European Powerboat of the Year 2018

The winning yachts of boot exhibitors 2018 at a glance

EPotY 2018 Gewinner Yachten - Foto: © Pardo/boot.de

The best motorboats and sailing yachts in Europe are presented the “Water Sports Oscar” in a total of ten different categories every year. The international award “European Yacht of the Year” was now presented for the fifteenth time, while the “European Powerboat of the Year” was chosen for the twelfth time.

A jury consisting of test managers and editors-in-chief from the twelve leading European sailing magazines and nine European motorboat magazines decides who receives the prestigious prizes. The coveted trophies were presented on the first weekend of the trade fair at the industry get-together known as FLAGSHIP NIGHT, which is organised by Delius Klasing Verlag and boot Düsseldorf. Publisher Konrad Delius and “Boot” Director Petros Michelidakis welcomed almost 500 prominent guests from the international water sports community to the maritime gala this year.

Winning Boats up to 25 ft & up to 45 ft

Bella 620 Cabin

Five fascinating concepts competed with each other in the category of small boats up to 25 feet long. The Bella 620 Cabin finally came out victorious. The reasons given by the jury: “The Bella 620 cabin was helped by a new design, in which the focus is on practical use of the boat. It has everything that can be expected of a boat in this category. The effective deck layout also makes sure that there is a maximum of safety when moving around on the boat.”

Fountaine Pajot MY 44

The Fountaine Pajot MY 44 proved to be the most convincing model in the category up to 45 feet. With it, the shipyard has created a fast power catamaran specially designed to meet the requirements of motorboat enthusiasts. In addition to plenty of space – with up to eight cabins – the MY 44 has a long range, handles well and boasts a top speed of up to 25 knots.

Winning Boats above 45 ft & Displacement Yachts

Azimut S7

In the category over 45 feet, the jury chose the Azimut S 7. With it, carbon has entered series boat production once and for all. The jury’s assessment: “The new structure makes the S 7 considerably lighter than its rivals, while the centre of gravity moves deeper inside the boat. The consequences are lower fuel consumption and reliable performance. The innovative “Auto Balance System” guarantees optimum weight distribution on the move too, which also increases the boat’s safety performance.”

Linssen Grand Sturdy 40.0 Sedan

inssen Grand Sturdy 40.0 Sedan - Foto: © Linssen Yachts

In the category with no length specification, the “European Powerboat of the Year 2018” Award went to the Linssen Grand Sturdy 40.0 Sedan. The experts were unanimous: “A modern interior coupled with the virtues of classic steel boat construction are its outstanding features. In the final analysis, it is the combination of all the many little practical details that distinguishes what is known as the “Dot Zero Series” from its predecessors. With a range of up to 500 nautical miles, safe and reliable performance and excellent workmanship, the GS 40.0 is the epitome of a comfortable powerboat”.