The European Yacht of the Year is the continent’s most important competition. Its significance extends beyond Europe’s borders, and its prestige is recognized worldwide. This year, the selection includes 21 sailboats ranging from 7 to 17 meters in length, which will be evaluated by the twelve specialized journalists who make up the jury.
Germany, Jochen Rieker, YACHT
Austria, Roland Regnemer, Yacht Revue
Denmark, Morten Brandt, Bádmagasinet
Spain, Diego Yriarte, Nautik
Finland, Pasi Nuutinen, Boat
France, Sébastien Mainguet, Voiles & Voiliers
Italy, Alberto Mariotti, SuperYacht24
Norway, Axel Nissen-Lie, Seilmagasinet
Netherlands, Marinus van Sijdenborgh de Jong, Sailing
United Kingdom, Toby Hodges, Yachting World
Switzerland, Lori Schüpbach, Marina.CH
Sweden, Joakim Hermansson, Praktiskt Bátagände
The list of boats goes far beyond a simple list or comparison of specifications. The selected models will be examined by each member of the jury during a meeting to be held in October in Mallorca. The Club de Mar will serve as host and welcome the fleet of nominees.
The 21 boats will gather there, and the twelve judges will sail them over the course of a week, with two-hour sessions aboard each vessel. Afterward, the jury will discuss the qualities, handling, and performance of each boat.
Below is the list of nominees in alphabetical order. The categories will not be determined until after the sailing trials, at which time the best boat in each category will also be selected. The European Yacht of the Year award will be presented in January 2027 during Boot Düsseldorf, Europe’s leading boat show.
Allures Horizon 47
The Allures Horizon 47 is designed for offshore cruising, featuring an aluminum hull and a composite deck. With a hull length of 14.25 m and a beam of 4.70 m, its design aims to combine continuous outdoor circulation with the ability to vary the draft between 1.20 and 3.10 m.
The deck features a streamlined design with a negative bow curve. The side corridors are deep and secure and rise toward the bow to increase interior headroom. Visual connection with the surroundings from inside the boat is maintained through an opening in the bow. The cockpit, located on the same level, is integrated into a deck layout where the table can be extended to seat up to eight guests.
Below deck, the Horizon 47 is available with two or three cabins. The forward cabin can serve various additional purposes, while the engine room in the aft port side can be converted into a third double cabin. The displacement is 15 metric tons, and the upwind sail area specified by the shipyard is 105 m² with an aluminum mast. The starting price is €827,120.
Amel 50.2
The Amel 50.2 falls into the segment of monohulls designed for long-distance cruising, with a hull length of 15.79 m, a beam of 4.99 m, and a draft of 2.20 m. The model is part of the evolution of the Amel 50-foot range and is designed for extended stays on board and long-distance voyages, with a layout focused on the needs of a couple, a family, or a small crew.
Noteworthy is the layout of the cockpit and the helm station, which is sheltered beneath a hardtop to port of the entrance, along with the outdoor table with folding wings, which is also protected from overhead sunlight. Aft, there are two spacious sundeck areas separated by a central walkway.
With a displacement of 21.90 metric tons and a sail area of 135 square meters, it features an interior designed by Isabel Racoupea, with two double cabins and one cabin with two bunk beds.
The base price is 1,150,000 €.
Aquila 45 Sail
The Aquila 45 Sail is a sailing catamaran measuring 14.38 m in length and 7.77 m in beam, designed to combine a spacious living area with a configuration specifically tailored for sailing. Its displacement is 16.20 metric tons, and its sail area is 125.6 square meters.
One of the model’s distinctive features is the fixed bow platform, which expands the available outdoor area and is part of a design focused on communal spaces. The layout features private access to the cabins and is available in versions with three or four cabins, each with its own bathroom. The maximum capacity announced by the shipyard is 30 people—a figure tied to certification rather than overnight occupancy, of course.
Inside, the layout featuring three or four cabins allows the vessel to be adapted to various cruising needs. With a starting price of 635,500 €, it combines, within a compact length, a beam of nearly eight meters, and a layout distributed between the two hulls that features a terrace lounge situated above the cockpit, providing an additional social area equipped with sofas surrounding a table and flanking the helm station on the port side.
