It is during the first evening of the Dusseldorf Boat Show, the "flagship night" that the big winners of the European sailboat of the year are announced. In 2018, there were 15 nominees - 3 per category - compared to 25 last year. 10 less than in 2017 for practical reasons: journalists must have time to test all models while sailing and under optimal conditions. ( How are the European Motor Boats of the Year 2018 elected? SI HUGO A R?VÉ SON ÉCUME DE MER POUR PARTIR EN GRANDE CROISIÈRE, CELA NE L'EMPÊCHE PAS DE NAVIGUER SUR D'AUTRES VOILIERS. IL NOUS FAIT VIVRE AUJOURD'HUI DANS CET ÉPISODE, LA PARTICIPATION AUX VOILES DE SAINT-BARTH. POUR CELA IL INTÈGRE UN ÉQUIPAGE QUI PARTICIPE SUR UN J/122 (UN VOILIER DE COURSE-CROISIÈRE DE 12 M).
On Saturday 20 January 2018, 500 professionals from the international nautical industry gathered for the European Yacht of the Year 2018 awards ceremony. A renowned prize in the industry, which each site covets and awards by 12 journalists and editor-in-chief of influential paper magazines in the sailing world. After a first meeting in June to select the nominees, they all met in the autumn to carry out tests at sea in La Rochelle and Barcelona.
Family Cruiser
It is Jeanneau who wins the title of European Yacht of the Year in the family Cruiser category For his comfort (and that of his guests), a bathtub had been installed in the owner's cabin at the rear. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 . All the nominated shipyards had done a great deal of innovative work, even for large series sailboats. But the jury recognized the work of the Vendée shipyard in terms of cockpit shape, cockpit design and interior fittings. The gain in volume on the bow is clever and makes it possible to free up more space, while the gangways, which slope gently down from the cable-stayed chainplates to the stern of the cockpit, allow you to climb on deck without ever crossing a step from the cockpit, passing behind the helm stations, to the mast foot.
Luxury Cruiser
Amel wins the 2018 European Sailboat of the Year award in the luxury Cruiser category With the evolution of the sizes of exploration yachts, it is necessary to take on more crew members. They therefore need large crew quarters to accommodate this team of specialists, necessary for long course trips: guides, helicopter pilots, teachers, coaches and even videographers. Amel 50 . More than 15 units of this 15 m model have already been sold, confirming its qualities. Easy to sail as a couple, comfortable and a good price/quality ratio are the characteristics of this "luxurious" yacht Designed for weekends at sea or trips to the Mongolian coast, the Amel 50 has seduced with its sense of security: construction, modular and richly decorated fittings, or its well-protected cockpit and numerous tanning areas.
Performance Cruiser
In the fully glazed wheelhouse, which offers a panoramic view of the outside, there is all the necessary equipment for a comfortable cruise. The interior design is simple and modern, without frills, with an L-shaped saloon to starboard with a height-adjustable table (and therefore an additional bed) and a fully equipped kitchen facing each other with plenty of storage space. performance category The big winner is ClubSwan 50, a versatile yacht whose design is suitable for both high-performance cruising (short cruises or day trips) and regattas. He also sails on a dedicated international circuit (one-design).
Multihulls
Neel is unanimously accepted in the multihull category With its integrated Bluetooth module, it is possible to control the boiler remotely from any cabin on the boat, just by using a mobile phone on which the free Wallas application has previously been downloaded. The thermostat is also connected via Bluetooth. The absence of wire makes it easy to install on the boat. Neel 51, the cruise trimaran family expands . With its impressive dimensions (height, width and habitable volume), it is also impressive when sailing. It offers the same space as a cruising catamaran of the same length (and for the same price), but with more sensations and in particular a rich helm experience. With this model, Neel shows that trimarans are not only reserved for ocean speed records, but also for multihull cruising. The volume of the three hulls is impressive as it can accommodate up to ten cabins and an impressive 10 square metre owner's suite on the main deck, with a sea view.
Special Yachts
It is therefore your left hand that holds the end crossing that constitutes the "well". With your right hand, you will grasp the current and pass it under the "tree" and in the same gesture, bring it back into the "well". Bénéteau who wins with his daring Figaro Bénéteau 3 a one-design, one-design, hydrofoil production boat for amateurs and professionals alike, but whose principle is accessibility and ease of use. Designed by VPLP, it is characterised by reliability. Indeed, the first two models - used in the Figaro Bénéteau class - had already demonstrated their full potential.
With the Figaro Bénéteau 3, Bénéteau offers a bold boat, with a modern hull shape, deck layout and catchy foils. It is considered to be the first production hydrofoil sailboat and capable of sailing 25% faster than comparable boats. One interesting feature: retractable foils.
