European Yacht Of The Year 2026: The nominees for European Yacht of the Year
Jochen Rieker
· 31.08.2025
Whether large or small series, performance cruisers, cruising boats or aluminium explorers - a fresh breeze is blowing again in all areas of yacht building. At least as far as the number and attractiveness of new products are concerned, the shipyards are matching previous records. In this way, they hope to sail free from the low demand of the post-Covid era.
While only a dozen nominees took part in the multi-day tests for Europe's Yacht of the Year last autumn, this time there are almost twice as many on the shortlist for the most coveted award in international boatbuilding. The jury, headed by YACHT and consisting of the editors-in-chief and test chiefs of the twelve most influential sailing magazines, will test the candidates at sea for a whole week. The first selection will take place on the North Sea off IJmuiden in mid-September and the second on the Catalan coast off Port Ginesta in mid-October.
Only boats that take part in one of the two tests and prove themselves under all conditions are considered for a win. The intensity of the trials and the experience of the judges make Europe's Yacht of the Year unique in the world. No other selection of the best is carried out in such an elaborate process.
You can find out who has been nominated and why here today. They include the Hanse 590, the Pure 42 and the Woy 26, three German yachts that could hardly be more different. The winners will be honoured at boot Düsseldorf in January 2026.
The candidates up to 10 metres
First 30
Compact, light, smooth and affordable - these are the characteristics that have made the Beneteau Group's latest performance cruiser an instant success. A minimalist but cosy interior also makes the First 30 an interesting choice for fast cruising - and one of the best-selling monohull yachts in the world. Hull length 9.35 m; beam 2.95 m; draught 1.98 m; weight 3.2 tonnes; sail area 54.7 m2; price 124,950 euros
Woy 26
She is a feast for the eyes, but at the same time so much more than that. The Woy 26, designed by Martin Menzner and built in small series by Jan Brügge, sails just as it looks: agile, precise, fast. Thanks to the lifting keel and carbon rig, the sporty and elegant daysailer is easy to slip and rig. However, the real speciality remains hidden under the top coat: the boat is made from local larch wood. To achieve this, the shipyard compresses four layers of thin wooden strips over a positive mould under vacuum and glues them together with epoxy. Sustainability has never been so sleek and stylish! Length 8.00 m; width 2.42 m; draught 1.10 - 1.90 m; weight 1.1 tonnes; sail area 35.0 m2; price 285,600 euros
The candidates up to 12 metres
Dragonfly 36
Even with the standard rig, the Danish trimaran sets standards. Its sail carrying capacity of 5.9 is the highest of all nominees. If you want more, you can push the value to a hyper-sporty 6.4 with the two metre higher carbon rig. This makes the Dragonfly one of the fastest series yachts. But it has a wider range and also offers a pleasing interior below deck - and even heated helmsman's seats on request. Length 11.55 m; width 3.70 - 8.12 m; draught 0.67 - 2.00 m; weight 4.5 tonnes; sail area 93.50 m2; price 627,130 euros
Pogo RC
The Breton shipyard Pogo Structures is breaking new ground with its latest model: for the first time, it has optimised a racer for the IRC formula. As a single or double-handed boat, the Pogo RC should be capable of winning long-distance regattas such as the Rolex Fastnet Race or the Transquadra. Even if the hull shape doesn't quite look like it, she is one of the modern yachts based on scow designs with a short waterline (8.17 metres) and a full bow - just like her arch-rival JPK 1050. Length 10.25 m; width 3.54 m; draught 2.25 m; weight 3.3 t; sail area 72.0 m2; 264,180 euros.