Dufour 39
The Dufour 39 joins the French shipyard’s lineup as a monohull cruiser with a hull length of 11.00 m and a beam of 4.10 m. Within the family category of the list, it has a draft of 2.00 m, a lightship displacement of 8.60 t, and a sail area of 67 m². The model is designed for cruising, with an interior layout that concentrates the main onboard living areas within a length that allows for sailing with a small crew or solo.
The standard two-cabin configuration includes a forward cabin and a spacious aft cabin, complemented by a bathroom; however, a three-cabin configuration is also available. This variety allows the interior layout to be adapted to sailing plans with different crew compositions.
The 4.10-meter beam provides ample space for a hull of this length and organizes the salon, galley, and private quarters into a layout designed for cruising. The standard engine specified by Dufour is 30 CV, with a 45 hp option available. The starting price is €162,500.
Beneteau First 60
The First 60 is the flagship of Beneteau’s First family. Its main dimensions are: 17.60 m hull length, 5.30 m beam, a displacement of 22.30 t, and a sail area of 189 m². It is available in two draft versions: 2.88 m and 2.63 m. This monohull is designed for sailing where rig tuning, helm response, and sailing performance play a central role.
The exterior layout features a spacious cockpit and a deck that centers all maneuvering around the helm station. The design combines the size of a nearly 18-meter cruising yacht with a layout tailored to those who want to actively participate in sailing.
Below deck, the standard layout features three cabins and three bathrooms. The central space is defined by the galley, located amidships and spanning the full beam, while the salon is situated at the foot of the access staircase and includes a chart table on the starboard side. The design is not limited to either a racing or exclusively residential configuration, but rather integrates both aspects within a single 60-foot platform. The base price is €1,487,500.
Hallberg-Rassy 370
The Hallberg-Rassy 370 is a monohull cruiser with a hull length of 11.32 m and a beam of 3.75 m. Its 8 metric tons of light displacement are propelled by a standard sail area of 79.6 m². The standard draft is 2.00 m, with an alternative draft of 1.69 m.
The design organizes outdoor living around a cockpit protected by a windshield that extends into the canopy. The deck and superstructure maintain the characteristic design language of the shipyard’s cruising monohulls, with a layout where crew protection and stowage capacity are key. The keel combines an iron fin with a lead bulb, with an approximate ballast weight of 2.73 metric tons.
The interior features a forward cabin, a salon, and a double cabin aft, making for a two-cabin layout. With a modest overall length, the Hallberg Rassy 370 is a Germán Frers design featuring classic cruiser lines and is well-suited for long-distance cruising. The base price is €442,300.
ICE 56
The ICE 56 is a monohull with an overall length of 16.90 m, a beam of 5.10 m, and a draft of 2.80 m. Designed by Felci Yacht Design, it combines the elegance and functionality of a cruising yacht with high performance capabilities for racing. It features 177 m² of sail area and embodies the shipyard’s DNA, with its closest counterpart being the ICE 52—offering high sailing performance but with greater comfort relative to the available space.
The standard layout features three cabins, each with its own bathroom. The owner’s cabin is located at the bow and includes a private bathroom with a separate shower. The galley is situated at mast level and spans the entire beam, a design typically found on ocean-going vessels. Aft, the model features a garage for a tender with capacity for a boat up to three meters in length. The shipyard also offers an optional fourth independent cabin, which occupies the space of the third bathroom and includes a smaller toilet.
The sail area consists of a 102 m² mainsail and a 75 m² jib, in addition to a 265 m² gennaker. The base price is €1,210,000.
J/7
The J/7 is a fixed-keel daysailer with a length of 7.04 m, a beam of 2.47 m, and a draft of 1.16 m. Its displacement is 1.04 t, and its sail area is 26.5 m². It’s natural to wonder what the difference is between the J/7 and the J/70, given that both are nearly the same length and can be transported by trailer on the road, but the answer is simple: the J/7 is a daysailer version that’s very easy to maneuver, even by a single person.
The deck layout simplifies maneuvers with a furling jib. The hull, deck, and structural bulkheads are constructed of a composite sandwich material, consisting of biaxial E-glass fiberglass and a Corecell foam core.
