53 products nominated for METS DAME awards

Out of a total of 125 products entered in this year’s prestigious DAME – Design Award METS competition, the DAME Jury has nominated 53 from which the overall and category winners will be chosen.

The competition, which is held every year in conjunction with METS incorporating SuperYacht Pavilion, received entries from more than 20 countries, with nominees coming from 15 of them. The overall and category winners will be announced at the special breakfast event on November 17th at 8 a.m. prior to the start of the METS show that same day. During METS, all short listed products will be on display in the special DAME presentation, which is located in the new RAI Elicium.

The DAME Awards Jury chairman, Bill Dixon, commented on what this year’s number of entries implies about the importance of new marine products despite a difficult economy. “Despite a difficult economic climate,” Dixon said, “we had 125 entries, which shows that marine businesses recognize the value of continuing to develop innovative products. This can only lead to better business opportunities when the market strengthens and boat buyers look to upgrade their yachts.”

“Customers are becoming more appreciative of both innovation and good design, as well as of products that help to safeguard the environment. The wide range of products entered in this year’s DAME Awards competition reflects these market trends”, he added.

Judging of the entries took place at Amsterdam RAI Convention Centre where the products were made available for viewing and testing. Electronic and electrical products were all connected up, giving Jury members the chance to try them in order to assess their suitability, originality, design, and construction. Other important factors, such as overall consumer appeal, impact on the marine industry, cost effectiveness, and ease of use, were also evaluated during the day-long judging process.

Irene Dros, Senior Product Manager of the show commented on the Jury’s efforts, saying: “We are very grateful to the Jury, who take time out of there busy schedule to fly in to Amsterdam every year. As show organiser, we are not involved in the judging. The international recognition DAME receives today is due to the reputation and dedication of the Jury.”

The Overall Winner

The overall winner of the DAME Awards will be announced at the ICOMIA-METS Breakfast Briefing held in the Forum of Amsterdam RAI before the official opening of the show. This briefing, which includes a number of special invitees, is open to all exhibitors and members of the media. The Award presented to the overall winner was designed by Naval Architect Tony Castro, former chairman of the DAME Jury, and is intended to reflect the international nature of the competition.

DAME categories

As always, the Jury assesses the products by reference to the balance and interaction between overall design, build, functionality and use of materials. Other factors taken into account are originality, ergonomics and price/quality ratio. The short listed products are divided among eight categories:

1. Marine electronics
2. Interior equipment, furnishings, materials, and electrical fittings used in cabins
3. Marina equipment, boatyard equipment, and boat construction tools and materials
4. Deck equipment, sails, and rigging
5. Clothing and crew accessories
6. Lifesaving and safety equipment
7. Machinery, propulsion, mechanical, and electrical systems and fittings
8. Marine related software

In addition the Jury - at its discretion - can give out certificates for “Most ECO-Friendly Product” and “Most Innovative Product”. Other products that are exceptional, but do not win the award in their category, may be given a special mention.

DAME Jury 2009

The DAME Jury is selected from design experts around the world. This year’s Jury includes:

• Mr. B. Dixon, Dixon Yacht Design, United Kingdom – Jury Chairman
• Ms. M. Bos-De Vaal, Art-Line Interiors BV, The Netherlands
• Mr. G. den Boef, Marine Industry Consultant, The Netherlands
• Mr. G.N. Bruens, Sr. Lecturer, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, TU Delft (University of Technology), The Netherlands
• Mr. T. Conradi, judel/vrolijk & co Yacht Design and Engineering GmbH, President DBSV, Germany
• Mr. T.P.T. Donkin, retired ICOMIA secretary general, United Kingdom
• Mr. A. Frabetti, Ferretti – Advanced Yacht Technology Centre, Italy
• Mr. J. Jakopin, J&J Design/Seaway, Slovenia
• Mr. R. Marshall, Roger Marshall Yacht Designs, author, U.S. Editor, The Yacht Report, USA