Lagoon 38
The world market leader in multihulls surprises twice: with a compact and affordable entry-level model. Both fulfil a growing demand, after the size and prices of cruising cats have recently been trending in the opposite direction. The Lagoon 38 offers a number of optional innovations that the 42 debuted with last year - including the saloon seating group that can be seamlessly extended into the cockpit. Length 11.38 m; width 6.65 m; draught 1.26 m; weight 10.2 tonnes; sail area 72.2 m2; price 406,980 euros
JPK 1050
If you compare the hull shape and technical data with those of the Pogo RC, you will notice great similarities. Right down to the carbon mast and folding rudder blades, the boats are very similar. No wonder: they are aimed at the same clientele. Jean-Pierre Kelbert describes the 1050, with which he won the Rolex Fastnet Race at his first attempt, as a "Mini-Class 40". That sums up its character well. To achieve this, he left the previous shipyard line, which favoured more moderate lines. This was good for the performance. Length 10.43 m; width 3.54 m; draught 2.22 m; weight 3.5 tonnes; sail area 73.0 m2; price 267,550 euros
Fountaine Pajot 41
The cruising catamaran from La Rochelle is the new entry-level model from Fountaine Pajot. It replaces the Astrea 42 and the Isla 40, the most successful models in the wide-ranging programme, which extends up to 80 feet. Its strengths include a good layout for six to eight guests, who can also be accommodated in the cockpit. In addition, the FP 41 can be equipped with hybrid propulsion on request; the batteries are then charged by recuperation, solar cells or a diesel generator. Length 11.93 m; width 6.92 m; draught 1.35 m; weight 12.7 tonnes; sail area 100 m2; price 481,240 euros
Sun Odyssey 415
Jeanneau is launching the latest generation of its cruising yacht programme. The hull is based on that of the Sun Odyssey 410 and has been redesigned aft in particular. Below deck and in the many practical detail solutions, the 415 has a completely new look. This also includes a higher standard of fittings and a more pleasing interior design. The price of the boat has also become significantly more attractive, at least for the introductory phase. All in all, a promising overall package. Length 11.99 m; width 3.99 m; draught 2.25 m; weight 7.7 tonnes; sail area 80.4 m2; 260,610 euros
The candidates up to 14 metres
XR 41
It's a perfect start for the new racer-cruiser from X-Yachts: wherever the shipyard has competed with the XR 41, it has won silver - most recently at the ORC World Championship in Tallinn. The boat benefits from feedback and fine-tuning from Jesper Radich's crew, which is of benefit to all owners. The thoroughly cosy, partly modular design also guarantees dual use as a fast cruising boat and thus long-term value retention. Length 12.20 m; width 4.18 m; draught 2.40 m; weight 7.2 tonnes; sail area 108.4 m2; price 570,720 euros
Excess 13
With the Excess 13, the still young catamaran brand belonging to Beneteau is sending the most promising model to date into the vote for European Yacht of the Year. On paper at least, it fulfils the requirements: With a sail carrying capacity of 4.8, the Excess is already a fast cruising catamaran as standard. The construction should be both stronger and lighter than usual, the centre of gravity lower and more centred. The design is also aesthetically and functionally harmonious. A very promising candidate! Length 12.99 m; width 7.25 m; draught 1.48 m; weight 10.8 tonnes; sail area 113 m2; price 553,350 euros
Pure 42
With dedication, expertise and a clear vision, Kiel produces aluminium yachts that are second to none. You can see it in the price, but even more so in the unwavering philosophy of building nothing less than the best that is possible. The Pure 42, which is produced in a small series, combines the rigidity and long-distance capability of an explorer with the sailing pleasure of a performance cruiser - which can be further enhanced with a sports package including a carbon mast. This has never been seen before in this form. Everywhere you look: top components and the finest finish. Length 12.90 m; width 4.20 m; draught 1.20 - 3.00 m; weight 9.8 tonnes; sail area 99 m2; price 1,126,930 euros
Leopard 46
Anyone looking for a catamaran for long trips and larger crews will find one of the most comfortable models currently on the market in this newcomer from South Africa. The Leopard 46 adopts some of the features of the 50, but adds useful enhancements. For example, the interior and exterior can be seamlessly connected thanks to the wide sliding door. The front cockpit and flybridge are almost standard nowadays and are very well designed. The workmanship appears experienced and solid. Length 13.90 m; width 7.35 m; draught 1.65 m; weight 17.2 tonnes; sail area 144.4 m2; price 831,810 euros
Saffier SL 46
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. Length 13.75 m; width 4.45 m; draught 2.20 m; weight 10.9 tonnes; sail area 118 m2; price 1,130,500 euros
The candidates up to 16 metres
Stem 50