Below deck, there is a small interior space with seating and a V-berth platform. The J/7 is trailerable and can be towed by a mid-size vehicle. The starting price is €45,520.
Lagoon 47
The Lagoon 47 is a sailing catamaran designed by VPLP, with exterior design by Patrick Le Quément and interior design by Nauta Design. Its main dimensions are 14.95 m in overall length, 7.96 m in beam, and 1.25 m in draft. Its hull length is 13.96 m, and its light displacement is listed at 18 t. The standard upwind sail area, including the furling mainsail and jib, is 102 m².
The main new feature of the layout is a door that directly connects the forward deck to the salon. This 12 m² forward deck becomes part of the usable areas on board, complementing the aft spaces and the flybridge. Up on the flybridge, the elevated deck features seating, a low table, and sunbathing areas, arranged in a way that separates the areas for relaxation, navigation, and socializing. Depending on the cabin configuration, the yacht can accommodate between 6 and 13 guests for overnight stays.
The standard powertrain consists of two 57 CV engines, with 700-liter water tanks and 860-liter fuel tanks. The base price is €680,000.
Leopard 43
The Leopard 43 is a sailing catamaran with a length overall of 12.98 m, a beam of 7.00 m, and a draft of 1.50 m. With a waterline length of 12.48 m, a displacement of 14.70 t, and a sail area of 125.8 m², it falls within the category of cruising-oriented multihulls, featuring a common area that occupies more space than the area allocated to the cabins.
The living room is characterized by the floor-to-ceiling windows that surround the main space. This design enhances visual continuity from the interior and complements a layout in which the access door can open sideways to connect the bathroom and the salon. It also features a flybridge, with the helm station situated on a level higher than the lounge and living areas.
The model is available with three or four cabins. This choice affects the layout between the two hulls, while maintaining the boat’s length, beam, and sail area. The starting price is €599,000; however, this figure does not determine the equipment or layout options for each unit.
Linjett 36
The Linjett 36 is a monohull cruiser with classic lines and a robust build. It is 11.00 m long and 3.66 m wide, with a waterline length of 10.20 m. The standard draft is 1.95 m, although a short-keel version with a draft of 1.80 m is also available. Displacement is 6.80 t, and the standard sail area is 83.9 m².
The Swedish shipyard has designed an interior layout centered around two cabins: one in the bow and one in the stern. The forward cabin features a V-shaped berth that can be extended with a filler piece to form a bed 1.80 m wide, while the aft cabin has a 1.65 m wide berth. The layout leaves room for a salon, galley, storage, and onboard facilities.
The boat features a keel with 2,850 kg of ballast and is equipped with a 40 CV Yanmar engine with a saildrive transmission. Its sail plan can be supplemented with a self-tacking genoa, spinnaker, or Code 0, in addition to the mainsail and the main jib. The CE certification indicated by the shipyard is A-Ocean. Its base price is €398,350.
Mojito 32
The Mojito 32 is a monohull whose main feature is its scow bow. This rounded bow design, which we’ve seen in the most advanced Mini 650 class designs, not only offers exceptional performance when sailing downwind but also provides interior volume in the bow that would be impossible to achieve with a traditional pointed bow. It is 9.80 m long and 3.45 m wide and is intended for cruising, but it is not suitable for novice sailors. The canting keel allows the draft to be adjusted from 1.00 to 2.73 m, a feature that affects both sailing performance and access to shallow waters. The displacement is 3.70 t, and the total sail area is 70 m².
The shipyard’s technical specifications list the sails as a mainsail of 35 m², a genoa of 28 m², and a solent of 19 m². For downwind sailing, an 85 m² spinnaker is provided. Propulsion can be provided by a 21 CV inboard internal combustion engine or an inboard electric motor. The combination of the hull, twin rudders, pivoting keel, and sail plan defines the design of this model, which is less than ten meters long.
The base price is €191,040.
Nautitech 41 Type S
The Nautitech 41 Type S is a sailing catamaran 12.60 m in length overall and 7.30 m in beam, with a draft of 1.44 m and a light displacement of 9.60 t. The upwind sail area is 119 m². These dimensions define a multihull designed to balance the central volume of the salon with the functionality of the cockpit.
