The inspiration for this competition was Mansura, a cabin-cruiser built in 1912 and driven by a petrol-electric hybrid propulsion system developed by her owner, Jack Delmar-Morgan, an electrical engineer and member of the Royal Thames.

Having researched the history of Mansura, marine writer, Kevin Desmond, persuaded Delmar-Morgan's grandson, Julian, and David Barratt to commission a trophy to encourage hybrid boat propulsion.

With recognition from the Royal Yachting Association and launch support generously provided by The Green Blue, upwards of 50 projects were identified worldwide that addressed the spirit of the rules. Some 25 hybrid designs were followed up in Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the USA as the competition gathered momentum and international recognition, leading to a final shortlist of five contestants from four nations.

Chairman of the judging panel, David Arnold, commented: 'We were faced with a number of innovative and frankly ingenious original designs or retro-conversions but it was the Lagoon 420 motor-sailing catamaran which had the commercial advantage. Its use of one engine, one diesel generator and a bank of batteries which recharge via propellers turned by the boat's speed whilst under sail is simple and effective.'

The fact that Chantier Navale de Bordeaux has built over 60 Lagoon 420s since 2003, half of which have made transAtlantic delivery trips, further underlines the potential, he added.

Chantier Navale de Bordeaux's Loic Lagrange commented: 'We continue to explore hybrid power for our designs and winning this trophy, in the face of so much international competition, is a very sweet success, especially as the trophy plinth is made from timber recovered from HMS Victory.'