FOUR superyacht design studios within three miles of each other in the New Forest have beaten international rivals to scoop four of the seven gongs at the industry’s leading global design awards.

Dubois Naval Architects, Redman Whiteley Dixon, Michael Leach Design and Rogers Yacht Design were showered with accolades for their outstanding work at the International Superyacht Society (ISS) during the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.

The Lymington companies also picked up eight awards at the ShowBoats Design awards, held two days earlier.

Anniversary Simon Rogers from Rogers Yacht Design, which won the ISS award in the 24m to 40m sailing yacht category for the Carbon Ocean 82 Aegir, said: “This is Rogers Yacht Design’s 21st anniversary year and the team are honoured to have our work acknowledged in such a way.

“I think collectively we have succeeded in promoting the very best of British within the marine industry, which is particularly relevant in these current times.”

Redman Whiteley Dixon and Dubois Naval Architects won in the 40m plus category for their interior and naval designs for the hi-tech 57m Twizzle sailing yacht.

Justin Redman said: “It is an honour to be recognised by the industry’s most respected organisations for our part in the creation of SY Twizzle. The host of accolades received are a result of the commitment of our team, the wider Twizzle project team and our clients for their vision in commissioning such a progressive sailing yacht.”

Malcolm McKeon from Dubois Naval Architects added: “We are delighted with the recognition these awards have brought us for our work, and it’s great to see UK-based companies achieving such highly regarded international accolades”.

Michael Leach Design’s work on the 95m German motor yacht Palladium scooped it the award in the best 65m plus power yacht category.

Michael Leach said: “The office is delighted with the results as 2011 was recognised by the judges as being the toughest year to win |an award as there were a record number of yacht launches at nearly 100.”