All new or significantly revised boats from the current model year are eligible for the Yacht of the Year nomination. The number of newcomers varies between 50 and 70 and are recorded in a separate database. Every year in June, the judges jointly filter the most interesting representatives in the respective categories from the possible candidates. This is followed by two test events at which the candidates are compared and assessed. The first round took the jury to La Rochelle at the end of September. The second, even more extensive test followed in October off Port Ginesta near Barcelona. It lasted a whole week. As always, the winners are chosen at boot Düsseldorf in January.
Here we present the candidates in the 5 categories:
Multihulls
Nautitech 44 Open
Excellent sailing characteristics paired with plenty of cosiness and well thought-out details. The sporty Frenchman can combine good things
Balance 482
Modern, very elaborately built ocean-going cat from South Africa with an upscale temperament and great details. Unfortunately expensive
Catana Ocean Class
More of a cruising cat than a performance cat despite aggressive hull lines. Offers a lot of space, but still shows some expansion deficiencies
C-Cat 48
Italian construction, narrow in the hulls, tight in the superstructure, but very light and pleasantly agile under sail
Excess 14
Strong performance from the best cat to date from Beneteau's young brand. Sails directly, fast, hardly twists. A little sparse below deck
Aura 51
Fountaine Pajot's Fahrtenkat impresses with its saloon that is wide open to the cockpit. Plenty of living space, moderate temperament
Lagoon 51
Further development of the Lagoon 50 with acceptable sailing characteristics, central steering position and maximum living comfort
