This marks only the second time in the award’s history that the Boat Builder Awards Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented to recipients from the Nordic countries.
Johan and Britt-Marie Carpelan, founders of Oy Botnia Marin Ab, have been honoured with the prestigious Boat Builder Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the marine industry’s most highly regarded distinctions. Botnia Marin is the company behind Targa, one of the world’s most recognised brands in the category of rugged wheelhouse boats and a pioneer in modern boat development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award honours individuals whose work has had a lasting and significant impact on the global marine industry. It is considered one of the sector’s most respected distinctions and is awarded to individuals who combine entrepreneurship, innovation, and long-term leadership—values that have shaped Botnia Marin’s nearly 50-year history.
The award ceremony took place on Wednesday, 19 November 2025 in Amsterdam, as part of the Boat Builder Awards – an event co-organised by the trade publication International Boat Industry (IBI) and the international marine industry trade show Metstrade. The recipients are selected by an international jury consisting of industry representatives and journalists.
“We are deeply moved, proud, and truly humbled to receive this award. Our industry is full of passionate and driven people, which makes this recognition even more meaningful,” said Johan Carpelan in his acceptance speech.
He emphasised that the success is the result of collaboration
“Our journey has always been about teamwork—between colleagues, dealers, and customers. A special thank you goes to Britt-Marie, my partner in life and in our work. We built this together, and I am proud that we are receiving this award side by side.”
Previous recipients include some of the most influential figures in the boatbuilding industry: Robert M. Torgerson (Princess Yachts), Robert Braithwaite (Sunseeker), Annette Roux (Bénéteau Group) and Christoph Rassy (Hallberg-Rassy). The fact that Johan and Britt-Marie Carpelan now are joining this group underscores the significance of their life’s work and their long-standing contribution to Nordic boatbuilding.
Background – A family business with international success
Botnia Marin was founded in 1976 by Johan and Britt-Marie Carpelan. In the early years, the yard produced mainly the H-Boat sailboat and the Botnia 23 motorboat. In 1984, production of the Targa 25 began—the model that shifted the company’s direction and laid the foundation for what would become the now-well-known Targa brand.
Today, Botnia Marin is one of the leading motorboat manufacturers in the Nordic region. The company employs approximately 270 people across two sites, in Malax and Nykarleby, Finland. The Finnish market accounts for around 15% of total sales, making Finland Targa’s single largest market.
Beyond its domestic market, the company exports Targa boats to over 20 countries, including Sweden, Greenland, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Robert Carpelan, son of the founders, has worked in the company for over 20 years and has served as CEO for several years. His leadership and strategic development have played a key role in Targa’s continued international success and in the generational transition of the family business.
His sister, Martina Carpelan-Rasmussen, is the company’s Creative Director, responsible for the overall visual identity and brand expression of Targa—from colour and material choices to the holistic brand experience.
Oy Botnia Marin Ab celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking both a proud legacy and a future built on the same passion for quality, craftsmanship, and the sea that has defined Johan and Britt-Marie’s life’s work.
Jury’s motivation
The jury highlights the couple’s early innovation, their role in shaping Targa into an internationally recognised brand, and their shared lifelong contribution to boatbuilding.
“Judges’ comments: Our Lifetime Achievement hall of fame includes some illustrious individuals and, in one case, a pair of brothers. But this is the first time that we have named a husband-and-wife team. This is a long overdue recognition not only for our recipients this evening, but also for the many partners out there to big industry names who often silently play such a significant part in the running and development of boat builders and other marine businesses.
Johan and Britt-Marie Carpelan founded their Finnish boat building company in 1976. It focused at first on the production of their H-Boat one-design keelboat, of which more than 1,000 examples went on to be built by them. When the market slowed down for that sector, they made a significant shift and decided to start building fast cabin cruisers in 1984.
While the adventure boat genre is a relatively new trend, our Lifetime Award winners got ahead of that concept 30 years in advance with the Targa 25. This newcomer soon gained attention beyond its local markets and comparisons made between this go anywhere concept and the growing number of 4×4 cars entering the automotive market.
Fast, capable, tough and suitable for many roles, that initial timeless design cemented a highly recognisable brand look, thanks to its distinctive wheelhouse and muscular flared bow. It fuelled the creation of a big and healthy boat building company employing almost 300 people on two sites.
Today, eight different Targa models are offered in several variations up to 46ft in length, sold to markets across Europe, North America and further afield. The company’s most recent launch, a 41-footer, has sold more than 50 units after its world premiere at boot Düsseldorf in 2024. After many years with mainly diesel inboard engines as its powertrain, the range also caters for the latest move towards outboard power.
The next generation is now leading the way, while the founders remain deeply involved in the company. Johan and Britt-Marie are still present at the shipyard on a daily basis, continuing to guide and support the team with their experience and vision. They are highly respected and cherished by both staff and customers for their continued enthusiasm and lifelong dedication to the iconic brand they created.”
