Exemplary Class Vessels

Vessels in this category set exceptional technological design standards, and/or indicate high standards of performance achievement, social impact, and innovation. There is no build date cutoff for these vessels. Exemplary Class Vessels are assessed in accordance with the following:

Vessel design, structural, and material breakthroughs that set an exceptional technological standard, and have paved the way for subsequent vessel design development.

Prototype vessels that may be seen as at the vanguard of technological development.

Exceptional or pioneering examples of performance achievement as a result of the exemplary nature of the vessel, whether it be ocean/still water racing, sail training, cruising, naval, ocean science, commercial trade or amateur boating.

NOTE: Multiple examples of vessels with identical or similar exemplary characteristics, such as class vessels built after the initial breakthroughs, may not be considered within this category.

This ARHV assessment criteria will acknowledge and recognize legacy vessels, pioneer vessels in innovative design, vessels using innovative materials and build techniques, as well as vessels regarded as being at the vanguard of technological development and breakthroughs.