The architecture and exterior design are by Marc Lombard Yacht Design, a firm with extensive experience in catamaran design. The interior design is by Christophe Chedal Anglay, who has managed to maximize living space on a vessel just 41 feet long. On the starboard side is an open L-shaped galley with centralized storage and refrigeration, and direct access to the cockpit, which is covered by a hardtop. On the port side, a salon with wraparound seating for six people features a movable table that can be used for dining, as a watch berth, or as a reading area. The helm stations are located at the far corner of the stern, ideal for those who enjoy sailing with the helm in hand to achieve maximum performance. The starting price is €453,000.
Outremer 48
The Outremer 48 is a cruising catamaran with an overall length of 15.10 m and a beam of 7.56 m, and a waterline length of 14.63 m. Its draft ranges from 1.25 to 2.25 m with the centerboards down. Displacement ranges from 10.5 to 14.5 metric tons, and the standard upwind sail area is 117 m².
The exterior design is sleek and aerodynamic; the helm stations appear overly exposed, but there’s a trick to it—the position of the steering wheel can be adjusted inward toward the cockpit, where it will be completely protected. The design provides peripheral visibility from the salon, and the interior is highly customizable, offering as many as 10 configuration options.
Generally speaking, people who choose Outremer do so because they’re looking for high-performance sailing. The sail plan features a mainsail of over 86 m², a 35 m² solent, and a 54 m² genoa, in addition to a gennaker and spinnaker; this is a boat that delivers an exhilarating experience at the helm, and when the centerboards are lowered, the upwind and downwind angles improve considerably. The base price is €1,190,000.
Saffier SE 28 Leopard
The Saffier SE 28 Leopard is an 8.40-meter-long daysailer (without a bowsprit) with a beam of 2.70 meters. The 80-centimeter retractable boom facilitates maneuvering and control when sailing with the 69-square-meter gennaker. It is available with a standard keel with a draft of 1.70 m or a short keel with a draft of 1.30 m, and its displacement is 2.20 t. The hull and deck are manufactured from fiberglass using vacuum infusion, a process that reduces weight and increases the structure’s rigidity.
The Dutch shipyard has extensive experience building boats of this type. The sail plan includes a 26 m² mainsail, a 16 m² 110% jib, and a 46 m² Code 0—making this a boat designed for the pure joy of sailing. With the new retractable electric winches, you can control the mainsail and jib with just a couple of buttons. It is available with either a wheel or a tiller, as well as racing sail options.
Below deck, there are four berths, a galley with a refrigerator, sink, and coffee maker, as well as a restroom. The standard engine is a 15 CV Yanmar 2YM15 diesel, with a 7.5 kW Mitek electric alternative for those who prefer a quiet ride.
The starting price listed in the PDF is €114,500.
Scaw A
The Scaw A, also identified by the shipyard as the Skaw Paradise, is a scow-bow monohull with a length of 11.95 m and a maximum beam of 4.87 m. Its draft ranges from 1.20 to 3.50 m. Its light displacement is 6 metric tons, and it has a sail area of 106 square meters.
The interior space is organized around a rounded bow hull that significantly expands the interior volume, particularly in the bow, where the designers chose to place a table with a U-shaped sofa that can seat about ten people.
The rig can be equipped with a mainsail of 64 m² and three jibs—a 45 m² J1, a 29 m² J2, and a 12 m² J3—as well as a 93 m² gennaker and spinnakers of various sizes. The mast height is 19.05 m; these shapes and dimensions indicate that this is not a boat for beginners, especially considering that it features C-foils and a lifting keel. It is a boat that promises an exhilarating experience. The starting price is €1,800,000.
Solaris 55
The Solaris 55 is a monohull with a length of 16.90 m, a beam of 5.00 m, and a waterline length of 15.89 m. It has a displacement of 23 metric tons and a sail area of 182 square meters—specifications that demonstrate a modern, high-performance vessel. The standard draft is 3.00 meters, with alternatives of 2.30 and 2.70 meters available.
The Italian shipyard has brought to life this design by Javier Soto Aceval, featuring a clean, functional deck and ergonomic cockpit spaces. It is a cruiser capable of long voyages, but is also well-suited for day trips, with simple, controllable handling that requires few hands.
