The Results Are In

Our European counterparts have gathered in Dusseldorf to award the top new sail, power and trailer boats

In January, the eyes of the boating world again turned to boot Dusseldorf, Europe’s largest boat show, which means that the boating season of the Northern Hemisphere is about to get underway. On top of this, boot Dusseldorf is the stage for the European Yacht/Powerboat of the Year Awards.

The nine-day event, in its 51st year, is the world’s biggest watersports trade fair, featuring 1900 exhibitors and had more than 250,000 people from 106 countries pass through its halls.

This new format, which made it easier for people to find exactly what they were looking for, led to a reported satisfaction rating of 96 per cent. 

“The new, very clear hall layout with special walks for the different target groups was a major success,” said Petros Michelidakis. “boot fans were able to plan their own individual tour of the trade fair perfectly.”

Messe Dusseldorf CEO Werner M. Dornscheidt summed it up: “boot has developed into something far more than just a trade fair. It is an event with huge innovative and economic significance, while representing passion for water spots to a unique extent as well.”

The announcement of the European Boat Awards is a huge event held on the second night of boots Dusseldorf. Here Trade-a-Boat presents a summary of this year’s winners.

THE POWERBOATS

WINNER UP TO 8M POWERBOAT

Silver Tiger DCZ

The smallest of the Silver Z fibreglass models, the plucky Tiger DCz came out on top of the Up to 8m category.

Designed by Norwegian design agency Eker Design AS, the Tiger DCz features a front cabin with berths for two adults, as well as a comfortable U-shaped sofa and large table, making it perfect for those who enjoy entertaining on the water.

LENGTH 6.06m

BEAM 2.36m

WEIGHT 1150kg

FUEL 107L

HP 115–150

WINNER UP TO 10M POWERBOAT PLUS POWERBOAT OF THE YEAR

Beneteau Flyer 10

The flagship of Beneteau’s Flyer range, the Flyer 10 is a boat that straddles the line between cruiser and dayboat, with space for 11 during the day and berths for four to stay onboard.

ON DECK

A full-beam windshield with side panes emphasises the lines of the Flyer 10 and protects those at the driving station. Two bolster seats, a double seat on the port side and an aft bench that folds back to create a sunbathing area round out the cockpit, and all can be covered by a rigid T-top or bimini for sun protection.

Three sunbeds on the bow are easy to access via the side walkaround and create another social space.

THE INTERIOR

Down below two double berths, one of which converts from a six-seater timber table, provide the accommodation. Also featuring a proper shower room and separate head, it’s no wonder the Flyer 10 took out the top gong.

LENGTH 9.98m

BEAM 3.32m

DISPLACEMENT 5688kg

FUEL 2 x 400L

ENGINES 2X 350HP

WINNER UP TO 14M POWERBOAT

Pardo 38

Following the success of the 43 and 50, Cantiere del Pardo released the 38, completing their walkaround range and taking out the Up to 14m category at this year’s European Boat Awards. 

WALKING AROUND

The walkaround deck ensures easy movement on board, connecting the dining/lounge area at the stern and the lounging area at the bow. A T-top covers the wheelhouse and an optional electrical bimini can cover the two settees and foldable table that creates the stern dining/lounge area.

DIFFERENT LAYOUTS

Two different layouts can be chosen inside. The standard layout is a cabin with a double bed and separate shower/head area, but a second cabin with two single beds can also be added.

LENGTH 11.9m

BEAM 3.6m

DRAFT .9m

DISPLACEMENT 7t

ENGINES V6-280HP to 2 x D6-440HP

WINNER UP TO 20M POWERBOAT

Solaris Power 48 Open

Unlike ordinary boats with planing hulls, the Power 48 is capable of cruising efficiently at low speed in displacement mode. However, it also can manage a top speed of 35kt. 

The engine room is spacious and well-ventilated, allowing easy access, and the spaciousness extends to the interior, available as two cabins, two bathrooms and a crew cabin that includes a head. In the one cabin version, the second cabin is instead replaced with a lounge and L-shaped sofa. 

Sunpads are on the bow and stern, bookending the helm complete with three pilot chairs and the latest and greatest gadgets, and a dining table that seats six. 

LENGTH 14.35m

BEAM 4.87m

DRAFT 0.75m

DISPLACEMENT 14–16.8t

ENGINE 2 x Volvo Penta D6 IPS 650 480HP

WINNER DISPLACEMENT

Vedette Navigator 35

Taking out the Displacement category was the Navigator 35, a cruiser designed and built by Vedette. 

A larger sailing area and an increase in luxury and comfort on board set this vessel apart. The design makes the most of the space available to include everything that is expected with a boat like this.

Like other Vedette models, the Navigator 35 is custom built, meaning that Vedette works with owners to customise the design to include what is wanted or needed, and given the win, it’s clear this is producing high quality boats!

