The European Yacht of the year is like the Oscars for water sports. Every year, these awards are held to determine the best vessels yacht makers have in various categories. This year marked the 17th year or the ceremony and it was held on the 18th of January during the Flagship Night of boot Düsseldorf and Delius Klasing Verlag.
History of the award
These awards began 17 years ago as a way to show appreciation for manufacturers for their innovation. Every year, 60 new yachts are launched in Europe that are eligible for the awards. However, only 5 shipyards get to keep the title of the European Yacht of the Year.
The process
The jury of these awards is made up of members of the 12 sailing magazines of Europe. They are taken to Port Ginesta, South Barcelona, where 16 candidates are tested on their strict marking system. These specialized journalists cover over 2500 nautical miles on these yachts.
The winning yacht is the best representative of what’s happening in the yacht market. A new trend noticed is that yachts are getting bigger and their interiors more luxurious. Sport yachts have also seen a revival after many years. French candidates have dominated these awards since 2004.
Here are the winners of the major categories for 2020:
Family cruiser: Oceanis 30.1
This touring yacht was surprisingly built by a subsidiary, Delphia Yachts. It offers a luxe feel, comfort, and space despite its smaller dimensions. It’s an affordable model, perfect for spending time with the family.
Performance Cruiser: X4°
The X4° is a Danish yacht that incorporates all the factors that drove the boat builder to fame. The X4° offers power as well as the best furnishing.
Innovation: ClubSwan 36
ClubSwan 36 is the most recent model launched by Nator. It’s a modern racing yacht equipped with extreme hull shape and a carbon hydrofoil. The faster this boat goes, the more aerodynamic it becomes, making it feel like a “flying carpet.”
Luxury cruiser: Amel 60
The Amel won this category by a mile. Its roomy cockpit is almost covered by the deckhouse, providing maximum protection from the wind, sun, rain, and waves, while being a great space to spend time with friends. Below the deck, the area was furnished with luxe interiors. The yacht has 3 double cabins and a large lounge too.
Regatta Yacht: Dehler 30 OD
The nominated yachts were all fast racing yachts that were easy to maneuver. A separate category was created this year to level the playing field. The Dehler 30 OD came out victorious. The brand has a reputation for its fast boats. It’s a lightweight yacht with a consistent design that’s also super attractive.
Los Cabos is a great place to spend time at sea. If you’re looking for yacht rentals while on your vacation here, get in touch with Cabo Yacht World. We offer private yacht charters that consist of the best yachts you can imagine. View our fleet online or get in touch at 011 521 624 168 9544.