European Yacht of the Year: Exclusive: These are Europe's Yachts of the Year 2019!

The prizes for Europe's Yachts of the Year 2019 have just been awarded at the Flagship Night. In front of 450 invited guests from the international water sports industry, YACHT editor-in-chief Jochen Rieker, who chairs the twelve-member expert jury, presented the titles in the five categories.

To determine the winners, all candidates had to undergo a test at sea lasting several days last autumn. This distinguishes the European Yacht of the Year Award from all other competitions worldwide. It is not a sympathy or beauty contest or a click game, but is based on intensive practical testing.

The experienced jury is made up of the editors-in-chief and test managers of the twelve leading sailing magazines, including "Yachting World" from England, "Voiles & Voiliers" from France and YACHT for Germany. Norway and Finland are also represented, as are Austria and Switzerland, Italy and Spain.

The tests took place last year for the first time in the 16-year history of the competition off Ellös on the boatbuilding island of Orust and in mid-October off Port Ginesta south of Barcelona. A total of 18 yachts were nominated, including five between 21 and 25 feet - there have not been so many compact cruisers in the selection for a long time.

Who won? See the winners in all five categories on the following pages - and the winners on film on YACHT tv shortly. Let's go ...!

European Yacht of the Year 2019 in the Family Cruiser category: Beneteau Oceanis 46.1

The new Oceanis 46.1 prevailed against strong competition in the cruising boat category. It not only shone in the areas of comfort, design and variability, but also with its very balanced sailing characteristics. In 20 to 25 knots of wind and a good two metres of wave, she logged a top speed of 14 knots under gennaker without appearing nervous. The Finot/Conq design also impressed upwind with clear feedback from the rudder and good balance.

Also nominated were: Coast 250 from Swallow Yachts, Grand Large 390 from Dufour and Hallberg-Rassy 340.

European Yacht of the Year 2019 in the Performance Cruiser category: Arcona 435

The range of new sporty yachts has been limited recently, which is why only three newcomers were nominated. All three presented themselves in convincing form, which is why the decision in the performance cruiser class was particularly hotly debated and in the end was closer than in any other class. The winner was the Arcona 435, which was the most convincing under sail, can be guided with the fingertips even in stronger winds and whose performance is easy to call up. Below deck, the test boat with its dark interior looked almost traditional, sometimes a little cramped, but at the same time high-quality and cosy.

Also nominated were: Grand Soleil 48 Performance and the X 4.6 from X-Yachts

European Yacht of the Year in the Luxury Cruiser category: Sunbeam 46.1

The yacht from Austria is also a surprise candidate in some ways. Sunbeam has been synonymous with high-quality, extremely solid boat building for decades. But hardly anyone would have expected the new 46.1 to be ahead of its competitors for the title from the outset. The decisive advantage was secured by a design that was consistently focussed on the needs of the crew, by not compromising anywhere - especially not in terms of substance and detail processing - and by impressing with some clever solutions such as the transverse thruster mounted in the half-skeg.

Also nominated were: Hallberg-Rassy 57 and Pilot Saloon 48 from Wauquiez

European Yacht of the Year in the Multihull category: Astréa 42

The cruising catamaran from Fountaine Pajot won the race in the multihull category because it is currently the most modern and successful model in its segment. With its negative stem, convex deck and the superstructure roof that extends over the cockpit, it has taut lines that give it a dynamic appearance. This cleverly conceals its enormous amount of space, which makes it attractive for owners on long voyages, but also for charter sailors on holiday cruises. It also allows for a great deal of variance in the layout. In sailing terms, the Astréa 42 is also slightly above the class standard.

Also nominated were: Astus 20.5 and Aventura 34

European Yacht of the Year in the Special Yachts category: Lite XP

Especially is one of the adverbs for which there is no intensifying form. But it would be appropriate here. Because probably no boat in the history of Europe's Yacht of the Year was more exceptional than this year's winner in the "Special Yachts" category. However, this alone does not explain why the Lite XP secured the title. The small boat, weighing just 160 kilograms, with its "hybrid drive" by belt and a slip cabin just big enough for two people, also proved to be an all-round successful design. Designed by Sam Manuard, she impressed with her simplicity and potential under sail, making her ideal for beginners and experienced crews alike. She is also suitable as an efficient rowing boat when the wind takes a break - ideal for ecologically sensitive areas or for sailors who want to keep fit.

Also nominated were: Aira 22, Domani S 30, RS 21, Saffier SE 37 Lounge

You can read the twelve-page report on all the winners and nominees of Europe's Yacht of the Year in YACHT 4/2019 - on newsstands from Wednesday, 30 January!