Yacht of the Year

Source: Yachting World Toby Hodges

The Oscars of the boatbuilding world, the European Yacht of the Year 2022, have been announced. Together they comprise the five best yachts of the year in a variety categories and, for the first time, three special mention awards.

This is the 19th year of the European Yacht of the Year awards, which is without a doubt the most thorough and impartial awards program – the winners here are widely considered the best yachts of the year. The awards now include 12 jury members from across Europe, each leading voices on boat testing in their respective countries.

It involves shortlisting the best annual prospects, typically into five separate categories, before all 12 jury members trial each yacht to elect the winners. The trials were held in La Rochelle and Port Ginesta, Barcelona during the autumn.

Best yachts of the year – Performance cruiser

Nominees: IC 36 Independence; J/45; JPK 39FC; Pogo 44; Solaris 40

Winner: JPK 39FC

Best yachts of the year – Luxury cruiser

Nominees: Hallberg-Rassy 50; Jeanneau Yachts 60; Lagoon 55; Swan 58; X5.6

Winner: Hallberg-Rassy 50

Best yachts of the year – Family cruiser

Nominees: Beneteau Oceanis 34.1; Dufour 470; Hanse 460; Jeanneau SO 380; Neel 43

Winner: Hanse 460

Best yachts of the year – Bluewater cruiser

Nominees: Allures 51.9; Outremer 55; Ovni 370; Windelo 50

Winner: Outremer 55

Best yachts of the year – Special yacht

Nominees: De Cesari 33; Revolution 24; Saffier SE33 Life; Sunbeam 32.1; Tricat 6.90

Winner: Saffier SE33 Life

Special Mentions

Sustainability: Windelo 50

Sustainability: Elvstrom eXPR

Versatility: Tricat 6.90

EYOTY Jury

Toby Hodges, Yachting World, GBR

Jochen Rieker, YACHT, GER

Loic Madeline, Voiles & Voiliers, FRA

Pasi Nuutinen, Vene, FIN

Roland Duller, YachtRevue, AUT

Alberto Mariotti, Vela e Motore, ITA

Morten Brandt-Rasmussen, Bådmagasinet, DEN

Marinus van Sijdenborgh de Jong, Zeilen, NED

Joakim Hermansson, Praktiskt Båtägande, SWE

Axel Nissen-Lie, Seilmagasinet, NOR

Germán de Soler, Nautica Y Yates, ESP

Lori Schüpbach, Marina.ch, SWI