Glitz, glamour and Grey Goose. The first annual AIM Marine Group Editor’s Choice Awards had it all and then some. From its original location on the water’s edge at the new Nova Southeastern’s Center for Excellence in Coral Reef Ecosystems Research, the event had to move, courtesy of Hurricane Sandy’s wrath. The swanky W hotel in Fort Lauderdale opened its doors and within days, the event was ready to go in a new venue and with a new format. With 42 awards in 15 categories, the Editor’s Choice Awards recognize innovation, excellence and achievement throughout the boating world.
Guests in their best mingled during cocktail hour before Chef Steve Martorano single-handedly prepared dinner, served family style, to close to 400 international guests. A video announced the winners of the first-ever Editor’s Choice Awards before AIM CEO Skip Zimbalist invited Lifetime Achievement Winner Annette Bénéteau Roux to the microphone to accept her award (see interview with Roux here).
Later that evening, Martorano switched hats from chef to DJ and spun 1980s tracks late into the night to the crowd’s delight. Event proceeds benefit NSU’s oceanographic research programs. For more information about the NSU’s programs, visit nova.edu/ocean
Photos Billy Black and Gerlinde/Michael Photography
The Winners
Best Center Console
Less than 30 feet: Boston Whaler 210 Montauk
40+ feet: Intrepid 400 Center Console
Best Down East
25-35 feet: Hinckley T34
55-65 feet: Grand Banks Eastbay 55
Best PassageMaker
30-40 feet: Beneteau Swift Trawler 34
Best Tender
Less than 20 feet: Rendova XT 15
Best Sportfish
40-50 feet: Cabo 44
60-70 feet: Fairline Squadron 60
70-80 feet: Monte Carlo Yachts MCY 70
Best Domestic Motoryacht
20-30 feet: Cutwater 28
40-50 feet: Cruisers Yachts 45
80-100 feet: Pacific Mariner 85
Most Innovative New Design
Wider 42
Most Innovative New Sailboat
Sig 45 Catamaran
Most Innovative New Technology
Twin Disc Express Joystick
Best New Builder
Belize Motoryachts by Riviera
Best Overall Boat of the Year
Ocean Alexander 120
The AIM Green Award
Greenline 40
