European yacht and powerboat of the year winners announced

The numerous category winners of European Yacht of the Year 2020 and European Powerboat of the Year 2020 were announced on Saturday evening’s Flagship Night at boot Düsseldorf.

The winners were chosen by a jury consisting of testing organisations and the editors-in-chief of some of Europe’s sailing and powerboating magazines.

Sixteen candidates were thoroughly tested and rated with journalists sailing almost 2,500 sea miles, or more than 4,500 kilometres, with the nominated yachts in the course of a week. See the winners listing below.

Also recognised was German sailing professional Boris Herrmann, who was presented with the SEAMASTER-Award. In 2019, he made headlines worldwide with a trans-Atlantic sailing trip, on which he transported Greta Thunberg to the UN Climate Summit in New York without emissions. 800 million people followed the party’s arrival on television and on live streams online – more than any other sailing event in history.

European Yacht of the Year 2020 – winners’ round-up

Beneteau Oceanis 30.1. won the Family Cruiser category, while the X 4.0 won the Performance Cruiser category. In the Luxury Cruiser category, the Amel 60 triumphed.

During the nomination of the current candidates, it was evident that the number of fast, easily manoeuvrable racing yachts is greater than ever. To do them justice, the jury created a new, separate category (Regatta Yachts). In this group, the Dehler 30 OD from Greifswald claimed the title. The brand has a long-standing tradition of racers and has built on its success with the boat optimised for small crews. The Dehler 30 OD has a lightweight build, consistent design and is currently the most attractive model of its kind.

ClubSwan 36 won the Innovation-Award (the latest model of the luxury brand, Nautor).

European Powerboat of the Year 2020 – winners’ round-up

In the small class, powerboats up to 8 metres, the Silver Tiger DCz ultimately won the race. While the Beneteau Flyer 10 led the powerboats up to 10 metres class.

The Pardo 38 was the winning entry in the powerboats up to 14 metres class and Solaris Power 48 Open in the powerboats up to 20 metres class.

In the length-independent displacement hull class, the “European Powerboat of the Year” award 2020 went to the Vedette Navigator 35.

This year’s Innovation-Award 2020 went to the Volvo Penta DPI drive.

“Once again,” says BOOTE’s editor-in-chief Torsten Moench, “Volvo Penta has set new benchmarks in drive technology. The hydraulic clutch of the DPI drive enables silent, low-wear shifting, extending the lifespan of the Z-transmission. In addition, the electric steering unit provides greater convenience and safety in practice.”