Nordhavn 96 VivieRae II was named a finalist in the prestigious World Superyacht Awards in the category of Voyager’s Award, which recognizes yachts based on ambitious and inspirational cruising.
VivieRae II, which is hull #14, was delivered last June in Hong Kong to owner Bob Giles. The boat was then taken on a 2,800 nm shakedown cruise to Bali. Over a six-month period, VivieRae II covered over 7,500 nm traveling the South Pacific including stops in Australia, Vanuatu, and Fiji. Judging is being based only on VivieRae II’s 2017 cruising itinerary, but she has since added another approximately 6,000 nm this year, currently amidst a 2,800-nm Pacific Ocean crossing from the Marquesas Islands, arriving in San Diego this weekend.
The key factor in the Voyager’s Award is that the owner or a guest of the owner must have been onboard the boat for the majority of the sea travel – boats delivered by crew only are not eligible. That’s a bonus for Nordhavns whose owners are not only on board but enjoy keeping watch. VivieRae II’s owner, Bob Giles, is the typical sort of Nordhavn owner who bought the boat to do just that – travel from place to place, go diving, fishing and exploring of places you only read about. “I decided to buy a Nordhavn because I’m not the type who just likes to lie around on a sun pad or hang out in a marina,” said Giles. “I want to see and do and experience things. VivieRae II has provided me with a vehicle to pursue my interests and passions. I’ve had the time of my life and I can’t wait to see what adventures lie around the next corner.”
Aside from itinerary, judging is also based on images, charts, video footage and descriptive accounts.
Considered among the most prestigious of the yachting awards, the World Superyacht Awards honor remarkable ingenuity and innovation in the design, engineering and construction of the world’s finest luxury yachts. Awards are given in 13 different categories and all nominated yachts must have been delivered in 2017. The World Superyacht Awards 2018 will take place on Saturday 19th May 2018 in Florence, Italy.
To read more about VivieRae II’s nomination, click here.