European Yacht of the Year 2027: Seven nominees ranging from scows to cruising yachts

On paper, these seven candidates are very closely matched. There are just three metres between the shortest and the longest yacht. Nevertheless, the field for the 2027 European Yacht of the Year Award could hardly be more diverse. The ‘Skaw A’ applies foiling technology from offshore racing to a luxury cruising yacht. The ‘Sun Odyssey 455’ represents a classic mass-produced yacht, whilst no fewer than four catamarans are vying for the best balance of living space, comfort and sailing performance.

For the time being, the classification by hull length is for reference purposes only. The jury will determine which yachts will actually compete against one another following the joint test runs. The first section is devoted to the compact models, followed by the third the top nominees of this year’s vintage.

Skaw A: A cruising yacht that breaks the mould

​The Skaw A is the most extraordinary entry of the year. With a hull length of 11.95 metres, it is 4.87 metres wide. The extreme scow hull, carbon construction, swivel keel and optional C-foils bring concepts from offshore racing to a luxury cruising yacht. Weighing six tonnes and with a sail area of 106 square metres, it achieves a sail area ratio of 5.7.

The enormous beam creates an unusually spacious interior with two double cabins, a large wet room and an open-plan saloon. The sheltered cockpit is asymmetrically laid out, with the controls concentrated on the starboard side. Whether this radical Concept of the Skaw A The test will show whether it can be sailed safely and in a controlled manner even by a small crew. With a price tag of over two million euros, it also sets new standards in terms of cost.

Nautitech 41 Type S: Performance without compromising on living space

The Nautitech 41 Type S marks the launch of the new entry-level model in a successful series. The 12.60-metre-long catamaran weighs 9.6 tonnes and has a sail area of 119 square metres. Its sail area ratio of over 5.2 is remarkable for a cruising catamaran. The two low-sitting helm stations at the stern keep the centre of gravity low and provide direct contact with the boat.

In the Review of the Nautitech 41 Type S Its sporting potential was confirmed in light to moderate winds. Below deck, there are three double cabins and two wet rooms. The forward section of the starboard hull can be fitted out as a cabin, an office, a workshop or additional storage space. The catamaran thus combines good sailing performance with a versatile cruising concept. The shipyard, which is seeking new investors, offers a successful compromise between performance and space at a fair price.

Leopard 43: More sail area for the entry-level catamaran

The Leopard 43 replaces the previous Leopard 42 and retains its raised side-mounted helm station as well as the forward cockpit, which is directly accessible from the saloon. Robertson & Caine has extended the mast by almost one metre and increased the sail area by around twelve per cent compared with its predecessor. Shorter but deeper keels are intended primarily to improve performance when tacking.

Below deck, there is a choice between an owner’s version with three cabins and three wet rooms, and a charter version with four cabins and four bathrooms. The spacious galley and a navigation area with an unobstructed view to the fore demonstrate just how thoroughly the shipyard has enhanced the level of comfort. Whether the 14.7-tonne catamaran can translate its sail area ratio of 4.6 into corresponding performance remains to be seen until the test.

Sun Odyssey 455: Plenty of space, a challenging first test

Hardly any other segment is as fiercely competitive as that of mass-produced yachts around 45 feet. This is because they are just as sought-after as charter boats as they are as family-owned vessels. The Sun Odyssey 455 replaces two models in the Jeanneau range: the Sun Odyssey 440 and the Sun Odyssey 490. Its walk-around cockpit connects the side decks seamlessly to the saloon, whilst two cockpit tables keep the passage between the companionway and the swim platform clear. Below deck, the yacht offers three to five cabins and an unusually large U-shaped galley.

At the YACHT test of the Sun Odyssey 455 In light winds, the basic version failed to live up to its potential. Simple Dacron sails, a fixed three-bladed propeller and a steering system that appeared to be poorly tuned made it difficult to arrive at a reliable assessment. Space utilisation, interior fittings and build quality fared significantly better. Under sail, this mass-produced yacht has yet to demonstrate its true potential.

Allures Horizon 47: Ready for the open sea

The brand that revived the aluminium blue-water yacht segment 20 years ago is once again focusing on innovation with the new Horizon 47. It combines the aluminium hull with a lighter GRP sandwich deck. A raised saloon, large windows and a recess in the high bulwark improve visibility and natural light. The cockpit is sheltered behind a fixed windscreen and beneath a hardtop. An integral swivel keel reduces the draught from 3.10 to 1.20 metres, allowing the yacht to run aground and access shallow anchorages.

Inside, the Allures features an open-plan saloon, a large galley and various layout options. Aft, there is the option of one or two double cabins; alternatively, the space can be used for storage or as a workshop. The Allures Horizon 47 It is intended to be a self-sufficient blue-water yacht offering plenty of protection and living comfort. The test will determine how this 15-tonne yacht, with 100 square metres of sail area, performs.

Aquila 45 Sail: The motor catamaran specialist sets sail

Having initially made a name for itself with motor catamarans, Aquila is now moving on to the Expansion of the sailing programme. The Aquila 45 Sail is the entry-level model and places a clear emphasis on living space and comfort. The imposing cabin superstructure also serves as the flybridge’s protective coaming. A fixed platform between the hulls supports the forward cockpit and extends right to the bow tips.

There is a choice of layouts with three or four double cabins. In the owner’s version, the master cabin occupies the entire port-hand hull, whilst the charter version offers four cabins, each with its own en-suite bathroom. Whether the sleek waterlines of this spacious catamaran, with its multiple outdoor areas, deliver appealing sailing characteristics despite its 16.2-tonne weight is something the jury will find out during the test sailings.

Lagoon 47: Plenty of space and versatile cabins

Global market leader Lagoon presents the new Lagoon 47, an impressive vessel. In addition to the cockpit and flybridge, there is a forward cockpit that opens directly onto the saloon. In the port hull, the berths are arranged athwartships. The space between the guest cabins can be converted into storage space, an office or an additional cabin with two single berths and its own en-suite bathroom.

Living space and versatility are the key features of the Lagoon 47. Versions with three to five cabins are available. Given the standard furling mast, the sail area is somewhat limited for a boat weighing 18 tonnes. The test will also focus on whether the overlapping genoa and the forward-set rig provide sufficient propulsion for this heavy cruising yacht, even in light winds.

Book recommendation

A Brief Guide to Blue-Water Sailing is aimed at sailors who do not wish to judge a boat solely on the basis of its space and speed. Sönke and Judith Roever cover boat selection, rigging, equipment, energy supply, navigation, safety and everyday life on long voyages.

Foiler scow, production cruiser or cruising catamaran: which design appeals to you most? Join the discussion.