The layout features three cabins in an interior designed by AdiDesign, in collaboration with the shipyard’s design team. The owner’s cabin is located in the bow and can be configured with a center bed or a bed offset to one side, along with a bathroom featuring a spacious shower. The two aft cabins each have their own bathroom and separate shower; they can be configured with double beds or single berths. The forward sail locker can be converted into a crew cabin with an integrated bathroom.
The living room is designed with an emphasis on symmetry and natural light, while the L-shaped kitchen is located on the port side and can be configured in various ways depending on the order.
The starting price listed is €1,080,000.
Sun Odyssey 455
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 455 is a monohull cruiser with a hull length of 13.74 m and a beam of 4.49 m, designed for family sailing and extended stays on board. The overall length is 14.28 m, while the draft is 2.40 m with the standard keel, with an optional 1.75 m keel to expand sailing possibilities in shallower waters. Its displacement is 11.20 t, and its sail area is 103 m².
Below deck, the salon is designed as a spacious and bright area, centered around a table that seats up to ten guests. The galley is located in the central area of the boat, adjacent to the passageways, storage compartments, and living quarters, creating a functional layout for life on board.
Jeanneau announces four interior layouts, although the official information consulted does not specify the number of cabins associated with each one. Therefore, it is not appropriate to assign a single number of cabins to the model. This variety of layouts allows the boat to be adapted to different combinations of private spaces, bathrooms, and common areas. The base price is €445,290.
Swan 51
The Swan 51 is a cruising monohull with a hull length of 15.55 m and a beam of 4.85 m, designed to combine offshore sailing, extended voyages, and sailing performance. Its overall length is 16.90 m, with a waterline length of 14.67 m. It has a light displacement of 18 t and a standard draft of 2.45 m, although it is also available with a shallow-draft keel of 2.05 m. The sail area is 147.1 m².
The interior layout of this design by Germán Frers features three cabins. The owner has a suite in the bow with a private bathroom and shower, while two additional cabins are located in the stern. The galley, inspired by solutions developed for other models in the line, is integrated into the central space alongside the salon, the chart table, and the storage areas, creating an environment designed for life on board during long voyages.
With a length of 51 feet, a generous beam of 4.85 m, and a layout centered around the owner’s suite at the bow, the Swan 51 offers a combination of comfort, range, and seafaring character. The starting price is €1,450,000.
Tricat 8.50
The Tricat 8.50 is a trimaran with a length of 8.50 m and a beam of 6.50 m in sailing configuration. Thanks to its aft-folding floats, the beam is reduced to 2.95 m, allowing for a berth within these limits; however, it cannot be transported by road in Spain under normal circumstances and would require a special permit since it exceeds the 2.55 m limit. The draft ranges from 0.45 to 1.50 m, while the displacement is 1.95 t. Its rigging provides a sail area of 52 m², according to information provided by the shipyard.
The construction uses an infusion-molded polyester sandwich panel, a solution designed to keep weight down and maintain structural rigidity. The interior features five sleeping berths, each over two meters long, a separate bathroom, a built-in kitchen, and a headroom of 1.82 m. The mast stands 11.80 m tall, and the CE certification classifies the vessel as Category B for four people and Category C for six. The base price is €148,000.
Windelo 55 Sport
The Windelo 55 Sport is a sailing catamaran optimized for high performance—in terms of both its design and the lightness and rigidity of its construction—with the clear intention of competing in regattas. But what is most striking is its construction, made with recycled materials that, according to the shipyard, reduce its carbon footprint by 47% compared to traditional materials.
Its main dimensions are 17.30 m in length and 7.95 m in beam. Its light displacement is 12.30 metric tons, and the draft can vary between 1.25 and 2.95 meters depending on the position of the centerboards—a feature that allows the boat to be adapted for both shallow-water sailing and the most demanding cruising itineraries. The total sail area is 154 m², with the mainsail measuring 106 m² and the solent 48 m². In addition to the mainsail and solent, the sail plan includes a 160 m² Code 3 and a 220 m² gennaker, providing the means to optimize sailing in different wind ranges and sailing angles. The mast reaches a height of 22.80 m.
The starting price is €1,975,000