HMY Yachts

Back-to-Back Best of Show: Valhalla Boatworks Makes History at FLIBS

Updated November 11, 2026

4 min read

Back-to-Back Best of Show: Valhalla Boatworks Makes History at FLIBS

Article overview: From the groundbreaking 55 Sport Yacht to the all-new 46 Sport Yacht, Valhalla Boatworks continues to impress with consecutive Best of Show awards at the Fort Lauderdale Interna...

From the groundbreaking 55 Sport Yacht to the all-new 46 Sport Yacht, Valhalla Boatworks continues to impress with consecutive Best of Show awards at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. 

Winning Best of Show once is an impressive achievement. Winning it two years in a row, with two different models, is a remarkable testament to a builder's commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and performance. 

For the second consecutive year, Valhalla Boatworks, a subsidiary of the Viking Yacht Company, has earned the Best of Show award in the Under 60 Feet category at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Following the debut and award-winning success of the Valhalla 55 Sport Yacht in 2025, the all-new Valhalla 46 Sport Yacht continued that momentum in 2026, securing the same prestigious honor. 

These back-to-back victories highlight Valhalla's ability to expand beyond its established center console lineup while maintaining the performance, quality, and attention to detail that have become synonymous with the Viking name. 

The Valhalla 55 Sport Yacht Sets the Standard 

The 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show marked a major milestone for Valhalla Boatworks with the world premiere of the 55 Sport Yacht, the manufacturer's first model in an entirely new category. Already recognized for its lineup of high-performance center consoles, Valhalla entered the luxury cruising market with a vessel that combined its offshore DNA with the comfort, sophistication, and accommodations of a traditional sport yacht. 

Measuring 55 feet, 7 inches overall, the 55 Sport Yacht was developed on the proven V-55 platform, utilizing the Michael Peters Yacht Design Stepped-V Ventilated Tunnel running surface. Powered by four Mercury V12 600-hp Verado outboards, the vessel delivers the speed, efficiency, and handling Valhalla owners expect, complemented by a thoughtfully designed layout for cruising and entertaining. 

The 55 Sport Yacht features an enclosed, climate-controlled pilothouse, expansive entertaining areas, and luxurious overnight accommodations. Its design creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering owners the versatility to enjoy everything from day trips and waterfront entertaining to extended cruising adventures. 

For a manufacturer introducing its first Sport Yacht, earning Best of Show Under 60 Feet at FLIBS 2025 was an extraordinary accomplishment. The award recognized not only the vessel's innovative design and impressive capabilities but also Valhalla's successful expansion into a new segment of the boating market. 

2048px CC Drone 0011

The Valhalla 46 Sport Yacht Continues the Winning Streak 

One year later, Valhalla Boatworks returned to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with another highly anticipated world premiere: the all-new 46 Sport Yacht. 

First announced during FLIBS 2025, the 46 Sport Yacht builds on the foundation established by its larger sibling, bringing the same combination of performance, luxury, and versatility to a more compact platform. 

Measuring 46 feet, 7 inches overall, the 46 Sport Yacht utilizes the proven Michael Peters Yacht Design double-stepped running surface found on the Valhalla V-46 center console. Powered by triple Mercury V12 600-hp Verado outboards in its debut configuration, the vessel delivers speeds exceeding 50 knots while offering the amenities and accommodations expected of a luxury cruising yacht. 

One of the model's defining characteristics is its versatility. Available in both open and enclosed pilothouse configurations, the 46 Sport Yacht allows owners to select a layout that best suits their boating lifestyle. The enclosed version features powered side doors, a retractable aft window, and a sunroof, allowing the climate-controlled pilothouse to transition into an open-air entertaining environment. 

The cockpit offers generous seating, a summer kitchen, and powered fold-down balconies that expand the usable outdoor space. Below decks, a two-stateroom layout includes a forward queen berth, twin guest berths, a galley, and a head with a separate shower. 

Designed for everything from day trips to the Bahamas to weekend getaways and coastal cruising, the 46 Sport Yacht offers an impressive balance of performance, comfort, and owner-friendly operation. 

Its world premiere at FLIBS 2026 was met with another remarkable achievement: Best of Show Under 60 Feet, securing Valhalla Boatworks' second consecutive victory in the category. 

Valhalla 46SY 71 (1)

HMY Yacht Sales Congratulates Valhalla Boatworks and the Viking Yacht Company 

HMY Yacht Sales proudly congratulates Valhalla Boatworks, the Viking Yacht Company, the Healey family, and the entire team of designers, engineers, and boatbuilders on this outstanding accomplishment. 

Earning Best of Show at one of the world's most prominent boat shows is a tremendous honor. Accomplishing it in back-to-back years with two new models is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of the continued investment, innovation, and craftsmanship that drive these companies forward. 

As a Valhalla Boatworks dealer since the brand's inception, HMY is proud to represent a manufacturer that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in outboard-powered boating. 

IMG 3436 2

Interested in learning more about the award-winning Valhalla 55 Sport Yacht or 46 Sport Yacht? Contact an HMY Valhalla Product Specialist at (843) 892-8800, 

 to explore model specifications, available configurations, and ownership opportunities. 

Back to news

Save search

Keep these filters and get alerts for new matches.