European Yacht Of The Year 2026: The Wauquiez 55 prevails as Luxury Cruiser 2026
Jochen Rieker
· 19.01.2026
The adjective "unconventional" would not really do justice to the Frenchwoman. It is more than that: almost provocatively innovative in its lines, but also in its overall concept. The best way to describe her is as a cross between an Amel and a Wally, because she borrows stylistic elements from both luxury brands and combines them to create something inspiringly new. The cockpit enclosure is familiar from Amel, while the access from the huge aft owner's cabin to the aft terrace was invented by Wally. But the Wauquiez 55 is by no means just a copy. She skilfully redefines the luxury yacht segment and also revitalises it with a highly appealing performance under sail, including well-dosed rudder pressure. Here too, as with the Excess 13, the designers at Lombard have worked their magic. Despite the spaciousness of the superstructure, there is no need to worry about stability: The boat handled rough seas with ease during the test.
What the jury says
"The boat sails far better than its enormous appearance suggests," emphasises Axel Nissen-Lie from Norwegian Seilmagasinet. Sébastien Mainguet from Voiles & Voiliers praises the shipyard and designer for having the courage to realise such a bold concept: "It really paid off."
Strengths
Complete mandatory weather protection
Elegant, high-quality finish
Unrivalled owner's chamber
Very good sailing characteristics
Weaknesses
Highly loaded, closely spaced secondary winches
Lots of abrasion on main halyard and mainsheet
Technical data of the Wauquiez 55
- Torso length: 17,58 m
- Width: 5,25 m
- Draught/old: 2,40/1,70-4,20 m
- Weight: 18,7 t
- Ballast/proportion: 4,9 t/26 %
- sail area: 168 m² /4,9
- Base price ex shipyard: 2.142.000 €
Status 2025, how the prices shown are defined, read here!
Also nominated in the "Luxury Cruiser" category
CNB 62
The brand belonged to Beneteau for a long time and the CNB 60 was one of the most successful luxury yachts in its genre. Solaris has now taken over and presented the 62, the successor to the bestseller. It is built in northern Italy and looks even more sophisticated, concise and defined - a modern, practice-orientated and at the same time distinguished long-distance yacht that can also be safely navigated by a small crew. A benchmark. Length 18.47 m; width 5.30 m; draught 2.95 m; weight 28 t; sail area 196 m²; price 1,999,200 euros.
Saffier SL 46 Med
World-famous and multi-award-winning for its daysailers, Saffier Yachts is now also trying its hand at the large format. The SL 46 is available with either an open or closed stern ("Med" and "North" versions). Both are united by a powerful sail plan designed for single-handed sailing, a large cockpit and a luxurious yet lightweight interior below deck. A walk-in locker can be ordered on the starboard side instead of the double berth, which can also be used as a workshop. Performance and layout are top! Length 13.75 m; width 4.45 m; draught 2.20 m; weight 10.9 t; sail area 118 m²; price 1,130,500 euros.
Vaan R5
The Vaan R5 not only stands for long-distance sailing, but also for luxury and performance. Manufactured in Holland, its sleek lines look almost futuristic. Technically, the boat from Holland fulfils this claim: electric motors as auxiliary drives, cork as deck covering, interior panelling made from recycled PET bottles show the endeavour to break new ground. Below deck, the R5 looks cool, almost cubist. On deck, it impresses with good ergonomics and the absence of high superstructures - good for sea behaviour. However, the weak e-drive robbed it of any chance of winning. Length 14.94 m; width 7.99 m; draught 1.35 - 2.00 m; weight 19 t; sail area 125 m²; price 1,779,050 euros.
