The best in new boats and new products went head-to-head last weekend at the Newport International Boat Show, held September 16 through 19, and winners were selected from an impressive field across 11 categories. Judges had a hands-on assessment of the entries Thursday, the show’s opening day, and winners were announced at an awards ceremony Friday morning. The beautiful Hylas H57, by Hylas Yachts International, took the Best New Sailboat 40 feet and Over category, while the Salona S46 by Green Yachts won the Green Award. The Hylas H57′s performance offshore design combined with its comfortable at-home details impressed the judges as a boat that has hit its mark: a bluewater yacht that feels like home.
The judges noted the Salona S46′s game-changing twin electric motor propulsion system by Oceanvolt, and its design intended to maximize racing potential while also providing a large, comfortable cockpit, were winning features in the Best Green Boat category.
The Synchronized Main Furling System by Selden won the category of Best Electronics. The SMF makes sail handling easier for a smaller crew by synchronizing an electric motor in the mast with an electric winch for the outhaul.The SMF can be retrofitted to multiple Selden mast types.
Flux Marine’s Electric Outboard Engine was named the winner in a highly-competitive category (with the most total entries), the Best New Boating Operation, Maintenance or Safety Product. Judges noted that Flux’s innovative, built-from-the-ground-up design has the potential to revolutionize the electric outboard engine market. The engine’s efficiency and performance statistics show the Flux could be a game changer in electric outboard engines.
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This year was Newport For New Products 14th year. After last year’s challenges with COVID-19, entrants were thrilled to be back at the show and to help boaters enjoy what they love: boating. NFNP entries were open to domestic and foreign products launched in the U.S. after April 1, 2021, with a boat-show debut at the Newport show. Show attendees selected the People’s Choice Award winner; all other category winners were selected by a team of industry experts on the basis of innovation, value to the consumer, safety and aesthetics.
Newport International Boat Show, held annually in Newport, Rhode Island, is one of the largest in-water boat shows in the country. The event hosts nearly 600 exhibitors from around the world with boats of every type and style from 15 to 90 feet, and a variety of accessories, equipment, electronics, gear and services for boaters.
The list of winners across all categories includes:
Best New Electronics Product Synchronized Main Furling System by Selden Mast
Best New Boating Operation Maintenance or Safety Product Electric Outboard Engine by Flux Marine
Best New Wearable Weather Gear Helly Hansen HP Ocean FZ Jacket by Helly Hansen
Best New Sailboat 40 Feet and Over Hylas H57 by Hylas Yachts International, LLC.
Best New Sailboat Under 39 Feet AP 14 XFFC by Arey’s Pond Boat Yard
Best New Powerboat 40 Feet and Over Ocean 63 by Hunt Yachts
Best New Powerboat 21 to 39 Feet Sportsman 38 by Huckins Yacht Corp.
Best New Powerboat Under 20 Feet Whaly 500R by Waypoint Marine Service, LLC.
People’s Choice Award Back Cove 390 by Back Cove Yachts
Green Award – Products Electric Outboard Engine by Flux Marine
Green Award – Boats Salona S46 by Green Yachts
For information on the Newport International Boat Show and the Newport For New Products awards, see newportboatshow.com.