Another aluminium explorer joins the ranks of the finalists from Italy, like the Pure 42, also under a new flag. However, the Stem 50 is being built at an established shipyard with decades of experience that previously specialised in workboats. Visually and conceptually, it is reminiscent of the long-distance competition from Allures or Ovni with its large dodger, cockpit bow, high freeboard and angular stern. However, it has a large sail area, a deep fixed keel and therefore promises agile sailing characteristics. An experienced blue water sailor was involved in the development. Length 14.99 m; width 4.99 m; draught 2.40 m; weight 13.2 tonnes; sail area 140.5 m2; price 1,023,400 euros
Oceanis 52
After world market leader Beneteau pressed the pause button on model development in 2024, things are now moving full steam ahead. In addition to the 47, which was further developed from the Oceanis 46.1, the 52 designed by Roberto Biscontini represents a completely new development in the cruising segment. Visually, it essentially retains the familiar, very successful lines of the previous generation, but is designed to offer more volume, quality and temperament. Equipped with performance options, the 15-metre cruiser even achieves sporty potential. Length 15.31 m; width 4.84 m; draught 2.36 m; weight 14.5 tonnes; sail area 94.0 m2; price 458,150 euros
Dufour 48
The successor to the 470 is not only significantly longer, but also wider. This gives it a unique position among the large series shipyards, where 46 feet above deck is otherwise the norm. With up to five double berths and a choice of four bathrooms, the Dufour 48 becomes a charter boat, while the three-cabin version is a very spacious owner's version. Good sailing characteristics are already guaranteed as standard. Length 14.32 m; width 4.85 m; draught 2.35 m; weight 13 tonnes; sail area 106 m2; price 464,100 euros
Tortue 147
A cat like no other! The new development from Cataruga breaks with all conventions. Behind the concept is Jean Sommeraux, an engineer who lived on an old schooner for four years after a career in the outdoor furniture industry. With the aluminium-built Tortue 147, he wants to get people out on the water in a relaxed way and impress them with its sustainability. Very different, very exciting! Length 14.70 m; width 7.85 m; draught 1.45 m; weight 17 t; sail area 96 m2; price not yet fixed
Vaan R5
Another catamaran, another aluminium. The Vaan R5 not only stands for long-distance sailing, but also for luxury and performance, more so than the Tortue. 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. 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.
The candidates over 16 metres
Boreal 56
The aluminium hull is up to 12 millimetres thick and insulated with 80 millimetres of insulation. The water tank holds 1,500 litres, the diesel tank 1,150 litres. The door to the dodger closes like a safe. The new Boreal is a boat for cruising in the roughest waters. Behind the raw, ultra-rugged shell, however, it hides more finesse than before. Hull length 16.0 m; width 4.24 m; draught 1.20 - 3.18 m; weight 20.5 tonnes; sail area 143 m2; price 1,605,890 euros
Wauquiez 55
You have to get used to the lines. In any case, Wauquiez has once again shown itself to be highly innovative with the 55. It can best be interpreted as a radical reinterpretation of the luxury yachts from Amel. Like these, it offers a protected centre cockpit and a laterally offset steering position. Otherwise, she is characterised by her temperament and independence. Length 16.40 m; width 5.25 m; draught 2.40 m; weight 20 tonnes; sail area 164 m2; price 1,940,330 euros.
Hanse 590
The third German finalist for Europe's Yacht of the Year comes from Hanseyachts. She celebrated her premiere last autumn, but was then extensively reworked. This has done her good. Contemporary design both inside and out is combined with one of the most extensive customisation options on the market. The 590 can therefore be specified both as a charter boat and as a luxury yacht. Equipped accordingly, its price climbs into the seven-figure range. On request, however, it also offers all the comforts of a holiday home on the water. Length 16.90 m; width 5.30 m; draught 2.53 m; weight 22.9 tonnes; sail area 151 m2; price 981,630 euros.
Kraken 58
Kraken Yachts calls the scope of the standard equipment "world circumnavigation standard". And it is indeed unrivalled in its completeness. The new 58 comes from the shipyard with a generator, heating, air conditioning, watermaker, electric winches and many other expensive extras that are not included here. Dick Beaumont, founder and head of the shipyard, wants to build nothing less than the best blue water yachts. He goes the extra mile to achieve this. His boats are as safe as they are easy to operate and, on top of that, well heeled. Buyers should be too. Length 17.67 m; width 5.20 m; draught 2.30 m; weight 27.5 tonnes; sail area 230.1 m2; 2,754,850 euros.
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. Length 18.47 m; width 5.30 m; draught 2.95 m; weight 28 t; sail area 196 m2; price 1,999,200 euros.
