Pacific Asian Enterprises, Inc. (PAE) scored the Best Passagemaker – Long Distance Cruiser: 100 feet-plus award at the Active Interest Media (AIM) Marine Group Editors’ Choice Awards for its Nordhavn 120 Aurora. The lavish awards ceremony took place Friday, October 31, during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where hundreds of boat builders came together to showcase their designs. Bill Sisson, editor-in-chief of Soundings Magazine and Soundings Trade Only who moderated the festivities, said the Nordhavn 120 was a triumph for PAE. Editors were in agreement about the specialness of the yacht:
“From her Pilothouse and sky lounge on the top deck to her lower deck, with its four huge guest staterooms plus crew quarters, laundry and an audiovisual room, this is a true megayacht. That means not only transoceanic range but also world-class comfort. There’s also luxury wherever you turn; from high above the water, the views are spectacular, whether you choose to stay inside surrounded by warm woods, or outside on the aft patio.
“Testing her mettle in what is referred to as a world class shakedown, the 120 underwent a successful delivery – with her owners on board – from the factory in Xiamen, China to Vancouver, BC. It’s rare that a new yacht of this size reaches home on her own bottom.”
The Nordhavn 120 has been acknowledged in the past for its exceptional design. The AIM Editors’ Choice Award is especially gratifying, however, because winners are chosen as best by editors from such respected marine publications as Yachts International, Passagemaker, Power & Motoryacht and Soundings, amongst others. For PAE president Dan Streech, who accepted the prize on the company’s behalf, the award solidifies Nordhavn’s placement in the competitive mega yacht market. “Our elegant and superbly crafted Nordhavn 120 has already been recognized as a true super yacht,” he said. “To now be distinguished by the AIM Marine Editors group as the best passage maker over 100 feet is further affirmation that the Nordhavn 120 should be on every super yacht Buyer’s short list.”
In February, the Nordhavn 120 will go up for its fourth award at the prestigious ShowBoats Design Awards. The yacht will compete in the categories of Naval Architecture – Motor Yacht, and Interior Design – Motor Yacht. N120#1 Aurora’s interior was developed and styled by Destry Darr Designs of Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Later in the year, Nordhavn 68#25, Karajas, will vie for Best Exterior Design in the Power Yacht Under 25 Meters category as well as Best Interior Design – Power Yacht at the International Yacht and Aviation Awards. Karajas was shortlisted earlier this week as a finalist in the awards which will take place in London in the Spring.