On Thursday, November 1, Sailing World and Cruising World magazines will announce the winners of the prestigious Boat of the Year (BOTY) Awards. Known as the "Academy Awards" of sailboat design and construction, the BOTY Awards recognize the standout designs launched for the coming season.

To celebrate a spirit of excellence in creating and building sailboats, the 2002 BOTY announcements will take place during the opening morning of Sail Expo St. Petersburg, a four-day sailboat show that runs November 1-4 at the Vinoy Basin (St. Petersburg, Fla.). BOTY festivities begin at 9: 30 AM with a continental breakfast; award presentations and a champagne toast will follow the breakfast.

Two overall winners of the 2002 BOTY Awards will be revealed, along with winners in multiple subcategories. An independent team of Sailing World judges select the overall performance design of the year; Cruising World judges select the top cruising Boat of the Year.

A group of some 55 boats--ranging 10 to 65 feet in length--were candidates for the BOTY Awards. All nominees are new (or substantially redesigned) boats launched for 2002. Judges make their selection after a rigorous round of sea trials and dockside inspections.

The winners of the 2002 BOTY Awards will be featured in the December/January issue of Sailing World and the January issue of Cruising World. Those who want to get the news of the 2002 winners first-hand should make plans to head to Sail Expo St. Petersburg. Details on the BOTY announcement are below.