a hands-on Captain, was recognized for his close collaboration with the crew and his responsibilities across all operational areas.

Master 3000GT Award Winner: Ken Maff

Ken Maff was awarded the Captain Master 3000GT Award for ensuring safety onboard, demonstrating excellent management skills, and handling busy itineraries and refit projects effectively.

Captain Master Unlimited Award Winner: Stefan Räbisch

Stefan Räbisch was celebrated for ensuring safety onboard and managing the yacht to the highest standards while effectively communicating with contractors, crew, owners, and guests.

Best Superyacht Crew Award: M/Y Mayan Queen IV

M/Y Mayan Queen IV and its dedicated crew were honoured for their commitment to guest service, vessel maintenance, teamwork, and loyalty.

The event's success was made possible through the generous support of Gold Sponsors: IMM, Amels, Liquid Yacht Wear, and Meridian powered by ACREW.

The Superyacht Business Awards 2023 also recognised several businesses in the yachting industry. The winners included KRM Yacht Refit (Best Superyacht Refit Yard), Voly (Best Superyacht Software Award), Calum Yacht Services (Best Superyacht Agent), ETYC (Best Sustainable Superyacht Business Award), Ocean Premium (Best Superyacht Service Provider), J4Crew (Best Superyacht Recruitment Agency), Seascope (Best Superyacht Crew Training Award), and Porto Montenegro (Best Superyacht Marina).

Porto Montenegro received global recognition as the Best Superyacht Marina. For the Best Superyacht Marina Award - one of eight categories - marinas are ranked for the services and facilities offered, and the willingness of staff to assist superyacht guests.

With its specific infrastructure, Porto Montenegro caters to the needs of the largest yachts, their owners, guests and crew with state-of-the-art facilities, flexible birthing packages and the added benefit of tax-free fuel. There is also a new shipyard, offering superyacht repair and refit facilities, making it the ideal winter berthing location.

Planning for the 2024 edition of the Superyacht Crew Awards is already in the works and will take place in Amsterdam. For more information on the Superyacht Crew Awards and its winners, please visit acrew.com