LENGTH 10.65m

BEAM 3.9m

DRAFT 1m

DISPLACEMENT 11.8t

ENGINE Volvo 75HP or Nanni 80HP

THE YACHTS

WINNER FAMILY CRUISER

Beneteau Oceanis 30.1

Despite its compact dimensions, the judges determined that this touring yacht offers a remarkable level of comfort and luxury, leading to it taking out the prize for family cruisers.

IT’S GOT THE LOOKS

Unashamedly looking like a small yacht, the Oceanis 30.1 has a slender bow, stiff canvas, square-top mainsail and optimised weight to perform well in all points of sailing. Featuring a self-tailing jib and single winch, she’s easy to handle and therefore great for beginners or short-hand sailing, while a large overlapping genoa, furling code zero and asymmetric spinnaker heighten performance.

ON THE INSIDE

The Oceanis 30.1 has a headspace of 1.98m in the necessary places inside, setting it apart from other boats. Accommodation includes two double cabins and two benches in the saloon can be converted into extra berths. The shower room, meanwhile, is divided into a marine toilet on one side and a shower and wash basin on the other.

At the foot of the companionway is the L-shaped galley, with a 75L fridge, real oven and plenty of storage.

LENGTH 9.53m

WIDTH 2.99m

DISPLACEMENT 3995kg

ENGINE 15hp

WINNER INNOVATION

ClubSwan 36

The design of the winning ClubSwan 36 is a refinement of a concept that has been tested with various models. The result is a modern deck layout that only includes what is necessary for efficient manning. This includes seven Harken winches, two for the main sail, two for the runners, two for the jib sails or kite and one to control the C-Board, halyards and other lines.

FOLLOWING TRADITION

As the ClubSwan 36 is fully optimised for performance, it follows the example of other Swan models to have a Protected Shelter rather than a full cabin. The Protected Shelter is a dry space for crew to rest between races or during longer crossings. Entering the interiors via a sliding hatch, provides access to the bulkheads and space where removable berths can be installed. 

LENGTH 11m

WIDTH 3.6m

DRAFT 2.75m

DISPLACEMENT 3140kg

MOTOR 10kW

WINNER PERFORMANCE CRUISER

X4.0

Blending quality, performance, style and cruising capability to take out the Performance Cruiser category, the X40 is also the smallest in the X-range. With a focus on giving owners a comfortable and superb sailing experience, the design emphasised stability so crew can feel safe and relax.

Featuring the galvanised steel hull frame developed by X-Yachts in 1981, the X40 keel and mast loads are distributed into the hull, which can also withstand shock forces from ground contact or a collision with a sunken object.

The X40 is available in two or three cabin layouts. The two-cabin layout includes a bathroom with separate shower, forward facing navigation station and full-length sofa, while the three-cabin layout has an aft chart table that can be stowed away. 

LENGTH 12.09m

WIDTH 3.81m

DRAFT 2.1–2.4m

DISPLACEMENT 8100kg

ENGINE 40hp

WINNER LUXURY CRUISER

Amel 60

After the success of the Amel 50, Amel have released a big sister in the form of the 60. Suitable for single-handed use, it includes extensive safety features, such as several watertight collision bulkheads and a covered cockpit which can be used to keep the Amel 60 on course even in rough weather.

IMPRESSIVE FEATURES

Though the available space is almost equal to that of its predecessor, the Amel 64, the Amel 60 is far more manoeuvrable and faster thanks to the well-balanced hull shape and standard carbon rollmast. Standard equipment meanwhile includes lithium service battery, electric winches, retractable bow thruster, autopilot, carbon gangway, washing machine and dishwasher, just to name a few.

LUXE ACCOMMODATION

In addition to a huge owner’s suite, there are two spacious guest cabins, each with its own bathroom, a large living space and a high-end kitchen, all designed to allow owners and guests to enjoy life on board.

LENGTH 19m

BEAm 5.35m

DRAFT 2.35m

DISPLACEMENT 33.4t

MOTOR 175hp

WINNER REGATTA YACHTS

Dehler 30 OD

During the nomination of candidates for the European Boat Awards, a number of fast, easily manoeuvrable yachts were seen. In order to properly do them justice, a new category, Regatta Yachts, was created and was taken out by the Dehler 30 OD.

THE HULL DESIGN

Designed by Judel/Vrolijk & Co, the hull, equipment and sails allow maximum speeds and safe navigation at a variety of wind speeds. The deck layout is optimised for two-handed sailing and enables enhanced interactions between the crew and the skipper. Various offshore professionals advised the Dehler team to take into account the latest developments in offshore racing, and the result is a fast boat with sporty handling.

FUNCTIONALITY

A flexible navigation corner has everything needed and can also be moved to the windward side at any time. Adjustable berths, plenty of storage space, separate toilet and fully equipped pantry ensures the interior offers maximum functionality for those facing the challenges of offshore racing.

LENGTH 10.3m

WIDTH 3.28m

DRAFT 2.2m

DISPLACEMENT 2,800kg

ENGINE 9.9hp