Cue the applause: last Saturday night, the European Yacht of the Year (sail) and Powerboat of the Year Awards were handed out during the opening weekend of the Dusseldorf Boat Show.

Dusseldorf boat show awards winners

The winners line up on stage at the European Yacht and Powerboat of the Year awards.



The winners were determined by the lead reviewers and editors of 19 European magazines. More than 80 new sailboat and 250 powerboat models reach the market in Europe every year, so these are hotly contested titles. To keep it fair, carefully documented sea trials and strict rules (including a nationality clause that prevents jurors from casting their votes for candidates from their own country) are tallied up, and then a majority vote decides the winners.

So without further ado, may I have the envelope please...

bavaria cruiser 46

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is regarded as one of the most sophisticated family cruisers.


Yacht of the Year Awards


Best Family Cruiser
Bavaria Cruiser 46

Best Performance Cruise
JPK 10.80

Best Luxury Cruiser
Wauquiez Centurion 57

Best Special Yacht
Advanced 44

Best Bluewater Cruiser
Boréal 52

Beneteau Flyer 6

The Beneteau Flyer 6 won the award for powerboats under 25 feet because it is suitable for new boat owners with easy trailer handling.


Powerboat of the Year Awards


Up to 25 feet
Bénéteau Flyer 6

Up to 35 feet
Draco 27 RS (full review on uk.boats.com)

Up to 45 feet
Cranchi 43 Eco Trawler

Over 45 feet
Azimut 50 Fly

Trawler class (no length restrictions)
Steeler Panorama 46 FF

Innovation Award
Evinrude E-Tec G2 outboard motor

Want more information about the models that won this year's boating Oscars? Read more about each winner on uk.boats.com.

Written by: Carol Cronin
Carol Cronin has published several novels about the Olympics, sailing, hurricanes, time travel, and old schooners. She spends as much time on the water as possible, in a variety of boats, though most have sails.